"Sapphire" by Ed Sheeran

"Sapphire," by Ed Sheeran, follows a fairly standard verse-chorus structure. The song is in a moderate tempo, approximately 120 bpm, and sits comfortably in the key of G major. The overall energy is relatively low-key and intimate, reflecting its melancholic undertones. The melody is simple and memorable, using stepwise motion and characteristic Sheeran-esque phrasing – often employing suspensions and minor pentatonic inflections within the predominantly major tonality to add emotional depth. Harmonically, the song relies on basic diatonic chords (I, IV, V, vi) in G major, creating a sense of stability and familiarity, occasionally employing secondary dominants for subtle harmonic movement. Rhythmically, it's driven by a steady, four-on-the-floor beat with a light acoustic guitar strumming pattern providing the backbone, interspersed with sparse percussion and subtle instrumentation.
Lyrically, "Sapphire" tells a story of a lost love, focusing on the bittersweet memories and lingering feelings associated with a past relationship. The singer reflects on specific moments, details, and the lingering impact of the relationship's end. The theme revolves around acceptance, remembrance, and the enduring power of a relationship's impact, even after its conclusion. The overall mood is reflective, nostalgic, and tinged with sadness, but not overly despairing; rather, a sense of peaceful acceptance prevails.
Genre-wise, "Sapphire" fits neatly into several categories. Primarily, it's acoustic pop, drawing heavily on elements of singer-songwriter traditions. Its introspective nature and focus on storytelling also position it within the adult contemporary genre. The simplicity and accessibility of its structure could also see it categorized as pop-folk.
Ed Sheeran is a singer-songwriter from Framlingham, Suffolk, England. He rose to prominence through independent releases and busking, gradually building a massive global following. His musical journey began early, with influences ranging from Eric Clapton and Damien Rice (for their acoustic guitar skills and emotive vocals) to hip hop artists like Eminem (affecting his lyrical approach). His music primarily resides within the realms of pop, with significant crossover into folk, acoustic, and R&B elements.
Similar artists to Ed Sheeran include: Passenger, James Arthur, John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Dermot Kennedy, Hozier, and Vance Joy. All these artists share a similar blend of acoustic-driven pop, heartfelt lyrics, and intimate vocal delivery.