This Is The Best I've Heard In F***ing Ages!

I haven't reviewed Ed Sheeran on here before but I thought I'd react to his new song Boat, partly because it was shot on Lowestoft Beach where I grew up. I have to say this surprised me. What do you think?
You can watch the entire video here: • Ed Sheeran - Boat [Off...
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#edsheeran #boat #musicreaction

[@-byko-8423]

I completely wrote off Ed (except for Eraser), but then I saw him perform live (not in person) ..and he 'built' the entire song by himself with some variety of recording equipment and I was back in. It's quite impressive...😊

[@stevenstevens990]

Eraser is a brilliant song

[@gvibes69]

Its that hard ?? he only uses a acoustic guitar !

[@ksera3605]

@@gvibes69 He uses a looping station when he performs live, building up an insane amount of layers of instrumentation and vocals on each song. it's really impressive.

[@djotter1991]

​@@gvibes69that's incorrect but ok

[@theherstorychannel]

The equipment is called a loop pedal. He lays down every part of the track when singing live, it's rather incredible! 😊

[@BTSHIQ]

I am an Ed Sheeran fan. When we started watching our grandson (now almost 3) I played him all sorts of music. I’d only really been aware of Perfect and the A Team but gradually I heard the range of his songs. He is a great singer, an excellent guitarist and a great song writer. I love how he builds up his songs live on stage using his loop station. He loves to perform and is a great entertainer too. This latest album is another direction again. Still wonderful!

[@vinanderson2535]

Boat... Oh bouy..You're the MASTer of humour...Ferry impressive...Another brilliant episode for shore. Dunno water do without you. Love you Justin.

[@dondevice8182]

Ouch.😊

[@kaiwoolnough8550]

When Ed first broke out onto the scene it was a really interesting mix of acoustic guitar, folk, rap/grime with a real Britishness to it. Something really sincere about the way it sounded talking about issues like drug addiction and homelessness among others in songs like The A Team, Homeless to name a few. Plus and his earlier albums really show that. Half of Multiply, again with Divide and even more so with Equals, felt to me like someone “making Pop hits for the sake of making pop hits”. That’s okay but nothing that feels super sincere. This album does already feel different. Talking about hard topics and life problems. Steering away from that pop/dance stuff and making music simply as therapy. Art is always better when it’s sincere.

[@firinn2373]

I listened to the actual song - that's Damien Rice level! Ed Sheeran has evolved beautifully, wow.

[@owenedwardsguitar7094]

I See Fire is a superb song, and whilst I find much of his material anodyne I think it’s wonderful in this age that a genuine songwriter is so popular

[@loganm15]

Looked up the definition of anodyne and geeeez 😂

[@seaanzy666]

Just found your channel and it's really helped me when I'm down and in my head. You're brilliant! Thanks for making me laugh and keeping me somewhat sane amongst the madness.

[@Retrolution]

How have I only found your channel now?! I love the Darkness and this is just brilliant. Absolutely love it!!!

[@pmacfto]

There's a lot of soul in that song and I think the same as the emotion on Castle on the Hill - also a great song harking back to halcyon days (I say as a fellow 50+ year old who still plays rock gigs at the weekend!) There's definitely a lot of familiarity in Ed's songs and he doesn't deny it is classic song structures he uses - but I really like him and think he's a genuine, down to earth guy and talented songwriter.

[@LadyK1234]

Not a huge Ed fan, but Justin, the public need an episode/podcast totally dedicated to your wardrobe. Each day I wait with anticipation to see what confection of loveliness the Hawkmaster will be wearing today. How about it???

[@ursathokchom8626]

Yeah I second that 👍👍

[@garrybrough72]

Definitely!

[@firinn2373]

Lol, I like how we usually get the "hook" titles with Justin seemingly hating something, but with Ed Sheeran the shocking "hook" is that it's good. Well played.

[@guciowitomski3825]

except it's not good

[@keeno82uk]

Love the song and yet again he's touched into an emotion zone that I forgot about. One thing niggles me with the song though. His voice. It sounds as if it's been made a higher tone, like he's taken a deep breath of helium. Anyone else?

[@strongchord4384]

Yeah the chipmunks are taking him to court for copyright infringement.

[@danlightfoot6592]

​@@strongchord4384 😅😅😅😅 the way things are going in this world, that wouldn't surprise me 😁

[@rur8480]

that one was for dodging copyright on youtube lol, he pitched up the video here

[@marquonuk]

It's a good, positive song (waves = problems, boat = life). I think it's his voice that does it. He has a David Gray-like voice, but very emotional and direct, sounding often like he's on the verge of tears. It's quite mesmerising.

[@harrysteedparry3773]

This looks like you were having one of those really beautiful days where everything flows naturally and you feel incredible. Top quality mate, made mi giggle 🙏🏼🧡

[@heavenlycute]

"I like it when there's less people on the beach." Pretty much my life mantra 🏖

[@CravingBeer]

fewer

[@ZuzuTheLemon]

​@@CravingBeer'less' is appropriate if the people have been turned into a large homogeneous goo through their adoration of Ed Sheeran.

[@jojoexley]

0.57 Alan Partridge bouncing back face

[@HalfDuck]

His 'You Need Me, I Don't Need You' song was the coolest thing I'd ever seen back when he was first starting out. I'd never seen anyone do that with a loop pedal and guitar

[@philipmorris57]

The great John Martin pretty much invented the loop pedal stuff, me thinks 🤔 😉

[@garthmarenghi9623]

@@philipmorris57 Damn right, ain't nothing new about Ed, including the songs (allegedly) 😉

[@Nicolasmondragon707]

Justin Fucking Hawkins Rides Againnnnn 🎶🎶🎶🎸

[@kirbyjakescarborough4515]

Simply arranged and very very relatable melodical goodness. He and Noel G. Cheers, J. It's all about the sweet simple songs, mate.

[@shri081]

“Boat you say…. I expect the sails are through the roof”….now that’s the kinda gold I’m really here for….and you never fail in this department….bravo 😅

[@BVRDSTR]

UR THE MAN 👍👍👍👍👍👍✊✊✊✊👌👌👌 Thxs for riding again Justin From Prescott AZ

[@kane6529]

Nice description! I too felt something emotional deep down in my pants 😂 best Song Ed’s put out in quite awhile

[@Dinckelburg]

Hey Kane

[@YoGemmy]

It's a funny feeling hearing a new Ed Sheeran song for the first time, and knowing I'll probably hear it another MILLION times in the next month.....

[@pzz5jp]

Great channel Justin, thank you for sharing your time. Also thanks for introducing me to the amazing Elizabeth Zharoff. Peace and love.

[@Kimberly-pc9wr]

He is a good singer/songwriter, but Ren is great! Can’t wait to see more of him on your KZbin channel. I love you because you make me feel so good when I watch your content! Thank you!

[@vampyr69]

His songs are not groundbreaking, they are simple pop songs. Nothing wrong with that when it's done well, i.e., Wings, Elton John, George Michael, Michael Jackson etc. But it is really nice to have a singer who can SING, without autotune and who plays an actual musical instrument, which is so uncommon nowadays.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Radical suggestion. It might catch on in a parallel universe.

[@bigbaby9189]

All the people you mention were groundbreaking in their time. Ed Sheehan is fine but he’s not in that bracket. He also uses auto tune. Great pop is the best!

[@JackMellor498]

With the exception of his last album I completely agree. I don’t know what he was doing on Bad Habits, it definitely wasn’t Ed Sheeran.

[@kane6529]

@@bigbaby9189 the only time he uses it is for a specific vocal effect achieved by it not to hide the fact he can’t sing in tune because clearly he can 🤷‍♂️ it’s irrelevant but a vast majority of his music doesn’t include any autotune

[@ParadNorthProd]

@@kane6529 I listed to the whole song. Definitely tuned. But not because he can't sing...but because record producers today only make records that are 100% in tune. If you know what to listen for, it's there. Sad that the producers don't leave vocals as recorded.

[@markusszelbracikowski956]

The thing with Ed Sheeran is just like Bruno Mars. These guys just don't miss a hit ever. Even when you think they will stumble, nope. They make even more success lol

[@RichardSmith-ry8hk]

I almost listened to this last night glad I waited to have a listen with you 😎

[@antigoon78]

They've added helium to his voice again.

[@garthmarenghi9623]

I wish they'd add cyanide.

[@jhakardballoch2986]

Justin changes pitch of the song here in order to avoid copyright issues.

[@thathatboy.]

You're so funny bro wow

[@MedalionDS9]

When Ed does his singer songwriter stuff than his weird Hip-Hop style pop songs, he's actually pretty decent but he's not a fave artist of mine. Having said that, I think from what little I heard here sounds pretty good.

[@DonGerico]

Just stumbled upon this channel. Absolutely love you Justin, credit to us brits :D

[@philipjennings3490]

I don't get Ed myself, but he has undeniable talent. I remember going to an open mic a few years ago and someone sang 'Perfect' (if that's what it's called?). The whole pub, with ages ranging from 20s to 70s, were instantly singing along. Who else among his cohort can boast of having that kind of appeal? So I have serious respect for the man as a musician and songwriter, even if, personally, I would run a mile from his music.

[@larrymullenjrband]

I agree with this. I think he's quite talented and I understand the appeal.

[@BeatPoet67]

I don't get him either, but that's the beauty of music - we can all enjoy what we like and no one gets hurt. His hooks are pretty good and you can sing along to his stuff pretty easily but there's no visceral thrill. Give me Marc Bolan on a crappy Top Of The Pops video any day.

[@stef2432]

not entirely my thing too, but at least he's versatile and his songs are not one like another, like with many other pop singers, that you listen to one and you have practically heard them all, he's one that can pop up at the radio and you still wonder who that new song belongs too and reckon it by the voice more than the song itself

[@covers_girl]

​@@larrymullenjrband from the busker tradition. A one man band

[@aphexlane]

You guys can just bloody admit you like his music lmfao

[@bsf723]

"Sails are through the roof" had me dying. Well done sir #ISeeWhatYouDidThere

[@joehunt390]

Same

[@charliebluechaos4963]

Oh oh I need to watch this cause I need to know what's up with that guitar!!! Much love to you Mr. Hawkins ❤

[@redblue7162]

Highly recommend watching the documentary he did about the making of the new album, it provides a lot of insight into his mindset ❤

[@DatsunMan80]

"I expect sails are through the roof" LOL! I honestly nearly spat out my lunch. Clap clap

[@alanflint7732]

Lowestoft beach was all sharp shards of shells. This was my finding when I was about 11. The only time we stayed at Lowestoft. My feet bled every day for a week. It would have been 2 weeks, but I had a fish bone rupture my apendix and spent the next 2 weeks in hospital. Mum broke her hip falling off the step into the caravan, and the rings went on the old zephyr 4. A bloody great holiday. Catching bootlace eels in Beccles. Brilliant! Love Norfolk.

[@billfortenbaugh3740]

Sounds like A Team vibe. Good report Mr. Hawkins, We need a second opinion from our own. And Bless Ed for keeping music afloat, Justin H. For keeping us in the know.

[@michaelperez4001]

Hello Justin I love your videos. Would you please do one for Suede’s single “She Still Leads Me On” or any of their old stuff. I would like to know if you were ever a fan. Thank you again and keep up the good work

[@opinionatedfemale]

This song is basically like the calming, cooling waves that envelope him in the video. They complement each other. Thing is I can't concentrate on the music while watching the video and hearing Ed Sheeran sing. At least at first. I might have to put the headphones on and listen without any visual distraction.

[@sherynp9340]

I like Ed, always have. He is an artist on the radio that actually deserves to be on the radio! His songs are well overplayed here in Australia, so no need to purchase the records. I think it’s cool that he crosses genres and re-invents himself. I went to his concert in March (Australian Tour). He sang & played really well and everyone loved it. He seems like a really decent guy. I’m glad he’s doing well.

[@fernandaalines]

Best Ed Sheeran album in ages, let me add that. One of the greatest songwriters of all time by this point.

[@kennethjohnsonart]

I'm getting a James Blunt vibe.

[@nicholasmooney9611]

Ryhmes with……..

[@loisr1560]

I thought the same thing tgen i saw your comment.

[@Jo-Froggy]

Justin I cannot believe how bloody funny u r 🤣🤣 totally totally love u !!! And i must admit his voice sounds different in this tune, it’s lovely mind, well anyways love u as always ❤❤❤❤❤

[@VibratorDefibrilator]

Not to spoil anything, but this song reminded me of something I've loved many years ago: David Gray - "This Year's Love". Admittedly, it's a subtle resemblanse... but the feeling is the same, which doesn't diminish in a slightest Ed's song. Very well crafted song, bravo!

[@markorollo.]

That bit about filming on the beach, i can beat that, he filmed a bit of a video with Aitch in a cafe down the road at the back of my house on the border of Oldham and Mankychester.. Aitch is from the area.

[@morrigan_fayre3778]

He’s the most amazing artist love his work

[@sillysquid4070]

Sales (sails) through the roof, and then that face!!!! AHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA! xD

[@mike-ology22]

Back when Snoopdog played in the UK at the lovebox festival, I flew over from Holland as my best pal lived in Twickenham. We went there on a Saturday and on Sunday we enjoyed a nice roast dinner when all of a sudden this guy started playing his guitar on TV. He was at Thetford forest I think at the time, a festival. We both came from Bury St Edmunds, so having a local lad play songs that he wrote it was interesting. We might have some talent here. Then, boom, he dropped it. You need me man I don't need you. As both our jaws dropped in amazement with Eds skills, from that day on I was hooked. No more repetitive commercial music. Someone that speaks from the heart. Builds his songs from scratch with a loop pedal. It was amazing. As soon as I got home I found all of his old music and then he brought out Ed Sheeran no 5 collaborations I think with Wiley. I was sharing it with everyone in Holland and my global friends who were all trying to uncover the corruption going on in our world in Africa, America, Canada, England, and Australia. So it is nice to see for me that I imagined other people would love skill. The media and royal family get everyone to hate the English in the media, when in fact England brought most if not all modern technology into the world from nothing! Ed representing England, I was proud. The same goes for Ren who has so much talent and worked just as hard. However he has his own path he has taken and not its Rens turn to blow up the world and show them what the English are made of ;)

[@purdisc]

Thanks for this Hawkins. At your punday best.

[@mikedytham9996]

My late mum lived in Beccles for most of her retirement and I bloody love Suffolk.

[@minormunitions]

“Sells are through the roof” 😆

[@percy127]

Last time I was in Lowestoft, one of my Harriers from 20 Sqn crashed into the sea during an airshow. 😢

[@caprise-music6722]

Hahaha. I can’t believe you’ve been on Bargain hunt!! I used to watch that show every day after school back in the day. Great program

[@trufflehuffer]

I have long tried to find that episode of Bargain Hunt, without success. Can you post a link?

[@Neut]

Oh man, you are on fire!

[@jamlemon]

Loving the Bargain Hunt fleece!

[@tegaethan]

subscribed after the boat joke -----dead ass

[@darthresch952]

I love this show. Justin is such a talented musician and singer. His insight is great and i always seem to learn something. On top of all of that, he is super entertaining to listen to. I love the dad jokes! Keep it up man, you rock!

[@GGG_3]

this album has so many beautiful songs I hope you got the chance to listen to it

[@davidlee6720]

Benjamin Britten liked to be alone on those beaches too with the wind and ever changing weather, Quartets come to mind, very evocative.

[@m0nk3yl0v3r]

Subtle Bargain Hunt humble brag flex with the hoodie... I see you Justin.

[@jameslfc11]

Justin reminds me so much of Alan Partridge, which is a good thing as I love Alan Partridge!

[@1506Jimbob]

If you keep making boat puns, I’ll deck you!! 😂😂

[@aprilkurtz1589]

Ed was riding the subway in NYC, and this famous Tik-Tok artist who does sketches of random people on the train, was sitting on the train across from Sheeran. He sketched Sheeran, and gifted the portrait to him. The artist said "Hey, you look like Ed Sheeran!" Sheeran said with a sly smile "A lot of people tell me that." I dunno, just an interesting anecdote about Ed. He's relatable. Aspirational. This is the first time I've heard an Ed Sheeran song. I'll have to check him out.

[@verified.my2cents]

The artist was Devon Rodriguez. You can see the video and the drawing here on YT.

[@aprilkurtz1589]

@@verified.my2cents Thanks! I couldn't remember the man's name. He's an amazing artist.

[@verified.my2cents]

@@aprilkurtz1589 Yeah, he's phenomenal and his ability to put a smile on people's faces when he shares his work with them is truly heartwarming.

[@isaac_fuller_]

That episode of bargain hunt was on bbc1 a couple of weeks ago as a repeat

[@strongchord4384]

Vanilla. Is he related to Chris de Burgh? Re Lowestoft seafront - doesn’t quite have the Cannes seafront vibe does it? (Elton John’s I’m Still Standing’ video was filmed there)

[@skylarholcomb2126]

Mr. Hawkins! I've just been digging Ian Hunter's newest album and I think you'd dig it. Would be fun to cover. "No hard feelings" has an insane Jeff Beck solo.

[@thecryingshame]

Liking the video for the "sails" pun alone.

[@Cainte77]

I love how you're waiting for the laughs about your pun 😄

[@jonathanpluto4362]

To me, this is possibly the best song he's ever written. Also, thank you Justin, I'm discovering new music through your channel.

[@mragreeable6190]

'To me, this is possibly the best song he's ever written', which isn't saying much, no, definitely not. BTW, how many names are on the credit?

[@djotter1991]

​@@mragreeable6190five names Aaron Dessner producer, acoustic guitar, grand piano, guitar, writer Ed Sheeran acoustic guitar, backing vocals, vocals, writer James McAlister additional engineer, drum programming, recording engineer, synthesizer Rob Moose additional engineer, cello, orchestration, recording engineer, viola, violin Jonathan Low engineer, mixer, recording engineer Randy Merrill masterer

[@mragreeable6190]

@@djotter1991 Thanks, it doesn't make it any better. 🤪

[@lornakarimjee]

Yay JH & BH two of my favourites 🙌

[@jsan2548]

Your dad jokes give me life.

[@rockmoussealt7764]

You--so darn cute! Love how Ed Sheeran has evolved. Thanks ,as always, for reviewing. Looking forward to the Ren podcast.

[@vickyguarracino2095]

Love your stern expression!😆

[@andyvondeluxe6851]

I think my opening line to my now Mrs was, 'do you fancy coming over this weekend and sitting on my boat'!!

[@LilOlFunnyBoy]

The melodies and vocal style remind me of some Manchester Orchestra eg. The Gold, The Grocery...

[@GGG_3]

his tribute song F64 to his friend Jamal was so pure and heartbreaking

[@danielhead8123]

His latest album is his strongest since plus he's at his best with an acoustic guitar

[@jimmcdougall9973]

Nah thanks. I nearly regurgitated my supper. Is that the same as puked? Give me rock and 80’s metal anytime. I see a lot is making its way back this year. Preordered the Extreme album, can’t wait. All ready worn out one iPad…

[@ehipwell21]

Great reaction

[@the-chameleon]

Have you listened to the demo of Yes' Owner of a Lonely Heart? Legitimately sounds like a Darkness song, especially towards the end.

[@Rocksarum]

00:55...🤣 Edit: 01:29...😂😂😂😂

[@Vladthebad1988]

You are hilarious....Stern expression 😂😂😂

[@dondevice8182]

“Sails are thru the roof!” (Rim-shot) “but seriously, folks- I just flew in from Bargain Hunt, and boy--“

[@NinStardust]

If anyone finds the Bargain Hunt episode with Frankie & Justin, could you drop the link in the comments or tag me please? Couldn’t find it and I’ve got to get to work! Thanks! 🙏🏻🥰

[@lindapeterson1554]

Absolutely… I couldn’t find it either.

[@theritchie2173]

You spent more time talking about Lowestoft than the song, and I'm ok with that. It's not for me, but clearly people love him so yay for them (it sounds very different to what I 'thought' was his usual stuff, maybe he's just a musical chameleon).

[@Rocksarum]

Those of us who were born and/or raised in a coastal place know what does it feel when we see the sea (moreover if you're far from it🥲). It's like if we belong to Poseidon (it's a natural force that attracts us as a magnet). I can't explain it with words. In fact, many "Deck chair"s end up offshore😉🤣🤣🤣🤣 PS: I've done some rhymes without expecting it😅😅😅. Definitely Justin is inspirational

[@UrbanTaxi99]

Having seen ES at the very start he seemed like a very exciting artist. I then got his album X, and it was so uninspiring and one paced, it literally felt like he had wrote 10 songs for the record company that they wanted people to hear and that he had never experienced. Recently I found Ren, I guess Ed will be seeing that playing out with a touch of ‘darn it’:.

[@Angeelaah]

How very dare you say that about the X album gosh darn it!😂 obviously I’m joking, I like it but we all resonate differently to different things. Like yourself I saw Ed play live in smaller venues when he started out, and at the time was very excited. I’ve since seen him play a couple of stadium gigs, both times less excited beforehand but thoroughly enjoyed them in the end. But I’m also a fellow new fan of Ren’s (hi 👋🏻)… that’s how I found this channel incidentally. In case you don’t already know Justin recently interviewed Ren for an upcoming episode 😃

[@curbyi76]

4UK subscribers the Bargain Hunt fleece was just on point.

[@marcelosebastian333]

Impossible not to love Justin 😅

[@alancliff9208]

I first saw ed on a side stage at rock en Seine festival 2011/12 … was about 200 in the crowd! Oh and fab singing by Justin at Taylor Hawkins show….

[@USSHammerology]

One day i will listen to one of Ed's tunes in its entirety. Only because you reviewed one.

[@andygolborne5747]

How very edgy of you.

[@mikedytham9996]

Bargain Hunt! Cockney rhyming slang mate - "What a complete Bargain Hunt" hahah.

[@aaronhazlett]

You have a knack for making me feel that I’ve had a stroke.

[@lindapeterson1554]

Can anyone help with the Bargain Hunt episode Justin is talking about? I can’t find it on KZbin and I’m desperate to see it.

[@stevelibby6852]

I have been away for a bit, hard to keep up lol. Another new look. Ever evolving.

[@psychobetha]

the reason i love Ed is that he has a song for every situation and mood you could ever need one for. and he’s just an insanely talented yet humble and normal-seeming guy. also love that if he finds a lesser-known artist of any genre that he likes, he’ll have them either jump on a remix of one of his songs or write something new with them and give them tons of exposure to folks who would otherwise maybe never hear of them. it’s so rare and refreshing to find someone at his level of fame that isn’t up their own butt.

[@loveitwhenyoudothat]

The world needs more people like you. Superb comment. X

[@psychobetha]

@@loveitwhenyoudothat aww thank you. just finished a rough 12-hour shift and your comment has made my day brighter 😊

[@loveitwhenyoudothat]

@@psychobetha Marvellous 🤩

[@wildrosesfortheexit]

Also, there are thousands of bands from the past 50 years that you’ve never heard of that didn’t make it big, but have some amazing songs. When I was a teenager I would go through the bargain bin in Brighton for old vinyl and found so many amazing bands from the 70’s When you are talking about the tip of the iceberg, Ed Sheeran is literally the top….. take a dive underwater ❤

[@ethanarif]

Is this the lead singer of the Darkness 🤯 I remember watching them at the Divide tour in Ipswich

[@michaeljones6948]

You should go up to Northumberland for the beaches

[@jameshumphries5059]

He’s just like a guy you see on the streets. Ginger guy with a charity shop acoustic guitar.

[@gavindalziel9022]

You won't find Eds guitar in a charity shop..

[@jameshumphries5059]

@@gavindalziel9022 - He’s a bum

[@eelcokruizinga3182]

Like the Harry and Paul (Anglers sketch) reference at 00:17 😂