Did Justin Timberlake Influence Ed Sheeran’s New Single?
Justin Timberlake is probably wondering why his name is getting tossed around in the same breath as Ed Sheeran these days.
Depending on who you ask, Sheeran’s latest single “Sing” sounds a lot like Justin Timberlake’s early solo work. Of course, there are a few differences of opinion floating around online at the moment. Chances are you could find yourself in a light Twitter war with another fan if they disagree with your stance on the matter.
Of course, there’s a very good reason why Ed’s latest endeavor bears a passing resemblance to Timberlake’s previous efforts. According to the Mirror, Sheeran’s new single was magically produced by musical wunderkind Pharrell Williams. Fans who like the British singer’s folkier moments might find themselves raising an eyebrow at the track.
If you’re not into the Justin Timberlake-esque sound of his latest single, then you’re not alone. Even Sheeran wasn’t sure he liked what Pharrell was putting together when they decided to join forces for the tune.
“I don’t really get jazz chords and this felt like one of them. Instinctively, I dismissed it, but I had a guitar in my hand and started playing that riff absent-mindedly. From that moment, I was playing that song and… we just pieced it all together,” the singer explained.
Some of Ed’s fans aren’t too thrilled about the Timberlake comparison. While a few understand that Williams’ contribution to “Sing” gave the song a slightly different flavor, others aren’t too thrilled that so many people think Ed is trying to jack Justin’s early sound.
Check out a mix of Twitter reactions to all of this stuff below.
Y'all, Ed Sheeran went to the Justin Timberlake bootcamp for that new single, Sing. It's SO good!
— Stephen Brewster (@B_REWSTER) April 9, 2014
Really not keen on Ed Sheeran's new song, it sounds too much like he's trying to be Justin Timberlake
— Lydia (@lydialwthr) April 8, 2014
the stupid radio people who are now saying ed sheeran is like justin timberlake make me want to bang my head against a wall repeatedly
— karina (@ayohcabello) April 10, 2014
Like the new Ed Sheeran song but I still feel like it's a wannabe Justin Timberlake/Jason Mraz song.
— Kimberly Bueno (@LotusKimm) April 15, 2014
Ed Sheeran's new song sounds like a Justin Timberlake song. And also a Pharrell song, which makes sense.
— Expedito Segovia (@expd2) April 14, 2014
Do you think the new Ed Sheeran song sounds a lot like Justin Timberlake’s early solo material? Do you feel this is a good direction for the singer?
[Image via Bing]
