“Shape of You”
Writers: Ed Sheeran, Steve Mac, Johnny McDaid, Kandi Burruss, Tameka Cottle, Kevin Briggs
Original Release Date: January 6, 2017
If you’ve ever wondered what Ed Sheeran would sound like if he was in a metal band (who hasn’t?), you’ll be happy to know that such a thing actually exists.
You can’t really escape “Shape of You”, and I’m actually okay with that. Ed Sheeran is usually so mellow (and, let’s be real, often melancholy), so any time he breaks out his dancing shoes, you know you’re in for a good time. This song was actually written with Rihanna in mind, but Sheeran decided to keep it for himself, and it’s proving to be a successful decision—it’s currently the second most streamed song on Spotify (right after Drake’s “One Dance”). I didn’t really notice until people started pointing it out, but the pre-chorus line, “Boy, let’s not talk too much / Grab on my waist and put that body on me” sounds so similar to “No Scrubs”, that Sheeran actually gave co-writing credits to TLC.
A few months ago, Germany-based YouTube duo UMC released a cover of “Shape of You”. UMC prides themselves on producing metal covers of radio hits, and they’ve outdone themselves with this version. Admittedly, the breakdowns make the song come across as more threatening than seductive like the original, but it weirdly works. The roiling drums, heavier guitars, and almost staccato vocals come together so well, you’ll immediately pop over to UMC’s page and spend a ridiculous amount of time listening to their other covers (not that I’ve done that or anything…).
I really like UMC’s cover and enjoy starting a circle pit whenever I listen to it, but honestly, this is Ed Sheeran’s world and we’re just living in it.
Tags: Ed Sheeran, UMC, Un(Covered)
