Ed Sheeran has made history with his groundbreaking return, launching two immensely successful singles simultaneously.
“Shape Of You” and “Castle On The Hill” have debuted at Numbers 1 and 2 respectively on the Digital Songs, Streaming Songs and Billboard Canadian Hot 100 this week. It is the first time an artist has debuted with the top two titles on all three Canadian charts, according to Nielsen Music. In addition to the resounding chart success, both songs have already been certified Gold by Music Canada.
At Canadian radio, “Shape Of You” and “Castle On The Hill” – Ed’s first new music since 2015 – were the top two debuts on the CHR, Hot AC and Mainstream AC airplay charts last week. “Shape Of You” was Sheeran’s top new entry at all three formats to date.
“Shape Of You” recorded the highest first week on-demand audio stream total to date in Canada, with close to 3.4 streams, topping the previous record-holder, Adele’s “Hello.” Sheeran made international streaming history last week, breaking Spotify’s “Day 1” streaming record with BOTH of his monumental comeback singles “Shape Of You” and “Castle On The Hill”. Reaching over a combined 13 million global streams in the first 24 hours – with “Shape Of You” amounting 6,868,642 and “Castle On The Hill” accumulating 6,168,395 – Ed overtook the previous ‘Day One’ record holders, One Direction, who notched up 4,759,698 streams with “Drag Me Down” in August 2015.
Sheeran revealed last week that his third studio album Titled “÷” (pronounced divide) will be released on March 3.
“Castle On The Hill” and “Shape Of You” mark a hugely exciting return and another forward-thinking move for 25-year-old Sheeran. Showcasing two very different sides to his unparalleled musical palate, “Castle On The Hill”, written by Ed and Benny Blanco (also on production), pays homage to growing up in Framlingham, Suffolk. Driving beats and Springsteen-esque riffs collide to create another stadium-ready anthem. “Shape Of You”, written by Ed, Johnny McDaid and Steve Mac (also on production), dismantles and rebuilds modern-pop music using little more than a loop pedal. The record is an extension of the sound for which Ed’s become so well-known and has set him apart from his peers – something he first showcased in 2010 with his pivotal SBTV live performance of “You Need Me, I Don’t Need You”, and executed on his debut EP ‘No.5 Collaborations Project’ (staring an array of grime artists including Wretch 32, Wiley + more), following in 2011.
