‘=’ album is a watershed moment for Ed Sheeran

In the four- plus years since the release of his “÷” album ( pronounced “Divide”), Ed Sheeran married longtime sweetheart Cherry Seaborn, welcomed their first child, daughter Lyra, and turned 30.

What is abundantly apparent from the opening moments of his latest studio release, “=” ( pronounced “Equals,” as Sheeran continues his theme of math symbols as album titles), is the emotional tsunami Sheeran has weathered. And he’s ready to share. Sheeran’s heart is so exposed on his new album, which was released Friday, that you can practically see it beating while listening to these 14 songs. Whether professing his adoration and need for Seaborn (“Collide”), apologizing for his occasional neglect (“Love in Slow Motion”) or mourning the loss of a beloved mentor (“Visiting Hours”), Sheeran hits deep with lyrics that are sometimes poetic, but primarily unfold as straightforward storytelling.

Mostly recorded in London, the album shimmers with pristine production handled by Sheeran, Fred Again ( a Brian Eno protégé) and Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid. The trio wisely realized that track listing still matters, as Sheeran’s songs are cataloged to usher listeners through his journey of questioning and self- doubt, appreciation and loss before ending with the suggestion to, as Oasis would say, be here now.

The two singles that preceded the album were ideal harbingers of Sheeran’s musical direction. “Shivers,” its declaration of love swaddled in handclaps and plucked violins, and “Bad Habits,” its ’ 80s- era Bronski Beat pulse taking us along for the ride of Sheeran’s relatable regrets, still land despite their current ubiquity.

While a couple of songs could have been trimmed from the final rundown – “Stop the Rain” is a pedestrian dance- pop tune and “Leave Your Life” a bit mundane – “=” should be regarded as Sheeran’s watershed moment.

Best songs on the ‘=’ album: ‘ Tides’

The opening track showcases Sheeran’s continued admiration of Bruce Springsteen, as he pairs slashing guitar with a full unloading of autobiographical detail. “Everything has changed, but I’m still the same somehow,” he sings before articulating his crisis of confidence. The changes that consumed his life since his meteoric rise to stadium conqueror and awards gobbler – a metaphor for changing tides – chip at his psyche as he fantasizes about disappearing while weighing the new responsibilities of parenthood.

Sheeran