Ed Sheeran on music criticism: "Why do you need to read a review? Make up your own mind"

Pop superstar Ed Sheeran has revealed he doesn’t see the need for music critics, especially in the age of streaming.

“Why do you need to read a review? Listen to it. It’s freely available!” he quipped to Rolling Stone, which led to a pretty polarised response online.

“Make up your own mind. I would never read an album review and go, ‘I’m not gonna listen to that now,” Sheeran added.

The news sparked conversation on Twitter as some people agreed with the artist while others highlighted how music critics allow for a deeper understanding and appreciation of wider or ignored works.

I don’t even think that critics are meant to sway the general public these days. It’s just a way for journalists to create discourse about music.

— ladidai 🔜 Eternal Garden 💐 (@ladidaix) March 28, 2023

Mark Hughes, a screenwriter, reacted to the remarks on Twitter, stating how it diminishes the way people respond to art and share their opinions.

“Is he seriously asking ‘why listen to what people think about art? why tell other people your reaction to art?’" he tweeted.

ladidai, a music and meta social media, added: “I don’t even think that critics are meant to sway the general public these days. It’s just a way for journalists to create discourse about music.”

That’s probably true for an Ed Sheeran album, but how does he think people are going to find out about the *thousands* of records released every week that aren’t by the world’s biggest male solo artist? When you can listen to *everything* how do you know what might be for you? https://t.co/u2M6Rh4Rzo

— Marc Burrows (@20thcenturymarc) March 29, 2023

Ed Sheeran also revealed that he originally asked Jay-Z to feature on chart-topper ‘Shape of You.’ The Grammy winning song was critically acclaimed and Billboard ranked the song as the tenth most successful song of all time in 2021.

Jay-Z apparently didn't think a rap verse was needed on the song, so he sent a “respectful pass,” according to Sheeran.

“I sent him the song, and he said, ‘I don’t think the song needs a rap verse.’ He was probably right. He’s got a very, very good ear. He usually gets things right.”

Ed Sheeran will continue to be in the headlines as his new album - (Subtract) comes out on May 5.

Stay tuned for a Disney+ feature documentary airing on May 3, titled Ed Sheeran: The Sum of it All, and the singer's 3Arena performance tomorrow, March 30.