Thinking Out Loud

Ed Sheeran released Thinking Out Loud as the third single from his second studio album, × (Multiply), on July 1, 2014. The track arrived in the United States a week later on August 8 and quickly became a radio staple with its blend of blue-eyed soul and soft rock. Written by Sheeran and Amy Wadge alongside producer Jake Gosling, the five-minute ballad focuses on acoustic guitar instrumentation and lyrics depicting a lifelong partnership.

The song achieved massive commercial success, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and peaking at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100. It has since accumulated billions of streams across platforms, with YouTube views surpassing 4.8 billion plays. Critics praised the composition for its timeless melody and heartfelt approach to romance, noting how it resonated across generations as a modern wedding anthem.

In 2016, the track secured two Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance at the 58th Annual ceremony. Although it received a nomination for Best Original Song at the 88th Academy Awards, it did not win that category. The music video, directed by Phil Harder and shot in black-and-white, features Sheeran dancing with actress Charlotte Ritchie while aging throughout the narrative to match the lyrical theme. [edit]