Ed Sheeran released “Shape of You” together with “Castle On The Hill.” The two songs were the first releases from his third album, ÷ (Divide), following in the mathematical footsteps of his + (Plus) and x (Multiply) albums.

“Shape Of You” is based around a tropical house-inspired lead melody and dancehall beat. A rhythm is given by xylophones, guitars, and percussions. The style and rhythm have been noted as close to the Sia successes, “Cheap Thrills”, which has caused some controversy. Ed has denied receiving inspiration from the track. Just like “Cheap Thrills”, however, “Shape of You” was written with the intention of it being recorded by Rihanna, but Sheeran later decided to keep it for himself.

In the song, Sheeran sings about meeting someone at a bar and falling in love with her; a love distinct from those in much of his previous work as it’s more focused on the physical than the emotional.

Sheeran had teased the song through a tweet that he had posted on January 5, 2017. The video had a colon that would then merge into a human body, referencing the “body”-inspiration of the song.

As of August 29, 2017, “Shape Of You” set a Billboard record, spending 33 straight weeks in the Top 10 of the Hot 100 chart.

On September 22, 2017, the track became the most streamed song of all time on the Spotify plaform at 1.318 billion plays. Sheeran passed Drake who previously held the record with “One Dance.”

The song won a Grammy Best Pop Solo Performance at the 2018 Grammys held on January 28, 2018.

On January 24th, 2019, “Shape Of You” was certified Diamond by the RIAA, selling over ten million units.