Ed Sheeran's new single "Sing" has finally arrived, and, yes, the comparisons to Justin Timberlake's "Like I Love You" are very apt. The Pharrell Williams-produced track is an uptempo departure for the singer-songwriter, and previews his new album, "x," due out internationally on June 23.
In Billboard's latest cover story, Sheeran says that "Sing" -- the first time the singer-songwriter has worked with a pre-existing track -- owes a lot to Timberlake. Asked if he might have been unconsciously inspired by Timberlake on "Sing," Sheeran proves willing to go beyond that: "It was direct inspiration," he says. "I love Justified and FutureSex/LoveSounds, so I took inspiration from those."
"His first record ['+'] was really just him, a guitar and sampling. The sound was adult ... but when you went to see Ed live, it was a lot of young girls going crazy," Pop Songs reporter KIIS Los Angeles (home to Ryan Seacrest's syndicated morning show "On Air") John Ivey says. "Now, with 'Sing' [co-]produced [and co-written] by Pharrell, it's like Justin Timberlake's metamorphosis from 'N Sync to solo. The way he slowly pulled layers back revealing more and more of who he was as an artist with each project."
Check back Monday to get the full story on the Justin Timberlake-inspired track plus details on other surprises in store for his sophomore album.
he sounds nothing like Justin for most of the song. Only the falsetto part.
as if he needs to rip anybody off when he is an acclaimed singer songwriter with his own sound. Justin didnt invent that style of singing lets get that straight.
