As Fan Features continues to branch out it is my aim to continue to share the stories of music fans around the world as well as celebrating music both old and new. With that in mind I am proud to introduce a new segment titled "The Song of The Week"...
The idea is self explanatory really, each week Fan Features will shine light on a new song with intentions of introducing our readers to new music and artists. There is no set process when it comes to selecting songs; it might be a song nominated by one of our readers, perhaps it'll be an old favourite or a new discovery...the options are endless!
So without further ado, I am proud to announce our very first 'Song of The Week'!
*Drum roll please*
'The Joker & The Queen' by Ed Sheeran
Upon selecting our first song, I just knew it had to be something special. Every New Year I settle down to watch Jools Holland's Annual Hootenanny and this year's was certainly no disappointment! With guests such as Lulu, Gregory Porter and Rag 'N' Bone Man appearing to the welcome the new year...it was undoubtedly a night to remember. The highlight for me, was however Ed Sheeran's appearance on the show which saw him perform a number of songs but one in particular stood out to me. That was of course a new song from his latest album 'Equals' called 'The Joker & The Queen'.
Until that moment, I'd never come across the song before and was intrigued to hear what Ed had up his sleeve. Side by side, my Sister and I sat there captivated by the performance as we quickly fell in love with the gentle ballad.
Following a little research I cam to realise that Ed had penned the number to capture his own love story with wife Cherry. A metaphorical tale, Ed describes his belief that a 'Queen' like Cherry could fall for a 'joker' like him. Admittedly, I'm a complete sucker for metaphorical lyricism but with Ed's sheer talent even the stoniest of heart would melt for such a stunning song.
Co-written with Snow Patrol's Johnny McDaid who Sheeran previously collaborated on tracks such as 'Bad Habits', 'Shape of You', Shawn Mendes' 'Fallin' All In You' and the hit BTS song 'Permission To Dance' to name just a few. The pair's lyrics were then brought to life with the piano accompaniment courtesy of Ed's brother and composer Mathew Sheeran.
'The Joker And The Queen' is available to stream on all major streaming platforms or can be purchased on physical format as part of 'Equals' from all major music retailers!