After a year spent free of virtual connections to the world, Ed Sheeran has returned to social media and the music industry, releasing two singles and announcing a new album to be released on March 3, Divide.

Sheeran began the new year by sharing a video of himself holding a paper that read “New music coming Friday!” causing uproar amongst his fans. He released two new singles at midnight on Jan. 6, “Castle on the Hill” and “Shape of You.” He appeared as a co-host on BBC Radio 1 the same day, discussing his year off and how he is transitioning to his return, as well as performing “Castle on a Hill.”

“I was super excited to hear that he was coming out with a new album because I’ve loved all of his previous music,” said senior Kim Gildea. “I really like the two singles that came out and can’t wait to hear the rest of the album.”

His comeback was highly anticipated after he deviously tweeted nothing but a light blue box at the beginning of December, foreshadowing his new album’s cover.

“Shape of You” possesses Sheeran’s edgy tone that was introduced with the release of “Sing” from his last album, Multiply. “Castle on the Hill,” is another one of his folky love songs that gives you goosebumps and makes your heart happy. With both songs having similarities to those he’s released in the past, I feel that they are leading to an album that will embrace everything that makes Sheeran’s music his: his character, his charm, spunk, soul and inherent ability to bring you to tears.