Written by Ed Sheeran and Amy Wadge, “Thinking Out Loud” was recorded by Sheeran for his second studio album, × (2014). Produced by Jake Gosling, it was the final song recorded for the album. Sheeran and Wadge wrote it in February 2014 after developing a guitar idea Wadge had been playing; the song was completed in about 20 minutes. Its lyric concerns enduring romantic love and growing older together.
A romantic ballad with blue-eyed soul influences, “Thinking Out Loud” is in D major and moves at a relaxed 79 beats per minute. Its gently loping bass pattern, crisp soul-influenced drum feel, and prominent lead vocal give it an intimate, slow-dance character suited to wedding and first-dance settings. The single became a major international success, reaching number one in the UK and several other countries and peaking at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100. It won Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.
