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Released in May 2023, '-' (Subtract) marks the conclusion of Ed Sheeran's decade-long mathematical album series. It represents a radical sonic departure from its predecessor, '=', by abandoning high-gloss maximalism in favor of a folk-leaning, singer-songwriter aesthetic. The album was born out of a period of personal crisis, including the death of his best friend Jamal Edwards and his wife's health struggles, which led Sheeran to scrap an entire decade's worth of acoustic material to write these songs in a focused burst of catharsis. Collaborating with Aaron Dessner of The National, Sheeran embraced a more textured, 'indie' soundscape characterized by sparse arrangements and organic instrumentation. Critics noted the shift as a successful move toward authenticity, praising the lack of radio-chasing hooks in favor of genuine emotional weight. It stands as his most critically respected work in years, positioning him as a mature storyteller rather than just a hitmaker.