Ed Sheeran
X
(Atlantic)
3 Stars
Releasing a killer lead single can be a problem. When Ed Sheeran unleashed his Pharrell Williams collaboration Sing back in April, it caused many to reappraise the singer and songwriter. There were none of his signature mopey acoustic tales of small-town romances and break-ups; instead, over tough drums and funky basslines, the ginger-haired star was now all about shedding his boy-next-door image. Those wishing X to be the transformation Sing hinted at will be slightly disappointed. There are plenty of his fragile acoustic numbers such as the opener One and the heartbreaking Photograph. But there also is an effort to try new things. Despite Sheeran's old-school songwriting approach, the 23-year-old is a '90s kid and he lets his influences show. Don't rides on a Dr Dre-inspired West Coast hip-hop beat, while the next potential hit single, Nina, has Sheeran almost rapping over urban beats tempered with sparse acoustic riffs and piano. X finds a nice balance of appeasing the faithful – and moving forward.
sasaeed@thenational.ae
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 268hp at 5,600rpm
Torque: 380Nm at 4,800rpm
Transmission: CVT auto
Fuel consumption: 9.5L/100km
On sale: now
Price: from Dh195,000
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The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
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Torque: 556Nm @ 3,950rpm
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Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
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