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Image from RollingStone

In 2011, I stood at the back of Wembley Arena and watched Ed Sheeran perform for the first time. The softness in his voice during Small Bump silenced the whole crowd and his pedal work during No Diggity sparked energy throughout. Since that day, I have been a huge fan. Ed's incredible voice is one thing, but his stage presence and personally is another. He is a genuine, down-to-earth guy who loves what he does and is where he is now due to simply working hard and having passion for music.

This year's album has been much-anticipated for me. From You Need Me to Loose Change, No.5 Collaborations to X, all his other albums have been faultless and I think Divide continues that trend. Ed always shows his versatility off and I can't wait to see how he changes his songs from this album to suit a live crowd.

Ed knows how to drop a bombshell and at the Brit Awards this year, that's what he definitely did. Bringing Stormzy onto the stage with him became everybody's 'moment' of the evening. A clever publicity piece to promote both their album's dropping in the same week? Probably. Even so, it was an incredible moment and a performance that people will talk about for weeks.

The singer-songwriter's latest album is exactly what I was hoping for; beautiful lyrics, witty lines and a whole mix of beats. There is a song for everyone on this album, and Ed is definitely skillful musician in the way that he really is loved by everyone. Guys love him, girls love him, even my Nan loves him. I'm a complete sucker for this album and it sounds brilliant on vinyl - an added bonus.

Eraser is a peculiar start to this album, as Ed admits that he is no rapper, however listening to the lyrics, you can see why he would choose such a strong message to begin Divide. Castle on the Hill is where the album really gets going and How Would You Feel is no surprise, a typically beautiful song, perfectly constructed to be the soundtrack to many 2017 weddings. The foot-stomping, drunken-rambling tune of Galway Girl is super catchy and definitely one I could see myself singing along to after a few drinks! I can't wait to see more of this album, hear reactions to the songs and watch how it will grow through the summer.

Quitting music, found a new job. New album out now - https://t.co/zcIzlFOm8C pic.twitter.com/mr0nJPb7gk

— Ed Sheeran (@edsheeran) March 3, 2017

Film review: Spectre

It starts in Mexico City. The tracking shots of 007; swerving through the crowds, leading a mystery woman up the stairs into the hotel room, walking along the rooftops. Explosions grip us from the start, the storyline yet to unfold.

Bond is most definitely back.

Charming and courageous, Daniel Craig’s performance is everything you imagine it will be. Capturing the essence of Bond time and time again, 007 uncovers the secrets from the previous three films in the series in one thrilling masterpiece. With gadgets and humour, girls and cars, Spectre plays on the iconography of Bond, but with an edge. The wondrous performance from Craig leaves you with hope for the next film, surely they won’t get rid of him?

Every scene in Spectre is anticipated, but with twists and turns that make it enthralling to watch. The thrill of a fight-scene, Bond’s determination and forward thinking which Craig portrays wonderfully. The typical sex-scene, heart racing and expected. But, in the shadows of a boardroom, Bond is lurking. The eeriness and quietness from the scene make it one of the most tense, yet, intriguing scenes from any of the Bond films.

The exotic locations are typical to James Bond films, and these certainly did not disappoint in Spectre. The ancient city of Rome, the bitterness of Austrian mountains and the familiar backdrop of London all serve their own purpose and certainly bring a glamorous, luxury element to the film.

Music is a huge component for any film, especially James Bond. The anticipation of ‘Writing’s on the Wall’ gave us the first glimpse of what the film would be like and alike any Sam Smith track, was outstanding. Throughout the film, the music is brilliant; carefully selected and paced, building up tension or slowing it down, it is evident that Mendes’ selections for every second of this film were thoroughly pondered – something that definitely doesn’t go a miss.

The writing is as always, brilliant. Using the humour and sarcasm that, in the last film, made the Bond series’ really come alive worked just as well again; carefully placed and brilliantly delivered. As well as the humour bringing Spectre to a new era, the scripts don’t hold back on the one-liners that we all know and love. Together with incredible performances from not only Daniel Craig - but Christoph Waltz, Lea Seydoux, Naomie Harris and Ben Whishaw - just to name a few, the 24^th film in the series is no doubt the greatest film of the year so far.

This is the perfect end to a much-awaited sequel, one that I can’t wait to watch again.

The return of This is England

As soon as I saw the new This is England '90 series advertised, I knew it was going to be good.

I first watched This is England when I was about 16, after hearing so much about it. The Shane Meadows film became one of my favourites and so I decided to research it and write about it for both my GCSE and A-Level media exams. 

I soon became addicted and watched the series', following on from the film. The series' are just as good as the film, nothing has changed from the acting and the direction and I think that's what makes it so good.

So, on Sunday night, I couldn't wait to see what This is England '90 had in store.

Following the lives of Woody, Shaun, Milky and their friends, the series is centred around the skinhead group and their reality; jobs, relationships, life in the Midlands.

What makes This is England so good is the reality of the characters, you can relate to every single one of them. The innocence of Shaun, the relationship between Woody and Lol and the tight friendships that they all hold are things that everyone has been through.

My favourite thing about not only this new series but the film and previous series' is the scripting. Shane Meadows has an art for not only writing and creating brilliant storylines and characters, but making it seem effortless and real.

Along with the writing, the audience can really identify with the storylines. From heartache to betrayal, This is England focuses on the importance of real-life storylines and captures the true feelings and situations that occurred at the time.

The first episode from this last series did not disappoint. The same brilliant acting, writing and hilarious storylines that we all know and love are back for good. 

Without a doubt, the best series on TV.

Film review: Amy

Before watching Amy, I had never really looked into her life that much. Amy Winehouse passed away when I was 15, before I was interested in how her life really played out. I just simply believed that she was a brilliant singer and songwriter.

The film, directed by Asif Kapadia, is a complete exhibition of her life; through the pain, love, music, suffering and passion that glowed out of her in every moment. The film is created as a timeline, from a confident 14 year old girl to a suffering 27 year old woman, the journey Amy Winehouse took through fame and personal problems is evident throughout. Home videos, paparazzi clips and interviews all show the true life of Amy and how, despite all of the media-fuelled rumours, she fought her way through fame and kept grounded to what she truly believed in; music and love.

They say love conquers all. In Amy, we see the full scale of how relationships can have a huge affect on how someone behaves, how you will do anything for those you love. 

For Amy, music was definitely her first love. The footage of her singing at birthday parties, a starry-eyed adolescent who dreamt of writing and creating her own music, accelerated when she met her first manager, Nick Shymansky. He saw the passion for music Amy had and soon made her dream a reality with her debut album, Frank.

The people interviewed for the film, including Nick, not only show a love for Amy's music and aspirations but they truly love and know her as a person and this really comes across in the film. The words they speak of her give a insight into the loving, funny, kind hearted girl that the public should have really known and not asked any more from.

The downwards spiral of Amy's life is emotionally shown and we see the pieces that were all part of the pain she endured throughout her life. The divorce between her parents, the rocky relationship she had with Blake Fielder-Civil, her introduction to drugs, the reliance on alcohol and her fight with bulimia. At the time, she was primarily shown as a party girl who was dependant on drink and drugs, and I really wish I had never believed everything I read and was told back then. Amy's fight with bulimia was never spoken about, the difficulties she had when it came to being bombarded with paparazzi and doing everything to keep her boyfriend happy was never documented in a way that Amy showed. 

The footage from around the time Back To Black was released was unbelievably moving. The heartache after divorce, the pain Amy felt for herself, the struggle through rehab and becoming sober again. She looks lost, vulnerable.

Amy comes to an end with uplifting video from Abbey Road Studios, of herself and Tony Bennett recording Body and Soul, just 3 months from her death. Nervous and quiet, Amy is in awe of her idol and it definitely shows the true passion Amy Winehouse had for music. She wants to get everything right, to not ruin her chances and Bennett is incredibly understanding and calm.

However incredibly sad, the film also leaves you wanting more. Wanting to know if she would have been able to control herself, the media and her relationships. Wanting to know if she'd have ever produced another fantastic album, or sang live with her idols who had her fall in love with jazz.

I believe that watching the film has really made me think about not only the life Amy Winehouse lived, but the lives of celebrities altogether. The media's intrusion, the pressure of the public and how people are always suffering, whether it is documented or not. 

Amy has put a lot of things into perspective and shows that in the end, love really is a losing game.

My pick: Top trainers

When it comes to footwear, I can't get enough of trainers.

For everyday wear, trainers are definitely the comfiest option. Sandals, skater shoes and heels are all lovely and I love wearing them but I always find that my feet start aching a lot sooner.

There's so much choice when it comes to trainers; design, custom, colour. And you can always grab a bargain by shopping around. My top tip: if you're a UK size 6 or below, shop in the children's department for trainers; the same trainers for half the price.

So, if you're like me and live in comfy trainers but like to be stylish, here's my pick of the best:

1. Nike Roshe Run Aloha

A summery twist on the original Roshe Run, inspired by Zen. This shoe is great to wear all year round and makes a statement when wore with simple clothes.

2. Converse All Star white mono leather

For me, Converse will always be an original trainer. These white leather ones are one of my favourites; they go with absolutely everything and being leather, are so much easier to clean.

3. Adidas Superstar 1

First released in 1969, Adidas created the first low top basketball shoe that will never go out of style. A classic trainer which goes with anything - and lots of colours to choose from!

4. Nike SB Stefan Janoski

A great shoe for an everyday monochrome look. Pair with a pair of skinny jeans or denim skirt for a casual but comfy look.

5. Nike Air Max 1 Ultra Moire

I absolutely fell in love with these trainers when I got them for my birthday. The colour is beautiful, perfect for summer. I wear them with everything, but paired with white jeans creates a perfect summer look.