Ed Sheeran has made waves in the music scene with the release of his latest single, "Drive," which is part of the much-anticipated soundtrack for the upcoming Formula 1 (F1) movie. Set to be released next week, this film has already captured the attention and excitement of fans, particularly with the addition of Sheeran’s powerful track, which features renowned musicians John Mayer and Dave Grohl.
"Drive," produced by Sheeran along with Mayer and Blake Slatkin, promises to be a standout piece on a soundtrack that includes a variety of artists, such as Tate McRae, ROSÉ, and Chris Stapleton. The collaboration is a quintessential blend of rock, infusing energy suitable for the high-speed world of F1 racing. Alongside Mayer on guitar and Grohl on drums, legendary bassist Pino Palladino and Rami Jaffee of the Foo Fighters also contribute their talents, making this song a remarkable fusion of artistry.
In a recent interview with Billboard, Sheeran described the creative process behind "Drive." He shared how the song materialized organically during a studio session with Mayer and Slatkin. Mayer, known for his dynamic guitar skills, added an octave pedal, layering depth to the track. This collaborative environment seemed to ignite a creative spark, ultimately leading to the creation of a powerful anthem.
Sheeran expressed his love for film, admitting that working on soundtracks is one of his favorite aspects of being an artist. "Movies are my hobby, and probably the only thing other than sport that I get starstruck to be part of," he reflected. The opportunity to contribute to the F1 film was particularly special for him, and he aspired to craft a song that resonates with the thrill of racing. He envisioned "Drive" as a song that audiences would want to blast while driving, aptly fitting for the adrenaline-fueled themes of Formula 1.
Taking to social media, Sheeran excitedly shared the story behind "Drive." He indicated that the inspiration behind the song was intentional, aiming for something raw and powerful—"a proper driving song." With the involvement of Mayer, Grohl, and Palladino, Sheeran felt that the final product would enhance the movie’s scenes. Reflecting on the collaboration, he called it a "dream team" and emphasized how honored he was to work alongside such celebrated musicians.
Sheeran’s love for cinema extends beyond merely contributing a song; he sees it as a unique chance to connect his musical talents with visual storytelling. He fondly reminisced about his past involvement in crafting songs for movies, highlighting his earlier work on "I See Fire" for "The Hobbit." This passion fuels his desire to create the perfect songs that complement cinematic moments, and "Drive" appears to be no exception.
The excitement surrounding the F1 movie and its soundtrack stretches far beyond Sheeran’s contribution. With a diverse lineup of artists featured, the album promises to cater to a range of musical tastes while encapsulating the spirit of F1 racing. Other contributions include tracks from Don Toliver, ROSÉ, and Burna Boy, creating a rich aural landscape that mirrors the movie’s exhilarating narrative.
Here’s a glimpse at the complete tracklist for the anticipated F1 album:
- Don Toliver – Lose My Mind (feat. Doja Cat)
- Dom Dolla – No Room for A Saint (feat. Nathan Nicholson)
- Ed Sheeran – Drive
- Tate McRae – Just Keep Watching
- ROSÉ – Messy
- Burna Boy – Don’t Let Me Drown
- Roddy Ricch – Underdog
- RAYE – Grandma Calls The Boy Bad News
- Chris Stapleton – Bad As I Used To Be
- Myke Towers – Baja California
- Tiësto & Sexyy Red – OMG!
- Madison Beer – All At Once
- Peggy Gou – D.A.N.C.E
- PAWSA – Double C
- Mr Eazi – Attention
- Darkoo – Give Me Love
- Obongjayar – Gasoline
With such a diverse array of tracks, the F1 soundtrack is poised to become a staple for both racing enthusiasts and music fans alike. Ed Sheeran’s "Drive" not only represents his artistic flair but symbolizes the unity of music and film, especially in a genre as fast-paced and dynamic as Formula 1.
In summary, "Drive" is not just another single; it is a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and passion for cinema and music. As fans eagerly await the F1 movie’s release, the excitement around the soundtrack builds, promising an unforgettable audio voyage alongside a cinematic experience. Sheeran’s latest offering serves as a reminder of the powerful connection between sound and visual storytelling—an intersection where he continues to thrive.
