Ed Sheeran 's "Bad Habits" marked a significant shift from his signature acoustic-folk roots toward a slick, synth-pop sound, receiving mixed but generally respectable reviews from major critics . While some praised it as a calculated, infectious dance-floor hit, others felt it sacrificed his unique identity for commercial trend-chasing .
: The review was more scathing, calling the song "painfully predictable" and arguing that Sheeran "aspires for Abel [The Weeknd] but settles for anonymity" . Ed Sheeran - Bad Habits
: Alexis Petridis hailed it as a "certain smash," comparing its glossy 80s-inspired production to the work of The Weeknd and noting its "weird kind of omnipresence" . Ed Sheeran 's "Bad Habits" marked a significant
: Critic Adam White viewed it as a "stilted comeback," suggesting the new sound felt like an "ill-fitting suit" . Thematic Analysis : Alexis Petridis hailed it as a "certain
: Nick Levine described the track as an "on-trend bop" and a "lean and economical electro-pop song" that effectively borrows from the synth-heavy style of Bronski Beat .