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The Joker and the Queen

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"The Joker and the Queen"
Single by Ed Sheeran featuring Taylor Swift
from the album =
Released11 February 2022 (2022-02-11)
Studio
  • Fieldwork (London and Suffolk)
  • Stamford Street (London)
  • Promised Land (London)
  • Abbey Road (London)
  • Pixel (London)
GenreFolk
Length3:05
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Ed Sheeran
  • Fred
  • Johnny McDaid
  • Romans
Ed Sheeran singles chronology
"Peru"
(2021) 		"The Joker and the Queen"
(2022)
Taylor Swift singles chronology
"Message in a Bottle"
(2021) 		"The Joker and the Queen"
(2022)
Music video
"The Joker and the Queen" on YouTube

"The Joker and the Queen" is a song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, taken from his fifth studio album = that was released on 29 October 2021 by Asylum and Atlantic Records. Sheeran wrote and produced the song with Johnny McDaid, Fred, and Sam Roman. A duet remix of the song, featuring American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, was released on 11 February 2022 as the album's fourth single.

The single is a slow-paced folk ballad driven by a cinematic piano, waltz tempo, and 1950s-inspired strings. It marks the fourth collaboration between Sheeran and Swift, following "Everything Has Changed" (2012), "End Game" (2017), and "Run" (2021). An accompanying music video, casting the actors from the music video of "Everything Has Changed", was released on 11 February 2022 as well; "The Joker and the Queen" video is a sequel.

Development and release

Background

"The Joker and the Queen" is a song written and produced by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, alongside his collaborators Johnny McDaid, Fred and Romans.[1] After writing "Bad Habits", Sheeran thought that he finished writing for the day before Fred played him a piano instrumental created by Romans, which Fred found "very beautiful" but was never able to expand it into a song. Sheeran then spent about 20 minutes writing down various metaphors, including coming up with the song's title and the line "I fold, you saw my hand, you let me win, you put the cards on the table." Sheeran thought that the song was too easy to write and disliked it. However, Sheeran's brother Matthew created a string composition for the song, which Sheeran admired for sounding like an "old classic that had been around since the '50s".[2]

The song was recorded at Fieldwork Studio in London and Suffolk, Stamford Street in London, Promised Land Music Studios in London, Abbey Road Studios in London and Pixel in London. The mixing was handled by Mark "Spike" Stent at the Mixsuite while it was mastered by Stuart Hawkes at Metropolis Studios in London.[1] "The Joker and the Queen" was released on 29 October 2021 as the sixth track on Sheeran's fifth studio album =.[2]

Remix

Shortly after = was released, Sheeran confirmed that a remix of the song featuring an American singer had been recorded and was set to be released in January 2022; however, he cautioned that it was not official as it had not been cleared for release. American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, a frequent collaborator of Sheeran, began hinting that she was the featured artist on the song, using several easter eggs such as in Swift's music video for "I Bet You Think About Me" where she carves the equals sign on a wedding cake; the video's director Blake Lively promoted the video with the joker emoji on social media. Swift also released playing cards in promotion of her 2021 re-recorded album Red (Taylor's Version). Additionally, in Sheeran's "Overpass Graffiti" music video, Swift's name can be seen in a newspaper column as well as on a leather jacket that Sheeran wears which also has joker and queen print.[3][4][5]

In December 2021, Sheeran confirmed that the remix "The Joker and the Queen" would be released as the fourth single from = in 2022.[3][4][5] On 1 February 2022, Sheeran revealed on social media that he was signing some CDs for a new project, which featured an artwork with a joker and a queen that resembled Swift.[6][7] Four days later, the song credits in the lyric video for "The Joker and the Queen" showed "(feat. Taylor Swift)" in the title.[8] Sheeran officially revealed that the remix of "The Joker and the Queen" would feature Swift at the 42nd Brit Awards on 8 February 2022 in a red carpet interview with LADbible.[9][10] Sheeran announced the single via social media the following day, set for release on 11 February 2022.[11] The single marked the fifth collaboration between Sheeran and Swift, after "Everything Has Changed" (2013) and its re-recorded version in 2021, "End Game" (2017) and "Run" (2021).[12]

Music and lyrics

"The Joker and the Queen" is a folk waltz.[13][14] It is composed in the time signature of 4
4 time and the key of C major with a tempo of 67 beats per minute.[15] It has been described as a "cinematic" piano ballad.[2] In the duet remix, Swift takes over the second verse with a female perspective, replacing Sheeran's original lyrics. The lyrics explain love using a card game analogy.[16]

Critical reception

Melissa Ruggieri of USA Today said the duet is a tender, heartfelt ballad, accentuated by "a sumptuous piano melody with a cinematic swoosh of strings".[14] Billboard writer Hannah Dailey wrote that the song is a delicate piano ballad about rekindling lost love.[17] Jason Brow of Hollywood Life described it as "another great addition to the Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift lore".[18] Michael Major of BroadwayWorld dubbed the track a beautifully reimagined version of the original album track.[19] Robin Murray of Clash called it an "undiverting ear-worm", claiming it was "pleasant but definitely not distracting, sitting more in Sheeran's MOR vein than Taylor's recent reclamation work." He said Swift and Sheeran are " relishing classicism, utilising form to craft a gentle delight".[20] Gulf News labelled it a "soothing romantic ballad" and a "Valentine’s Day gift to (their) fans".[21]

Commercial performance

Upon the release of =, the album version of "The Joker and the Queen" debuted at number 66, 78, and 99 on Australia's ARIA Singles,[22] Canadian Hot 100,[23] and the Billboard Global 200 charts,[24] respectively.

Music video

The music video of "The Joker and the Queen" continued the storyline from the video for Swift's 2013 single featuring Sheeran, "Everything Has Changed"; the child actors who resembled Swift and Sheeran in the latter video—Ava Ames and Jack Lewis, respectively—play the grown-up versions of themselves in the former.[25][12] The video shows a text message between the two characters, which is a real text-exchange between Sheeran and Swift that was shared to Swift's Instagram account in 2015. A screenshot of the "Everything Has Changed" music video also appears a framed photograph in "The Joker and the Queen" video.[26]

Live performances

Sheeran performed "The Joker and the Queen" at the 42nd Brit Awards on 8 February 2022.[27]

Personnel

Credits adapted from Spotify and the liner notes of =.[1]

  • Ed Sheeran – vocals, songwriting, production, backing vocals
  • Taylor Swift – vocals, songwriting (remix only)
  • Fred – songwriting, production, engineering, string arrangement, bass, keys
  • Johnny McDaid – songwriting, production, engineering
  • Romans – songwriting, production, guitar, piano
  • Mark "Spike" Stent – mixing
  • Matt Wolach – mix assisting
  • Kieran Beardmorre – mix assisting
  • Charlie Holmes – mix assisting
  • Graham Archer – engineering, vocal production
  • Matt Glasbey – engineering
  • Neil Dawes – assistant engineering
  • Will Reynolds – assistant engineering
  • Marta Di Nozzi – assistant engineering
  • Matthew Sheeran – string arrangement, programming
  • Joe Rubel – string recording, string programming
  • Marco Parisi – additional strings
  • Peter Gregson – conductor
  • Tom Kelly – copy
  • Ashok Klouda – cello
  • Victoria Harrild – cello
  • Tim Lowe – cello
  • Leon Bosch – double bass
  • Hilary Skewes – fixed
  • Stuart Hawkes – mastering

Charts

Release history

Release dates and formats for "The Joker and the Queen"
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
Various 11 February 2022
[10]
United States 14 February 2022 Adult contemporary radio Atlantic [41]
Italy 18 February 2022 Radio airplay Warner [42]
Various CD
  • Asylum
  • Atlantic
 [43]

References

  1. ^ a b c = (liner notes). Ed Sheeran. Asylum Records. 2021. p. 13. 0190296549625.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  2. ^ a b c "= by Ed Sheeran". Apple Music. Archived from the original on 19 August 2021. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  3. ^ a b Shutler, Ali (3 February 2022). "Taylor Swift fans believe she'll feature on Ed Sheeran's next single". NME. Archived from the original on 8 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  4. ^ a b Krol, Charlotte (3 February 2022). "Taylor Swift fans predict she'll duet with Ed Sheeran on 'The Joker And The Queen'". Rolling Stone. United Kingdom. Archived from the original on 9 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  5. ^ a b Tilchen, Jordyn (24 December 2021). "Ed Sheeran Hints at 'The Joker and the Queen' duet with Taylor Swift". Bustle. Archived from the original on 8 January 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  6. ^ Rowley, Glenn (2 February 2022). "Ed Sheeran & Taylor Swift Doing a Remix? Here's Why Fans Think So". Billboard. Archived from the original on 8 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  7. ^ Kenneally, Cerys (2 February 2022). "Fans are convinced Taylor Swift will feature on remix of Ed Sheeran's 'The Joker And The Queen'". The Line of Best Fit. Archived from the original on 3 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  8. ^ Iasimone, Ashley (5 February 2022). "Taylor Swift on Ed Sheeran's & 'Joker and the Queen'? Fans Spot New Clue". Billboard. Archived from the original on 9 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  9. ^ Aniftos, Rania (8 February 2022). "Ed Sheeran Says New Song With Taylor Swift Is Coming on Friday". Billboard. Archived from the original on 9 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  10. ^ a b Gularte, Alejandra (8 February 2021). "Ed Sheeran Confirms 'Joker and the Queen' feat. Taylor Swift". Vulture. Archived from the original on 9 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  11. ^ Kaufman, Gil (9 February 2022). "Ed Sheeran Confirms Taylor Swift 'The Joker and the Queen' Remix". Billboard. Retrieved 9 February 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  12. ^ a b Willman, Chris (11 February 2022). "Ed Sheeran's and Taylor Swift's 'Joker and the Queen' Video Reunites Kid Cast From 2012's 'Everything Has Changed'". Variety. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  13. ^ McCormick, Neil (29 October 2021). "Ed Sheeran yet again showcases his versatility with genre-defying album '='". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 29 October 2021. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  14. ^ a b Ruggieri, Melissa. "Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran's new duet pulls at your heartstrings. See the nostalgic video". USA TODAY. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  15. ^ "Ed Sheeran 'The Joker and the Queen' Sheet Music in C Major". Musicnotes.com. Archived from the original on 10 November 2021. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  16. ^ Atkinson, Katie; Atkinson, Katie (11 February 2022). "Ed Sheeran's 'The Joker and the Queen' Lyrics vs. Taylor Swift Remix Lyrics: What's New?". Billboard. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  17. ^ Dailey, Hannah (11 February 2022). "Ed Sheeran & Taylor Swift Release 'The Joker and the Queen' Remix: Watch the Video". Billboard. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  18. ^ Brow, Jason (11 February 2022). "Taylor Swift Joins Ed Sheeran For New Remix Of 'The Joker & The Queen' — Watch The Video". Hollywood Life. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  19. ^ Major, Michael. "Taylor Swift & Ed Sheeran Release 'The Joker & the Queen' Remix". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  20. ^ "Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift's 'The Joker And The Queen' Is Steeped In Classicism". Clash Magazine. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  21. ^ "Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift's 'The Joker And The Queen' is all about nostalgic love". gulfnews.com. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  22. ^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 8 November 2021". The ARIA Report. No. 1653. Australian Recording Industry Association. 8 November 2021. p. 4.
  23. ^ "Ed Sheeran – Canadian Hot 100 History". Billboard. Archived from the original on 11 February 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  24. ^ "Ed Sheeran – Global 200 History". Billboard. Archived from the original on 11 February 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  25. ^ Mier, Tomás (11 February 2022). "Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift Prove 'Everything Has Changed' With 'The Joker and the Queen' Sequel". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  26. ^ Huff, Lauren (11 February 2022). "Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift reunite 'Everything Has Changed' characters for 'The Joker and the Queen' video". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  27. ^ Daw, Stephen (8 February 2022). "Ed Sheeran Performs 'The Joker and the Queen' at the 2022 Brit Awards". Billboard. Archived from the original on 8 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  28. ^ "ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. 21 February 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2022.
  29. ^ "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  30. ^ "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Canada AC)". Billboard. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  31. ^ "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  32. ^ "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  33. ^ "Veckolista Heatseeker, vecka 44". Sverigetopplistan. Archived from the original on 12 November 2021. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  34. ^ "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  35. ^ "Official Audio Streaming Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  36. ^ "Download Chart – Week 7 of 2022". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  37. ^ "BGM Chart – Week 7 of 2022". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  38. ^ "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  39. ^ "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  40. ^ "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  41. ^ "Hot/Modern/AC Future Releases". All Access. Archived from the original on 9 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  42. ^ Mompellio, Gabriel. "Ed Sheeran feat. Taylor Swift "The Joker and the Queen"" (Press release). Warner Music Italy. Retrieved 14 February 2022 – via Radiodate.it.
  43. ^ "Ed Sheeran feat. Taylor Swift | The Joker and the Queen | CD". Ed Sheeran Web Store. Archived from the original on 9 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
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