Shape of you is a almost note for note copy of TLC's No Scrubs...
The Internet Figured Out Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” Is Basically TLC’s “No Scrubs”
The Internet Figured Out Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” Is Basically TLC’s “No Scrubs”
In this digital age artist still think they can steal other writers music.
- Thread starter drzinc
- Start date
I think there's enough of a difference but kudos for what he did. It certainly alleviates alot of legal issues.
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It's sad when you have to add a bunch of names that had nothing to do with your song because it's easier to give them a little than it is to fight them taking a lot. Either it's note-for-note, or it isn't (and it really isn't). The chords aren't the same, the melody isn't close... the only thing that's somewhat similar is the tempo.
Actually, if you lay it out, they are quite different, note for note. See screenshots of side by side note measures.
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drzinc: "But it is note for note see it in this video..."
(The quote functionality appears to have been removed now that we're on a new server).
That video and every other example I've seen omits the fact that the songs were written and recorded in two entirely different keys. "No Scrubs" was in G# minor, "Shape Of You" is in C# minor. The example that you posted transposes the key of "No Scrubs" to try and prove the point, but the melodies and chords are in fact different. You can't simply overlay them and hear everything mesh perfectly, because it doesn't. In that little clip of Sabrina Carpenter playing both songs together, she's changed the key of "No Scrubs". Chili wouldn't have been able to hit those notes had the original arrangement been in that key.
Fortunately, Ed Sheeran has already made bank and this is a minor distraction. Unfortunately, moves like this set a precedent and make it harder for anyone to succeed in songwriting (unless somebody records a different song in a similar tempo... then you can cash in).
(The quote functionality appears to have been removed now that we're on a new server).
That video and every other example I've seen omits the fact that the songs were written and recorded in two entirely different keys. "No Scrubs" was in G# minor, "Shape Of You" is in C# minor. The example that you posted transposes the key of "No Scrubs" to try and prove the point, but the melodies and chords are in fact different. You can't simply overlay them and hear everything mesh perfectly, because it doesn't. In that little clip of Sabrina Carpenter playing both songs together, she's changed the key of "No Scrubs". Chili wouldn't have been able to hit those notes had the original arrangement been in that key.
Fortunately, Ed Sheeran has already made bank and this is a minor distraction. Unfortunately, moves like this set a precedent and make it harder for anyone to succeed in songwriting (unless somebody records a different song in a similar tempo... then you can cash in).
I don't find them to be any more close together than countless other top 40 hits from the past 20 years. In fact, you could go through each decade and find similar songs. When a pop song is a hit, it's natural to come up with a similar one. The same things happen with movies, TV, products and business models. Ever hear those year-end mash-up mixes and notice how similar all the songs are? He may have been inspired by TLC, but I wouldn't have added them to the credits.