Chart Beat Podcast: The Songwriting Secrets of Ed Sheeran's 'Shape of You'

Additionally, by the end of "Shape," its multiple hooks combine into a catchy crescendo, its biggest draws, thus, inviting repeated plays. "Think of the outro as the grand finale of a fireworks show," Dave says. "All the stops are being pulled." The song's main melody mixes with other portions ("into one over-the-top section"), much like a hit TV or movie plot's multiple storylines eventually intertwine.

"Leaving the listener on that excited high, wanting more," Dave muses. "That's what it's all about."

Gary and Trevor also discuss Harry Styles' No. 4 launch on the Hot 100 with his debut solo single "Sign of the Times" and, following Zayn's No. 1 arrival last year with "Pillowtalk," where One Direction stands among boy bands, and groups in general, in terms of solo members' success. (Notably, 1D has already spun off more members with Hot 100 top 10s as soloists than *NSYNC and Backstreet Boys combined.)

Plus, we rewind to this week in 1990, when "Nothing Compares 2 U" crowned the Hot 100, both for its performer, Sinead O'Connor, and its writer, Prince. A year after his passing, the latter legend's versatility remains astounding. Says Trevor, "He might've had a massive career writing for other artists alone."

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