Westlife’s return to the spotlight in 2019 was nothing short of spectacular, and much of that success can be credited to the songwriting brilliance of Ed Sheeran. Their comeback single, Hello My Love, co-written by Sheeran, quickly became a fan favorite and soared to Number 2 on the Irish charts. The track was later awarded double Platinum certification, reaffirming the band’s strong connection with their audience after a long hiatus.
The single Hello My Love was part of Westlife’s twelfth studio album, Spectrum, which was released in November 2019. While longtime members Shane Filan and Mark Feehily took part in shaping the album’s lyrical content, they also brought in some of the music industry’s top songwriters for a fresh and modern touch. In addition to Ed Sheeran, the album saw contributions from Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic and British singer-songwriter James Bay.
Ed Sheeran didn’t just stop at penning one track. He was involved in writing several other songs on Spectrum, lending his lyrical and melodic talents to Better Man, My Blood, Dynamite, and One Last Time. These tracks showcased a blend of Westlife’s signature harmonies with a contemporary sound, helping them reconnect with longtime fans while also drawing in new listeners.
Interestingly, Ed also worked on a song titled Anywhere, which, at the time of Hello My Love’s release, had not been confirmed as part of the album. According to sources close to Sheeran, the song — described as another upbeat love anthem — was registered in early January, with acclaimed producer Steve Mac attached to the project. While it wasn’t officially included on Spectrum, there was speculation that the track might still find its way into Westlife’s catalog or be handed off to another artist.
The music video for Hello My Love further added to the excitement of the band’s return. Featuring the group — Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, and Shane Filan — against a breathtaking rocky landscape, the video concludes with the band members soaring in a colorful hot air balloon at sunrise, a symbolic moment reflecting their rise back into the music scene.
