Ed Sheeran, the Sussex-raised singer-songwriter, has once again triumphed on the UK Official Albums Chart with his latest release, “Autumn Variations”. This achievement marks Sheeran’s seventh Number 1 album in the UK, solidifying his status as one of the country’s most beloved and successful artists.
“Autumn Variations” showcases Sheeran’s musical prowess as he collaborates with American record producer Aaron Dessner, known for his work with artists such as Taylor Swift and Gracie Abrams. This album follows a remarkable streak of consecutive Number 1 LPs for Sheeran, beginning with his debut album “+” in 2011 and continuing through “x” (2014), “÷” (2017), “No. 6 Collaborations Project” (2019), “=” (2021), “-” (2023), and now “Autumn Variations” in 2023.
Notably, Sheeran’s 7th studio album has not only topped the overall Official Albums Chart but has also claimed the number one spot on the Official Vinyl Albums Chart, reflecting its popularity among music enthusiasts who appreciate the tactile experience of vinyl records.
Expressing his gratitude for this accomplishment, Sheeran spoke exclusively to Official Charts, saying, “Thank you so much for making ‘Autumn Variations’ the Official Number 1 album in the UK. It’s my first album on my own record label [Gingerbread Man Records], so this means more than any other award I’ve had. Thanks for all the support; it’s been amazing to get reconnected with the fans over the past few months. I hope you continue liking the album, and I’ll see you next year for the next one!”
The album has also achieved worldwide success, hitting number 1 on Australia’s ARIA Albums Chart, the Dutch Album Top 100, Germany’s Offizielle Top 100, as well as the UK Official Albums Chart, the UK Official Independent Albums Chart, the UK Official Albums Sales Chart, the UK Official Albums Downloads Chart, the UK Official Physical Albums Chart, and the Official Vinyl Albums Chart.
In addition to Sheeran’s chart-topping success, Olivia Rodrigo’s second studio album, “GUTS“, has held strong at Number 2 for a third consecutive week, while Jorja Smith’s “falling or flying” secured her a third UK Top 10 album. Steven Wilson’s “The Harmony Codex” also entered the Top 5, along with The Weeknd’s “The Highlights”.
As the music industry continues to thrive, Ed Sheeran’s “Autumn Variations” stands as a testament to his enduring appeal and creative prowess.