Singer Ed Sheeran earned his seventh Official Number One Album. The global superstar, who released his independent album last week, topped the British charts following the success of the project. Sheeran’s latest record becomes his seventh consecutive album to reach number one, continuing his impressive streak in the country. “Autumn Variations” also topped the Official Vinyl Albums chart – proving that the LP is a sales force.

Sheeran exclusively said to Official Charts: 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.”  

He continued: “I hope you continue liking the album, and I’ll see you next year for the next one!”   

The international hit-maker took to his Instagram to express his gratitude for the achievement. He wrote: “Thanks so much for making Autumn Variations #1, I had no expectations for the record other than for fans to love it and feel it was their own. It being on my own label meant it didnt have the usual pressures or expectations, but to end up going #1 is mad and I really don’t take it for granted. Thank you for everyone connecting with the album. It’s been so wonderful spending so much time with all you lot over the past month. See you next year when we press play on some big pop stuff finally x.”  

Fans of the “Eyes Closed” singer congratulated the musician in the comments. One person said: “Autumn is so wonderful” whilst another person commented: “I love how it doesn’t matter what he makes under what label it is released, it always ends up No. 1 in the UK.” Pop duo Jedward, who appeared on the X Factor in 2009, said: “Boss rocking it on your own label.” 

Watch the music video for “Eyes Closed.”

“Autumn Variations” also topped the charts in Germany, Australia and the Netherlands.

The record has received a positive reception from critics. James Hall from The Telegraph rated the album four out of five stars and said: “Sheeran sounds like a supercharged David Gray. Grown-up. Energized. Forget Autumn, this feels like an album of bright new dawns.”  

As well as achieving his seventh number one album, Sheeran was also nominated at the annual MTV EMAs, which are set to air on 5 November. The pop-star also became the first British solo act to achieve 10 billion UK streams and was awarded with a Gold Brit Billion Award.