His trick: taking ruminations on fame and making them sound like a conversation over a pint (opening track Eraser); outdoing U2’s anthemic schtick (the electric guitar echo of Castle on the Hill); bringing syncopated snap and groove (Shape of You and the Afro-gat pulse of Bibia Be Ye Ye); and borrowing from the Irish songbook. Despite its title, Sheeran’s third album seems destined to multiply.
• Ed Sheeran. ÷ [Divide]. Warner Music.
• Three stars (out of five)
Single download: Barcelona
For those who like: Robbie Williams meets the Beeb
— Shane Gilchrist