“21” is the second studio album by Adele, the renowned English singer-songwriter. It was released on January 24, 2011, in Europe by XL Recordings and on February 22, 2011, in North America by Columbia Records. The album draws inspiration from Motown/soul influences, similar to her debut album “19,” but also incorporates elements of American country and Southern blues music, which Adele explored during her North American tour, An Evening with Adele. The emotional journey behind “21” stems from Adele’s personal experiences, particularly her heartbreak and subsequent healing following the separation from her then-partner.
Adele commenced writing “21” in April 2009, initially aiming for a more upbeat and contemporary sound compared to her first album. However, the early studio sessions lacked inspiration. It was only after her relationship breakdown that Adele found the creative spark, channeling her emotions into the music. Collaborating with accomplished songwriters and producers, including Rick Rubin, Paul Epworth, Ryan Tedder, Jim Abbiss, and Dan Wilson, she crafted an extraordinary album.
Despite modest commercial expectations from Adele’s independent label XL, “21” exceeded all predictions, topping charts in over 30 countries. The album’s phenomenal success revitalized the global music industry’s sales, making it the best-selling album of 2011 and 2012 worldwide. In the UK, “21” holds records as the best-selling album of the 21st century, fourth best-selling in the country, and the longest-running No.1 album by a female solo artist on the UK Albums Chart, with 23 weeks at the top. In the US, “21” holds the record for the longest-running No.1 album by a female solo artist in Billboard 200 history, spending 24 weeks at the top and becoming certified Diamond by the RIAA for selling over 10 million copies.
The album’s promotional singles, “Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone like You,” and “Set Fire to the Rain,” achieved international number-one status, while “Rumour Has It” charted impressively across Europe and North America. Altogether, “21” has sold over 31 million copies worldwide, securing its position as one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Critically acclaimed for its understated production, vintage aesthetic, and Adele’s powerful vocal performance, “21” received numerous accolades, including the 2012 Grammy Award for Album of the Year and the Brit Award for British Album of the Year. It was also shortlisted for the 2011 Mercury Prize. Furthermore, the album’s enduring legacy is evident in its inclusion in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and the revered book, 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
