21 (Adele album)

21 is the second studio album by the English singer-songwriter Adele. Released in early 2011, it serves as a powerful collection of pop, soul, and traditional R&B music. The album is named after the age Adele was during its production. It explores deep emotional themes like heartbreak, healing, introspection, and forgiveness.

This record is significant because it helped revitalize the global music industry during a time of lagging sales. It is widely considered one of the most successful musical works of the modern era.

The creation of the album was a complex and emotional process. Adele began writing in April 2009 during a serious relationship. Initially, she intended to create an upbeat and contemporary follow-up to her debut, 19. However, she struggled with a lack of inspiration during early studio sessions. This changed after the breakdown of her relationship. She began channeling her feelings of heartbreak and depression into her songwriting. She used these intense emotions to examine her failed relationship from different perspectives. These included the views of a vengeful ex-lover, a heartbroken victim, and a nostalgic flame.

Adele collaborated with several different producers and songwriters to shape the sound. She worked with Paul Epworth to create the song "Rolling in the Deep." To mimic a racing heartbeat, they used a thumping drum beat. She also worked with Fraser T Smith on "Set Fire to the Rain." This track used live drum sounds and an elaborate strings section. Ryan Tedder helped her write "Turning Tables" and "Rumour Has It." Tedder noted her incredible musicality when she finished main vocals in just ten minutes. Other collaborators included Jim Abbiss, Dan Wilson, and Greg Wells.

One major part of the production involved working with Rick Rubin. Rubin is a producer known for a "stripped-down" and unorthodox style. He wanted to capture the feeling of Adele's live performances. To do this, he used a team of live musicians instead of electronic instruments or music samples. He encouraged spontaneity and less restraint in the studio.

However, Adele eventually felt dissatisfied with much of this work. She decided to scrap most of the Rubin sessions. She preferred the raw emotion found in her earlier demos. Only five songs from the Rubin sessions, such as "One and Only," appeared on the final album.

The album is categorized by its various musical influences and styles. It draws from Motown and soul, similar to her first album. It also incorporates American country and Southern blues. These influences came from her North American tour, An Evening with Adele. Critics have described the sound as a blend of 1960s soul and mid-20th century jazz. This combination makes the music feel both vintage and modern. The production is often praised for being understated and focusing on her vocal performance.

21 achieved massive commercial success across the globe. It topped record charts in more than 30 countries. It was the world's best-selling album for both 2011 and 2012. In the United States, it is the best-performing Billboard 200 album of all time. It held the top position for 24 weeks, which is the longest for any album since 1985. The RIAA certified the album Diamond, meaning it sold over 10 million copies in the U.S. alone. Globally, the album has sold over 31 million pure copies. It is the best-selling album of the 21st century and the seventeenth best-selling album of all time.

The album's impact is reflected in its many prestigious awards and honors. Adele won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2012. She also won the Brit Award for British Album of the Year. Three of its singles, including "Someone like You," became international number-one hits. The album was shortlisted for the 2011 Mercury Prize. It has since been ranked by Rolling Stone among the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. It is also included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.