Sessions with Epworth, Smith, and Tedder Heartbroken but musically stimulated, Adele channeled her rush of emotions into her music, crafting songs that examined her failed relationship from the perspectives of vengeful ex-lover, heartbroken victim, and nostalgic old flame. Īdele had written "Take It All" during a difficult moment in her 18-month relationship, which ended shortly after she first played this song for her boyfriend. Disillusioned with lack of inspiration and the slow progress of the studio sessions, she cancelled the remaining recording session dates. However, studio sessions were generally unproductive and, after two weeks, yielded only one song recorded to the singer's satisfaction-the Jim Abbiss-produced "Take It All", a lovelorn piano ballad not unlike the songs on 19. In response to the media's typecasting her as an "old soul" due to the vintage production and sentimental nature of her songs, Adele decided on a more upbeat and contemporary second album. In April 2009, 20-year-old Adele, who had recently embarked on her first serious relationship with a man 10 years her senior, began composing the follow-up to her 2008 debut album 19. Writing and production Early writing sessions 1.3 Sessions with Rubin, Wells, and Wilson.1.2 Sessions with Epworth, Smith, and Tedder.It has since been ranked amongst the Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, and is included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. Praised for its understated production, vintage aesthetic, and Adele's vocal performance, 21 was shortlisted for the 2011 Mercury Prize, and won the 2012 Grammy Award for Album of the Year and the Brit Award for British Album of the Year. With sales of over 31 million copies worldwide, 21 is the best-selling album of the 21st century, and one of the best-selling albums of all time. In addition, three of the five singles released in its promotion – " Rolling in the Deep", " Someone like You" and " Set Fire to the Rain" – became international number-one songs, while " Rumour Has It" charted in the top 20 in countries across Europe and North America. It was certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting sales of over 10 million copies in the US. In the United States, it is the best performing Billboard 200 album of all time, holding the top position for 24 weeks, longer than any other album since 1985 and the longest by a female solo artist in Billboard 200 history. In the United Kingdom, it is the best-selling album of the 21st century, the fourth best-selling album of all time, and the best-selling album by a solo artist of all time, while its 23-week tenure atop the UK Albums Chart is the longest by a female solo artist. It topped record charts in more than 30 countries and became the world's best-selling album of the year for both 20, helping to revitalise the lagging sales of the global music industry. Adele collaborated with various songwriters and producers, including Columbia Records co-president at the time Rick Rubin, Paul Epworth, Ryan Tedder, Jim Abbiss, and Dan Wilson.Ī sleeper hit, 21 defied the modest commercial expectations of Adele's independent record label XL. She resumed production immediately after the breakdown of her relationship, channelling her heartbreak and depression into her songs. However, studio sessions ended prematurely due to a lack of inspiration. Looking to deviate from the brooding sound of her first album, she had intended to compose a more upbeat and contemporary follow-up. Composed in the aftermath of the singer's separation from her then partner, the album explores themes of heartbreak, healing, introspection, and forgiveness.Īdele began writing 21 in April 2009, when still involved in the relationship that subsequently inspired the record. 21 shares the Motown/ soul influences of her 2008 debut album 19, but also draws influence from the American country and Southern blues music that Adele started listening to during the North American leg of her tour An Evening with Adele.
The album was named after the age of the singer during its production. It was released on 24 January 2011 in Europe by XL Recordings and on 22 February 2011 in North America by Columbia Records. 21 is the second studio album by English singer-songwriter Adele.
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