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| Adele 21 (2011) |
21 is the second studio album by English recording artist Adele. Released on 24 January 2011 in most of Europe, and on 22 February 2011 in North America, it was named after the age of the singer during its production. The album shares the folk and Motown soul influences of her debut album 19, but was further inspired by the American country and Southern blues music to which she had been exposed during her 2008 - 2009 North American tour An Evening with Adele. Composed in the aftermath of the singer's separation from her partner, the album explores themes of anger, revenge, heartbreak, self-examination, and forgiveness.
Adele began writing 21 in April 2009, while still involved in the relationship that subsequently inspired the record. Dissatisfied with once again portraying herself as the musical tragedienne of her debut, she had intended to compose a more upbeat and contemporary follow-up. However, studio sessions ended prematurely due to a lack of inspiration. She resumed production immediately after the breakdown of her relationship, channeling her heartbreak and depression into her songs. Adele collaborated with various songwriters and producers, including Columbia Records co-president Rick Rubin, Paul Epworth, Ryan Tedder, Jim Abbiss, and Dan Wilson.
Critically praised for its understated production, vintage authenticity, and Adele's vocal performance, 21 defied the modest commercial expectations of her indie record label XL Recordings and became a sleeper hit in 2011. The album topped the charts in more than 30 countries and appeared in the 2012 edition of the Guinness World Records. The UK's best-selling album of the 21st century, its 23-week tenure atop the UK Albums Chart is the longest by a female solo artist. Singles "Rolling in the Deep", "Someone Like You", and "Set Fire to the Rain" became worldwide number-one hits, while "Rumour Has It" and "Turning Tables" charted in the top 20 across Europe and North America.
With sales of over 22 million copies as of June 2012, 21 was the best-selling musical release of 2011 and helped revitalise lagging sales of the United States and UK music industry. Critics speculated on the nature of the album's success with audiences across the world and viewed its reception in the U.S. as a shift from the overtly sexual and sonically bombastic status quo. In 2012, the album won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year and the BRIT Award for British Album of the Year.
Track List :
- Rolling in the Deep 3:49
Download Rolling in the Deep
- Rumour Has It 3:43
Download Rumour Has It
- Turning Tables 4:10
Download Turning Tables
- Don't You Remember 4:03
Download Don't You Remember
- Set Fire to the Rain 4:01
Download Set Fire to the Rain
- He Won't Go 4:37
Download He Won't Go
- Take It All 3:48
Download Take It All
- I'll Be Waiting 4:01
Download I'll Be Waiting
- One and Only 5:48
Download One and Only
- Lovesong 5:16
Download Lovesong
- Someone Like You 4:47
Download Someone Like You
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