ADELE – 21

Product Description

ADELE 21

21 is the second studio album by English singer-songwriter Adele. It was released on 24 January 2011 in Europe by XL Recordings and on 22 February 2011 in North America by Columbia Records. The album was named after the age of the singer during its production. 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. Composed in the aftermath of the singer’s separation from her then partner, the album explores themes of heartbreak, healing, introspection, and forgiveness.

Adele began writing 21 in April 2009, when still involved in the relationship that subsequently inspired the record. Looking to deviate from the brooding sound of her first album, 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, channelling her heartbreak and depression into her songs.

Adele has already had an incredible career. Aged 19, she became the first recipient of the BRITS Critics’ Choice Award. Her Mercury nominated debut album ‘19’ sold over 20,000 copies in Australia, debuted at #1 in the UK Charts, and went on to become a double platinum album, selling over 2 million copies worldwide. Her debut single ‘Chasing Pavements’ was also a massive global hit, reaching #2 in the UK. In 2009, at 20 years old, she won two Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Critically acclaimed by many of her musical contemporaries, Adele well and truly made her mark. Chapter two begins here.

Most of the album was made in Malibu, with the legendary Rick Rubin (Johnny Cash, Jay Z, Red Hot Chilli Peppers), and in Kensal Rise, London with Paul Epworth (Plan B, Bloc Party, Florence). Adele cites Wanda Jackson, Yvonne Fair, Andrew Bird, Mary J Blige, Mos Def, Elbow, Tom Waits and Kanye West amongst others as key influences on ‘21’.

DISC 1

Rolling In The Deep

Rumour Has It

Turning Tables

Don’t You Remember

Set Fire To The Rain

He Won’t Go

Take It All

I’ll Be Waiting

One And Only

Lovesong

Someone Like You