#137 of 500
· Rolling Stone
“21 by Adele (2011) sits at #137 and earns every bit of it. Deep enough in the list to separate casual fans from serious collectors. The XL/Columbia pressing is built for vinyl playback — the kind of album that sounds better on wax.”
Adele Laurie Blue Adkins burst onto the music scene in 2008 with her debut album '19,' which showcased her powerful contralto voice and emotional songwriting. Her sophomore album '21' (2011) became a cultural phenomenon, spending 24 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 and becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time. The album's lead single 'Rolling in the Deep' and 'Someone Like You' established her as a global superstar. After a hiatus, she returned with '25' (2015), another commercial juggernaut that dominated charts worldwide. Her fourth studio album '30' (2021) marked a shift toward introspective storytelling, exploring themes of divorce and personal growth with the same vocal prowess that defined her career.
Style
Adele's music blends contemporary pop with soul and R&B influences, characterized by her distinctive, soaring vocals and emotionally resonant ballads. Her style emphasizes powerful vocal delivery and piano-driven arrangements that appeal to both pop and adult contemporary audiences.
Significance
Adele's albums are among the most collected recent vinyl releases, particularly '21' and '25,' which have sold millions of copies on vinyl worldwide. Her return to vinyl collecting's popularity in the 2010s-2020s makes her records highly sought after by collectors, representing a major moment in the vinyl renaissance among mainstream pop artists.
Adele's third studio album '21' was recorded between 2010 and 2011 across multiple studios and with various producers including Rick Rubin, Ryan Tedder, and The Smeezingtons. The album was primarily inspired by Adele's breakup with her long-term boyfriend, marking a shift toward more uptempo, soul-influenced production compared to her previous work. The album features the hit single 'Rolling in the Deep,' recorded with producer Rick Rubin, which showcases a more energetic, blues-influenced sound. Other notable tracks like 'Someone Like You' and 'Set Fire to the Rain' were co-written with various collaborators. Adele has stated that the album was cathartic, allowing her to process her emotions while evolving her artistic sound toward more mature, confident material.
Historical Context
'21' was released in February 2011 during a period of strong sales for soul and pop music, following the massive success of Adele's previous album '25.' The album became a cultural phenomenon, dominating charts worldwide and spending record-breaking weeks at number one on the Billboard 200. It resonated globally during an economic downturn, with audiences connecting to its emotional authenticity. The album won six Grammy Awards in 2012, including Album of the Year, cementing Adele's status as one of the most significant artists of her generation. Its success helped revitalize interest in soul-influenced pop music.
Pressing Notes
'21' was released on vinyl in various editions by XL Recordings. The original pressing featured the standard tracklist on 180-gram vinyl, which has become a collector's item due to its popularity and high sales. Various deluxe and reissue editions have been released over the years, including special anniversary pressings. Collectors should note that early pressings vary in quality; original UK and European pressings tend to be highly sought-after. The album's popularity means many vinyl copies remain in circulation, though pristine first pressings command premium prices. Check pressing information and condition carefully when purchasing, as this album has had numerous reissues.
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