21 - Adele

Adele's second studio album, 21, is her second studio album. It was released by XL Recordings in Europe on January 24, 2011, and Columbia Records in North America on February 22, 2011. The album was called after the singer's age at the time of its recording. Adele began listening to American country and Southern blues music during the North American leg of her tour An Evening with Adele, and 21 shares the Motown/soul influences of her 2008 debut album 19. It also draws influence from the American country and Southern blues music Adele began listening to during the North American leg of her tour An Evening with Adele. The album, which was written following the singer's breakup with her then-partner, tackles themes of heartbreak, healing, contemplation, and forgiveness.

Adele started composing 21 in April 2009, while remaining in the relationship that would later inspire the album. She planned to produce a more joyful and modern follow-up to her first album, in order to depart from the melancholy feel of her first. However, due to a lack of creativity, studio sessions were cut short. She began producing soon after her relationship ended, channeling her sadness and depression into her music. Adele worked with a number of composers and producers, including Rick Rubin, the co-president of Columbia Records at the time, Paul Epworth, Ryan Tedder, Jim Abbiss, and Dan Wilson.

Worldwide sales (in millions): 31.0