21

Nobody could predict the global sensation Adele was about to unleash when rolling out “21” in 2011. Certainly, her album “19” was a huge success, but “21” became a juggernaut of mega hits including “Rolling in the Deep;” “Rumour Has It;” “Set Fire to the Rain” and “Someone Like You.” There are only 11 songs on the album, and 9 of them charted. The album didn’t just peak at #1, it went into orbit. Although it was produced by the legendary Rick Rubins, it is Adele’s remarkable vocal range and power with such a soulful warmth that carries the whole album. More than a singer, Adele also co-wrote nearly the entire album with assists from Paul Epworth, Francis White, Dan Wilson and Ryan Tedder, among others. Clearly “21” has a cross-generational appeal, especially with it’s heavy soul influences, but it also seems to announce the arrival of the millennials as a generational force on the music industry. This is the UK LP pressing by the British-born star.