Claim: Adele was given a recording contract by XL Recordings.

21 is the second studio album by British singer Adele . It was released on 24 January 2011 in most of Europe , and on 22 February 2011 in North America . The album was named after the age of the singer during its production . 21 shares the folk and Motown soul influences of her 2008 debut album 19 , but was further inspired by the American country and Southern blues music to which she had been exposed during her 2008 -- 09 North American tour An Evening with Adele . Composed in the aftermath of the singer 's separation from her partner , the album typifies the near dormant tradition of the confessional singer-songwriter in its exploration of heartbreak , self-examination , and forgiveness .   Adele began writing 21 in April 2009 , when still involved in the relationship that subsequently inspired the record . Dissatisfied with once again portraying herself as the musical tragedian 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 , channelling 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 .   Praised by critics for its understated production , vintage aesthetic , and Adele 's vocal performance , 21 defied the modest commercial expectations of her indie record label XL Recordings . The album topped the charts in more than 30 countries and became the world 's best-selling album of the year for 2011 and 2012 . In the United Kingdom , it is the best-selling album of the 21st century and fourth best-selling album of all time , while its 23-week tenure atop the UK Albums Chart is the longest by a female solo artist . In the United States , the album held the top position for 24 weeks , longer than any other album since 1985 and the longest by a female solo artist in Billboard 200 history . As well , it had the most weeks on the Billboard 200 chart of any album by a woman .   It was certified Diamond by the RIAA and was ranked as the `` Greatest Billboard 200 Album of All Time . ''   Five singles were released to promote the album , with `` Rolling in the Deep , '' `` Someone like You '' and `` Set Fire to the Rain '' becoming international number-one songs , while `` Rumour Has It '' charted in the top 20 across Europe and North America . Globally , 21 was the biggest selling musical release for both 2011 and 2012 , and helped revitalise lagging sales of the UK and US music industry . With over 31 million copies sold worldwide , 21 is one of the best-selling albums of all time . Critics hailed the album as a shift from the overtly sexual and musically bombastic status quo , and attributed its success to its deeply autobiographical yet universal songs . Shortlisted for the 2011 Mercury Prize , 21 won the 2012 Grammy Award for Album of the Year and the Brit Award for British Album of the Year .