Hump Day History

 

It was on this day in 2012 that Adele's album, 21, surpassed records set by The Beatles and Pink Floyd.  Sgt. Pepper's and The Wall had both enjoyed 15 weeks at number one on the American charts.  But Adele went for 16.

It is the best selling album of the 21st century.  Three of five singles released in its promotion became international number one songs.

Weeks after recording with Rick Rubin, she learned of her ex's engagement, and returned to the studio to record the final song.  The label wanted more production, but she argued to keep her arrangement, stating the song was personal to her and that she wrote it to "free herself."

And the third #1 song.

For this album, Adele became the first woman to top all three categories from Billboard:

Artist of the Year

Album of the Year

Song of the Year