A steely temperament, a soulful voice that could damn a crowd, an impeccable and accessible debut album (a tortured soul sound in keeping with the times, coupled with a polished production), all while being signed to the most prestigious independent label, Rough Trade... Though only 19 at the time of her explosive debut, Adele already possessed the aura of a great singer. "21," her second album, would only confirm this. Well-surrounded (by sound masters Paul Epworth and Rick Rubin), and even more confident, the young Englishwoman cemented her reputation with a collection of songs destined to comfortably dominate the pop music highway. The rhythmic "Rolling in the Deep," with its foot stomps, gospel accents, and vintage backing vocals, thus powerfully opens "21."