The song that made Adele a global superstar, spending 65 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning three Grammy Awards in 2012.

Breakthrough Hit

Released as the lead single from 21 in November 2010, “Rolling in the Deep” blended pop, soul, and gospel into a revenge anthem that resonated across demographics. Co-written with producer Paul Epworth, the song’s explosive chorus and Adele’s powerhouse vocals made it inescapable throughout 2011.

The track topped charts in 12 countries, sold over 8.5 million copies in the US alone, and became the best-selling digital song by a female artist. Its parent album 21 spent 24 non-consecutive weeks at #1 and became the top-selling album of both 2011 and 2012.

Cultural Dominance

At the 2012 Grammys, “Rolling in the Deep” won Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Short Form Music Video. Adele also swept Album of the Year (21), Best Pop Vocal Album, and Best Pop Solo Performance (“Someone Like You”).

The song’s success broke the female artist curse at radio and proved that vocal talent could still dominate in the Auto-Tune era. Countless covers emerged, from Aretha Franklin to Linkin Park.

Sources:

• Grammy Wins: https://www.grammy.com/awards/54th-annual-grammy-awards
• Sales Figures: https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/