Fans Left Feeling Bittersweet as Adele’s 21 Misses the Top Spot
Adele, the queen of soul-stirring ballads, finds herself in a bittersweet moment as her critically acclaimed album 21 secures the second position in Billboard’s recently revealed “100 Best Albums of the 21st Century”. While the recognition of 21 as one of the greatest albums of our time is unquestionable, many fans can’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment that it narrowly missed the top spot.
Billboard’s Latest Rankings Stir Buzz
Following the release of its Top Artists of the 21st Century list just a day earlier, Billboard continued to captivate music enthusiasts with its highly anticipated “100 Best Albums of the 21st Century” rankings. The list, unsurprisingly, features an array of iconic names who have shaped modern music.
The top ten slots were a star-studded affair, with legendary albums making their mark. Lady Gaga’s revolutionary The Fame claimed the #10 spot, while Taylor Swift dominated with two albums in the top five: Fearless at #4 and the record-breaking 1989 at #3.
However, the big question on everyone’s lips was: who could possibly surpass these chart-topping powerhouses?
Morgan Wallen Takes the Crown
To the surprise of many, the #1 position went to Morgan Wallen, a country star whose Dangerous: The Double Album has etched its name into music history. Released on January 8, 2021, the album merges traditional country with pop and bro-country influences, showcasing Wallen’s versatility.
According to Billboard, Dangerous achieved unprecedented milestones:
- It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and remained there for 10 consecutive weeks, a feat last accomplished by Whitney Houston’s album in 1987.
- By September 2022, it had spent 86 weeks in the top 10, surpassing records held since the 1960s.
- As of December 28, 2024, the album had achieved 158 weeks in the top 10, second only to the original cast recording of My Fair Lady, which held 173 weeks from 1956 to 1960.
These staggering achievements solidify Wallen’s Dangerous as a groundbreaking work of the 21st century.
Adele’s 21: A Timeless Masterpiece
Despite missing the top spot, Adele’s 21 remains a monumental album that reshaped the music landscape. Released in 2011, 21 catapulted Adele into global superstardom, blending heartfelt lyrics with her unmatched vocal prowess.
The album’s commercial success was astronomical, and its critical acclaim unmatched. Tracks like “Rolling in the Deep”, “Someone Like You”, and “Set Fire to the Rain” became anthems of a generation. Many critics regard 21 as one of the finest studio albums ever produced.
Fans, however, feel a lingering sense of regret that this cultural phenomenon didn’t claim the top spot. Its legacy, though, is undiminished—21 continues to resonate deeply with listeners worldwide.
Controversies Surrounding the Rankings
The list didn’t escape scrutiny. While fans celebrated many inclusions, notable omissions sparked heated debates online. Albums like Teenage Dream by Katy Perry and Born to Die by Lana Del Rey, both widely recognized as transformative works, were conspicuously absent from the list.
For now, fans of Adele and other overlooked artists can only wonder how the rankings might have shifted if these decisions had been different.
A Century Defined by Music
As the dust settles, Billboard’s “100 Best Albums of the 21st Century” serves as a reminder of music’s transformative power. While Dangerous may reign supreme for now, albums like Adele’s 21 prove that true artistry transcends rankings, leaving a legacy that time cannot erase.
What are your thoughts on the rankings? Did your favorite albums make the cut? Let’s discuss!
