Paul Epworth

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Lore & Background

Epworth's collaboration with Adele began in earnest during the creation of her second album, 21. He co-wrote and produced three specific songs for the record: "Rolling in the Deep," which became a worldwide number one single; "I'll Be Waiting"; and "He Won't Go" (though Rick Rubin produced "He Won't Go," Epworth co-wrote it). Epworth handled the production for the other two, with "Rolling in the Deep" standing out as a massive commercial success. This partnership yielded significant accolades, including three Grammy Awards on 12 February 2012, where Epworth took home trophies for Producer of the Year, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year for "Rolling in the Deep," while the Album of the Year award for 21 was credited to Adele and the collective producers. The chemistry between them extended to Adele's subsequent album, 25, released in late 2015. On this record, Epworth co-wrote and produced two tracks: "I Miss You" and "Sweetest Devotion." His involvement helped secure another Album of the Year Grammy for Adele at the 59th ceremony.

In Their Own Story

In early 2011, the music world reacted to the release of "Rolling in the Deep," a track co-written and produced by Epworth that reached number one globally. The song's success was a major turning point, propelling Adele's album 21 to massive acclaim. Later that year, Epworth continued his work with her on tracks like "I'll Be Waiting." The collaboration deepened over the years, culminating in his return for Adele's third studio effort, 25. In late 2015, he co-wrote and produced "I Miss You" and "Sweetest Devotion" for that album. By September 2020, Epworth reflected on this long-standing relationship in an interview with NME, discussing the history of their work together. Their partnership is noted not just for its commercial success but for the specific creative contributions that shaped two of Adele's most celebrated albums.

Reader's Guide

For fans exploring Paul Epworth's contributions to Adele's discography, focus on the albums 21 and 25 as the primary anchors. On 21, look specifically for "Rolling in the Deep," "I'll Be Waiting," and "He Won't Go" (noting that while Epworth co-wrote all three, he produced only two of them). His production on "Rolling in the Deep" was instrumental in its chart-topping performance. On 25, identify "I Miss You" and "Sweetest Devotion" as the tracks where he served as both co-writer and producer. These five songs represent the core of their collaborative output documented in the source. Additionally, note that Epworth won multiple awards specifically tied to these works: four Grammys for 21-related achievements in 2012 and a fifth Grammy for Album of the Year on 25 in 2016. His role evolved from a key producer on the breakthrough album to a continued collaborator on the follow-up, solidifying his place as one of her most frequent creative partners.

Did You Know?

• Epworth co-wrote and produced three tracks on Adele's album 21: "Rolling in the Deep," "I'll Be Waiting," and "He Won't Go" (though Rick Rubin produced "He Won't Go," and Epworth only produced the other two).
• He won three Grammy Awards on 12 February 2012 for his work with Adele: Producer of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year for "Rolling in the Deep." (The Album of the Year award for 21 was credited to Adele
• Epworth returned to collaborate with Adele on her 2015 album 25, co-writing and producing "I Miss You" and "Sweetest Devotion."
• Adele's album 25, which featured Epworth's production, won Album of the Year at the 59th Grammy Awards.
• In September 2020, Epworth gave an interview to NME where he discussed his long-standing working relationship with Adele.