Paul Epworth

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Lore & Background

Epworth's collaboration with Adele reached its zenith during the creation of her second album, 21. In late 2010 and early 2011, they worked together to produce two tracks for the record: "Rolling in the Deep" and "I'll Be Waiting." (The track "He Won't Go" was produced by Rick Rubin.) The result of their work on "Rolling in the Deep" was a worldwide number-one single that became a cultural touchstone. On 12 February 2012, at the 54th Grammy Awards, Epworth won three awards: Song of the Year and Record of the Year for "Rolling in the Deep," plus Best Short Form Music Video for the song's video. (He was not a credited producer on enough tracks to qualify for Album of the Year, which went to Adele.) This partnership extended beyond pop albums; in 2013, Epworth and Adele received both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Skyfall." Their synergy continued with Adele's third album, 25, released in late 2015, which featured two tracks co-written and produced by Epworth: "I Miss You" and "Sweetest Devotion." This later work also contributed to 25 winning Album of the Year at the 59th Grammy Awards.

In Their Own Story

The collaboration that defined an era began with a specific vision for Adele's sound. In late 2010, Epworth co-wrote and produced "Rolling in the Deep," which became her first number-one single in the United States and a worldwide hit. The track's success was immediate, leading to a historic night at the 54th Grammy Awards where he took home four trophies, including Producer of the Year. Their creative partnership evolved over the years; by late 2015, they reunited to co-write "I Miss You" and "Sweetest Devotion" for the album 25. This continued success culminated in another Album of the Year Grammy win at the 59th ceremony. In September 2020, during an interview with NME, Epworth spoke extensively about this long-standing working relationship, highlighting the unique bond formed over a decade of shared musical milestones.

Reader's Guide

For fans exploring Adele's discography, Paul Epworth is the essential creative force behind her most acclaimed work. His production credits on 21 include the hit "Rolling in the Deep" and "I'll Be Waiting," tracks that established her as a global superstar. He also co-wrote these songs, contributing to their lyrical depth and rhythmic drive. The impact of this era was recognized with multiple Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year for "Rolling in the Deep." His influence extended to Adele's 25 album, where he produced "I Miss You" and "Sweetest Devotion," helping the record secure another Album of the Year win. Additionally, his work on "Skyfall" demonstrated their versatility in crafting cinematic themes. When listening to these tracks, notice how Epworth's production elevates Adele's vocals with dynamic percussion and layered instrumentation, creating a sound that is both intimate and stadium-ready.

Did You Know?

• Epworth co-wrote and produced two tracks on Adele's album 21: "Rolling in the Deep" and "I'll Be Waiting." (The song "He Won't Go" was produced by Rick Rubin.)
• On 12 February 2012, Epworth won three Grammy Awards for his work on Adele's 21 and "Rolling in the Deep": Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Short Form Music Video. He did not win Album of the Year or Produc
• Epworth and Adele jointly received an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song for "Skyfall" in 2013.
• Adele's album 25, featuring two Epworth co-written and produced tracks ("I Miss You" and "Sweetest Devotion"), won Album of the Year at the 59th Grammy Awards.