What record label released Adele's first three albums?

XL Recordings released Adele’s first three studio albums: 19, 21, and 25. The London-based independent label signed Adele in 2006 after she attracted attention through recordings and performances connected with the UK music scene.

Her debut album, 19, was released in 2008 and introduced songs such as “Chasing Pavements” and “Hometown Glory.” 21 followed in 2011 and became a global phenomenon, driven by singles including “Rolling in the Deep” and “Someone like You.” Her third album, 25, arrived in 2015 and included “Hello,” another worldwide number-one hit.

The wording can cause confusion because Adele’s albums were also distributed or released through Columbia Records in the United States and some other markets. That does not replace XL Recordings as the central label associated with her first three albums. XL was the original and principal record label behind the releases, while Columbia handled major-market arrangements.

Adele later moved to Columbia for her fourth album, 30, released in 2021, marking a change from the label partnership associated with her first three albums.