In the entire history of the recording industry, only 78 albums have sold 10 million copies, earning the rare diamond certification from the RIAA. These days, it almost never happens; it’s hard enough to get an album to sell one million copies and go platinum. The last album that went diamond was Nelly’s Country Grammar, which took 16 years to go diamond and which was awarded the certification earlier this year. Before that, it was Adele’s 2011 album 21, which took way less time. And last night, Adele got herself another one, bringing the all-time total to 79. Adele’s 2015 album 25 has gone diamond, and it’s done it in less than a year. Her label presented her with the plaque last week at Madison Square Garden, where she was performing. This sort of thing simply does not happen anymore. However you feel about Adele’s music, it’s a staggering achievement in this era.