Adele‘s new album, 21, hits shelves on Tuesday, though it’s been out in the UK since January. Yes, it’s just as amazing as you may have heard.

Just before boarding a plane to the U.S. to promote the release of 21, the British singer-songwriter wowed the home crowd at last Tuesday’s BRIT Awards, a performance that left Adele visibly emotional by song’s end. Unless yours is a cold, cold heart that’s never been broken, you may find yourself having a similar response:

The record-buying public in the UK must have been moved, as “Someone Like You” soars from #46 to #1 this week. First single, “Rolling In The Deep,” is at #4, while Adele has the #1 album with 21 and sits at #4 with her debut LP, 19. That quartet of Top 5 chart positions means Adele has equalled a record which The Beatles set back in 1964.

Arriving on American soil, Adele paid a visit to NPR for their Tiny Desk Concert series. Listening to this intimate stripped-down set, it’s worth remembering that Grammy’s 2009 Best New Artist is just 22 years old. It remains absolutely refreshing that someone like Adele, making the kind of music she does, can find success without relying on a single stitch of the frippery that’s become a near-requisite in today’s pop.

I don’t care how many times I hear “Rolling In The Deep” — whether in original, remix, or acoustic form, it’s one of those rare songs I wish would never end.

After stopping by the Today Show on Friday (clips here and here), Adele continues her U.S. takeover tomorrow night with a Live On Letterman webcast. She hits the stage of the Ed Sullivan Theater at 9:00 est/6:00 pst, so be sure to clear your calendar.

Adele’s 21 arrives Tuesday. Download her Tiny Desk Concert performance via NPR.