In 21 Adele writes and sings as if she’s lived a lifetime over. Her breathtaking lyrics, powerful melodies and stripped back power pulls at the deepest wells of human emotion. It’s amazing she can pull something like this off when writing the songs at twenty-one years of age. I can’t wait to see what else she provides us with 25.
Adele’s 21 is the sophomore album from British singer-songwriter that I’ve eagerly anticipated since her debut album, 19.
This new collection of songs solidifies her standing as one of my favorite vocalists. But even though it is still Adele’s already signature style, the album takes on a different vibe than the first. Rather than a more jazzy standards feel that the first album had, this new album has a more bluesy, gospel, old-school country feel to it to which I cannot stop listening.
Her vocals are sheer perfection. There is the power and emotion throughout the songs that make them resonate strongly with you. But apart from her vocal style and penetrating tone, the strength of her songwriting shines through across all the tracks on this album. It’s unbelievable to me that she is able to write such poignant songs of anguish, heartache, love and joy at her age.
Adele has managed to construct a wonderful album with amazing tracks from beginning to end. “Rolling in the Deep” has this wonderfully powerful and soulful track where you can completely relate to that moment when you catch someone in their deceptive ways. “Someone Like You” will give you chills as the emotion is written across every last note of Adele’s vocal. The percussive quality of “Rumor Has It” makes it a great bluesy track, and “Take It All” left the most lasting impression on me through its basic truth and rawness. Even “Lovesong” is different enough from the original while holding true to the essence of the song to make it an extremely successful cover.
This album has only seemed to get better with every listen. I’ve had it on repeat since I’ve downloaded it on iTunes and I haven’t found a bad track in the bunch.
Rating: A+
Curious what inspired the songs on 21. Listen to Adele’s discussions of the songs on her newest album courtesy of VEVO. It’s very interesting.
Vodpod videos no longer available.
Vodpod videos no longer available.
Vodpod videos no longer available.
Vodpod videos no longer available.
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