After English-born singer Adele Adkins — who is most often referred to as Adele — debuted in 2008 with her album, 19, and subsequently earned two Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal in 2009, many of her fans anxiously awaited the arrival of her second album, 21.
With its release on Feb. 22 in the U.S., Adele proves why she deserves praise for her vocals through her unique compositions and musical artistry.
I wanted to buy her new CD after I heard her latest single, “Rolling in the Deep.” The soul and R&B rhythm was combined with a unique and talented voice. I had high expectations, and after listening to the album, all of my expectations were met.
Though a majority of the songs are not as upbeat as the single, her music brings out her true talent as a vocalist. This raw talent is hard to find among many other popular artists.
Adele not only has skill as an artist but also has a flair for creating original and innovative works. The theme of most of her songs involves her experiences with love, and she delivers them with passion and emotion that affect the listener.
For example, the lyrics in “Someone Like You” state her feelings toward past problems and her desires to move on to something better for her life: “Never mind, I’ll find someone like you, / I wish nothing but the best for you, too, / Don’t forget me, I beg, / I remember you said, / ‘Sometimes it lasts in love, / But sometimes it hurts instead.'”
In addition, the songs give a wide variety of musical stylings to choose from. Some have more of an R&B feel, while others have a pop or rock ‘n’ roll sound, which play a key role in the songs. Due to her decision to have either a full band or only a piano accompaniment, Adele helps create the tone and message she wants her listeners to get after hearing one of her songs.
In “Rolling in the Deep,” the upbeat music gives the impression of her strength through her hardships: “Finally I can see you crystal clear / Go ahead and sell me out and I’ll lay your ship bare. / See how I’ll leave, with every piece of you / Don’t underestimate the things that I will do.” The drum beat and backup vocals show the individuality that the lyrics suggest. This is just one example of how Adele’s musical stylings affect her music.
The album includes 10 original songs and one cover of “Lovesong,” by The Cure. Each track shows the ways in which Adele has matured since her first album and how her reactions to those experiences have changed with her maturity. Both names of the albums — 19 and 21 — are the ages at which she recorded her music.
In all honesty, it is hard for me to find any areas that can be improved. The only part that does not flow well with the rest of the CD is her cover of “Lovesong” because it seems to lack the emotion she brings to the other songs, probably due to the fact that it is not her own.
21 demonstrates Adele’s amazing musical talent and gift for singing. The music of the CD goes beyond expectations and there is no better way to describe it than to call it absolutely stunning.
The album is available on iTunes, on Amazon.com and at most local music stores.
For more music reviews, read the Jan. 28 article, ‘The King Is Dead’ proves Decemberists’ growth.
