Adele – 21
7.5/10
I've been continuously putting off writing a review for Adele's sophomore record 21, mainly because I had a hard time figuring out exactly how I felt about it. Before it's release, I heard nothing but amazing things that built up this LP so much that I was expecting to hear the greatest collection of songs the world has ever witnessed. I've listened to it quite a few times now and can finally affirm that the first half is so incredibly strong, then disappointingly winds down with tracks that are, well...less appealing. The beat-driven opener, “Rolling in the Deep,” prepares her audience for the heart-wrenching journey the rest of the album entails. Remaining steady throughout songs “Rumour Has It,” to “He Won't Go,” the record then hits a sudden slump. While the rest of the album is still good, I feel like it lost it's momentum and the variety that we found in her stellar debut 19. Her cover of The Cure's “Lovesong” is nicely done, but not the best version of the balled I've heard (I'm a sucker for 311's). It does however slowly lift the record back to it's initial level of awesomeness and introduces a change of heart in “Someone Like You.” It's obvious that Adele Adkins is extremely talented, with a gorgeous, soulful voice that could melt the heart of an ice queen. This time around, she is much lighter on the jazz, her sound has of course matured and is more emotional and experienced. With the exception of a few tracks, the album is for the most part a fierce lash out at an ex-lover, perfectly crafted into modern bold soul tunes. Revenge is sweet indeed.
Adele - "Set Fire to the Rain"Watch below: Adele's live performance of "Someone Like You" at the 2011 BRIT Awards.
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