Album review: Adele's '21'
Two particular songs on "21," Adele's accomplished follow-up to her debut, "19," both named for the age at which she recorded them, marvelously bookend the singer's twin talents for characterization in song and pure blowsy strength, the kind that could rip out a cornfield by the roots.
One of those songs, "I'll Be Waiting," highlights Adele's heartbroken resiliency. Produced by Paul Epworth and co-written with Adele, "I'll Be Waiting" is a neo-soul sashay, swishing with confidence and brio, and it inspires the singer to push her vocal expressions into sweet howls reminiscent of Dusty Springfield, another Brit deeply influenced by American country and soul. "I'll be somebody different," Adele sings, not as concession but as exuberant promise, "I'll be better to you."
It figures then that the other track that gives Adele ample ground for theatrics, albeit of a more moody ilk, is another contribution from Epworth, who's also worked with Cee Lo Green and Florence and the Machine. "Rolling in the Deep," the album's first single, provides Adele with the perfect stormy vessel; her voice tossing and turning, shipwrecked and mad but never losing control.
There are other worthy tracks on "21," like the Rick Rubin-produced "He Won't Go," with its elegant piano and ticking beat, and the softly sentimental "Turning Tables," but they don't scrape at an exciting greatness the way the other two do. Occasionally, Adele finds herself in lesser territory, like "Don't You Remember," which sounds overwrought in both construction and performance.
Overall, "21" shows that Adele, now 22, is towering in the same landscape where some of her contemporaries, beehived or not, have lost all their bearings. Who knows what damage she'll exact for "30," but let's hope Epworth is along for the ride.
-- Margaret Wappler
Adele
"21"
Columbia
Three stars (Out of four)
I'm incredibly excited about her record. She's an amazing musician!
Posted by: Adeola | February 21, 2011 at 08:08 PM
Thanks for the heads up. Looking forward for some more great posts from your end
Posted by: International Female DJ | February 21, 2011 at 09:07 PM
Adele's talent never fails to blow me away, I'm really looking forward to picking up "21" on vinyl tomorrow! I've been following all the extra footage this month over on her website - everybody else should check it out too: www.adele.tv
Posted by: Julie | February 21, 2011 at 10:58 PM
she is fabulous!!!
Posted by: Brenda Cibelli | February 22, 2011 at 06:17 AM
English girl singers are doing really well at the moment: Adele, PJ Harvey and Anna Calvi and even Marianne Faithfull. Go girls!
Posted by: rocknmovies | February 22, 2011 at 10:39 AM
Much better than the first. Quite impressive, for such a young musician.
Posted by: hawksfan13 | February 22, 2011 at 01:41 PM
Another excellent album by this very talented singer/songwriter. I hope she will make many more.
Posted by: Bill Logsdon | February 22, 2011 at 03:05 PM
They've been streaming this album on NPR... after hearing Adele's voice I knew I had to pick it up. Great album!!
Posted by: jerri | February 23, 2011 at 02:57 AM
I have to disagree about the analysis of the single "Don't You Remember". I just heard her sing it live at the David Letterman online show and it is amazing. As a songwriter, she is heads and shoulders above her peers who simply rewrite the same song over and over or rely too heavily on those artists who came before them. It is refreshing to hear songs that exhibit good old fashioned emotion and depth without relying on the hype of management and bloggers to generate buzz. She's the real deal and there's no need for hyperbole or gimmicks, just talent. What a concept!
Posted by: ho hum | February 24, 2011 at 12:22 AM
Did you even mention "Someone Like You?" Let us check back in 4 weeks and see if people are discussing it more so than the songs you mentioned. Surely, this is a testament to the quality of this young woman's voice, songwriting, and album. It is not just that she can sing, but by god she can emote. Awesome!
Posted by: progress | February 27, 2011 at 11:53 AM
WOW!
Posted by: mtgirl435 | March 03, 2011 at 08:48 PM
Adele's '21' was simply amazing. It's one of those rare albums that you don't have to skip any songs. Anyone thinking about purchasing it should stop right now and DO IT. Can't wait for the 'Kid Pistol Presents: 21 - Reprise' album, that should be good. You guys should check that out too. http://21reprise.wordpress.com/2011/03/19/music-fans-adele-fans-welcome/
Posted by: Josh:) | March 19, 2011 at 11:58 PM
I cannot stop listening to this beautiful album. I love every song and every note. The album makes me scream, cry, laugh, and break out in goose bumps. Love it all.
Posted by: chris w | April 14, 2011 at 07:36 AM
How about Rumor Has It or One and Only? There are many great songs on this CD!
Posted by: L. | May 23, 2011 at 01:14 PM