The first affair I appreciate about singer/songwriter Adele is her enormous and soulful voice, which effortlessly reaches the lowest of low notes before transitioning to wonderful high notes. The young artist pairs this with songs that fit her talent, despite them having a classic sound much different to that of her peers.
Adele's 21, her sophomore album, in particular has this organic feel that many indie singers try to emulate but so few succeed. The "blues" label is categorically accurate with the majority of the songs being roughly the hurt and pain from love, and Adele co-wrote each original song on the album, a feat so worthy of praise when you see all of the different structures found in 21.
"Rolling in the Deep," 21`s first single, leads the way of this stellar album. The clapping and echoing from the back-up singers has this wonderful soul element that surely made this the instant pick for the first single. It was produced by Paul Epworth, another Brit, who has also worked with Cee-Lo Green, and it might be but me, but I do see a similar sound between the two based on this track.
"Rumor Has It" is another monster track, so often so that I would not be surprised if this was selected as the album's third or fourth single. It stands out as the only track produced and co-written by Ryan Tedder, a perfect collaboration of talent. When I listen to this song with its '70s rock vibe, I see fierce bobs, peace signs, polyester shirts, and bell bottoms. The lyrics issue a challenge to this apple of Adele's eye. Equally as impressive is "Turning Tables," a simply beautiful song that wonderfully contrasts "Rumor Has It" with a resignation to a bad relationship.
The theme of "Don't You Think" is a sad one, but beyond the power of Adele's voice, the lyrical content is simply as strong. The call has an almost country vibe, anchored by the occasional soft guitar. The attitude is carried over into "Set Fire to the Rain," which was an instant favourite of mine. One of my favorite lyrics is "The games you played, you will ever win." The drift between metaphorical and literal is a terrific writing tool that co-writer and producer Fraser T. Smith brought to the song.
There's a segment of songs toward the middle of the album that may appeal to fans of '80s to '90s soul/blues, but the quasi-modern sound doesn't strike me as powerfully as with the surrounding tracks. Beginning with "He Won't Go," I found these songs to be boring or something stereotypically heard at the end of a movie. Adele covers The Cure's "Lovesong," but I don't feel the power of her voice truly fits with this type of song. 311′s chart-topping cover is often better.
The album closes with second single "Someone Like You." It has a beautiful piano arrangement that matches the highs and lows of the verses. I find the call to be a bit more conversational in its phrasing, which provides a nice contrast to some of the other tracks on 21.
There are two tracks available on the HMV (like another Virgin Records but in the UK) Deluxe Edition. Both are covers, and the first is "If It Hadn't Been for Love" by bluegrass band The Steeldrivers. The simple acoustic guitar with Adele's smooth and solid voice in this song knocks it out of the park. It sounds like an acoustic performance, but one only as controlled as a professional studio recording. You truly don't try this sort of sound anymore NOR the song format either with a repeated phrase introducing each line of verses. The track is even a little gangster with my favorite line, "Never would have loaded up the 44 and put myself behind a jailhouse door if it hadn't been, if it hadn't been for love."
I absolutely adore that the closing track is "Hiding In My Heart." The call is a tender one most truly missing someone. The lyrical content could easily pass for a call from the 1940s, but it does take a touch of modernness. It's a tune that is so easily applicable to anyone you may be missing or off from in your life. Both tracks are produced by Rodaidh McDonald, who truly had an ear for songs that would sound amazing being covered by Adele.
With all of these wonderful tracks, you get a literal sense of who Adele is, and that person, while vulnerable, is not one that will take pain simply lying down. She gets angry and honest about it, and I much prefer this stance to that of the majority of the tween singers out there. I would have enjoyed some songs being about anything other than heartbreak, but the collection provides a positive spin on that point of view. 2011 has barely begun, but this is an early competitor for best album of the year.
Adele's June 9th show, originally reported to be at The Wiltern, has been touched to The Hollywood Palladium. Tickets are on sale now.
For more information on Adele, go to:adele.tv
Article By: Allan Stackhouse
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