You've heard it in supermarkets, during talent shows, and about anywhere else humans play music. I was initially skeptical of this beast of an album (in terms of mainstream popularity). However, after careful dissection, I can say that is a gorgeous album and a true classic. Let's take a look at what makes "21" (is 23 next?) such a memorable and visceral experience.
Adele follows up the enjoyable "19" with a much more mature effort in 21. The "soul" songstress is certainly hot and bothered on 21, and the album deals mostly with the theme of love and specifically the disintegration of love. First up is the most played song of 2011."Rolling in the Deep" was never really a song that I enjoyed; and by the 300th listen I am still unconvinced of its musical merit. The second cut, "Rumor Has It", is a slick and sexy romp through female resentment towards each other. I might get flack for this, but "Rumor Has It" is the musical equivalent of a "cat fight". The song is great, the bass hypnotizes, the ooohhs produce a nice choir-like sound that backs up Adele in her fight against what one can only assume to be a horrible bitch of person that the song is about. Next up is "Turning Tables", a sad piano-drive minor song is almost as sad as "Someone Like You". The breakup theme is clearly evident in this song; and Adele bares her soul amongst a rolling piano and nice orchestral melancholy strings arrangements. I love this song; one of the best on the album.
"Don't You Remember" was a lesser song on the album for me. The song feels a tad boring and forced; and Adele's golden larynx is almost drowned out by a sea of strings that sound out of place on this piece. Next is the best song album by a long shot; "Set Fire to the Rain" is a sort of "power ballad" with soaring strings and sombre piano following an almost march of a drum beat. The song reflects on the frustration and longing that follows separation; mourning for the loss of something that once was. Great song.
"He Won't Go" ventures into Mary J. territory and is very American sounding (think 90s R & B). The grinding song was pleasing enough; and I enjoyed the tinkling piano keys and soft guitar interjections. The song is a nice addition; but a bit of a musical island in a sea of very British sounding tracks. "Take It All" shows Adele's tendency to be a bit of an old soul; she shows off her smokey voice and lyrics that sound like someone with much more experience and baggage than her modest age of 21 at the time of recording. The song almost reminded me of the pining of Freddie Mercury; and the song is sad yet hopeful at the same time.
The album then takes a turn to "Winehouse town" and picks up in terms of tempo as well as lyrical content. "I'll Be Waiting" sounds much like other females coming out of the U.K. who have been labelled with the "soul" tag since Joss Stone hit the airwaves in the early 2000s. The rollicking number sounds like an Amy Winehouse outtake; and sounds somewhat dated with cheesy horns and subdued guitar that feels neutered. Definitely the weakest song on the album. On to "One and Only, a very sweet number about longing in love and commitment. The song is truly "old-skool; and one can almost imagine Otis Redding or Al Green belting out organ-backed lament. The song provides a much needed relief; a very upbeat oasis is a sea of dreary and melancholy songs. The jazzy cover of "Lovesong" by the Cure does not really add much to this album. It is not bad; but really just an afterthought; providing a soundtrack for Saturday afternoons shoe-shopping (I have heard it several times already). The album closes with the extremely blue "Someone Like You". The song has an instant ability to move many to tears, and it is a very touching reflection on the death of a relationship and all of the feelings that it creates. The song is beautiful in every sense of the word; and despite being metaphorically being beat over the head with it all Fall 2011, I still enjoy the song. This is the mark of quality music.
"21" has already sold millions and vaulted Adele into international super stardom. All of this attention is justified; it is a treasure among a sea of LMFAOs and NKOTB deluxe editions on the CD racks of Wal-Mart. The influence of this album cannot be possibly measured at this point; and the fact remains, Adele will around for years to come and whether you like it or not, get used to "Rolling in the Deep" because it ain't going anywhere. Excellent.
Rating-9/10
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