1. Rolling In The Deep
2. Rumour Has It
3. Turning Tables
4. Don’t You Remember
5. Set Fire To The Rain
6. He Won’t Go
7. Take It All
8. I’ll Be Waiting
9. One And Only
10. Lovesong
11. Someone Like You
Ok, so I'm just gonna dive right into this blog today. Basically the only way you haven't heard of Adele at this point is if you live under a rock, which is really no excuse because her music is so rocking (ok horrible pun I know) that it would transcend all layers of the earth.
The beautiful and talented Adele first arrived on the US scene in 2009 with her debut album 19. With her soulful lyrics and strong voice Adele won our attentions. Three years later she brings us her sophomore album, appropriately titled 21.
The first single was released in November 2010 to bring attention to the album, and boy did it work.
Rolling in the Deep is by far one of the best songs I have heard in a long time. The lyrics, written by Adele, tell the story of a romance gone sour and though it may seem as if Adele is lamenting, truth be heard, she is telling the boy what an opportunity he missed out on. It's always great to hear a chick sing about a lost love and not sound like a wimpy, weepy female. Adele is not a damsel in distress and some of my favorite lyrics really show that she isn't messing around.
Example:
Baby I have no story to be told
But I’ve heard one of you
And I’m gonna make your head burn
Think of me in the depths of your despair
Making a home down there
Cause mine sure won't be shared.
That's just a little glimpse into the lyrical genius of Adele. What really makes this song shine though is her soulful voice with one hell of a beat adding to the power. The strength in this song sets up the rest of the album, and while I could talk about Rolling in the deep forever (I know I repeat it enough) it is just a prelude to a great album.
Rumor Has it is the second song on the album and the perfect follow up to Rolling in the deep. Like most of her songs it tells a story about the power of rumors and how what we hear may not always be true. The song, much like it's predecessor, has a very strong beat to it that has you tapping your feet in time with the music. Her voice sound fantastic, and the slight rasp gives this song a 1950's rocking oldies feel to it. The song starts off with a perfectly timed bass drum before humming vocals add to the power of the song, and then her voice starts and it helps kick the song into gear.
This song is great, it maintains the power of Rolling in the deep while still being different enough to stand on it's own. The only downside to the song is at about 2:18 when the song all of a sudden slows down to piano and her own haunting vocals. Now I know many people may like this breakdown in a song, but to me it feels unnecessary. The breakdown has no real significance and just takes down from the power that is Adele.
With that being said though, it's still a great song.
Now, number 3 Turning Tables, is a much slower but beautiful ballad. The piano and violin give this song such a unique feel it's wonderful to hear the violin being used on a mainstream song. As I said, it is slower but just as powerful as the two before it and though I do enjoy the song, it is not one I find myself listening to as much as Rolling in the deep and Rumor has it.
Gonna jump a round a little bit here now. Something I found truly interesting was Adele's desire to cover The Cure's 1989 "Lovesong". To be honest I thought it was a good cover, I know a lot of people hate covers, especially when it comes to bands like The Cure but for a soulful female british singer (I added femlare cause The Cure's lead singer was british as well) I thought it was a good cover. It kept that mellow, seductive vibe that the original contained and she still added her own flavor to it. You be the judge ont hat cover though. Adele's LoveSong and The Cure's LoveSong
Some of the other stand out songs was the beautiful Someone Like You. With the mellow piano and her haunting lyrics you can feel her heartbreak in this song. And since just about everyone has experienced their own heartbreaks it is nice to have some words to it.
The whole album is chock full of great songs. Really there doesn't feel like a weak song on the album, but in my opinion the coup-de-gras of this album is track number 5.
Set Fire To the Rain is almost indescribable. While considered a "slow" song compared to Rolling in the Deep, there is just as much power to it. Her voice touches to the core of your being as she varies from raw and intense in the chorus to almost gentle like in the verses. What is so great is how she is able to transition so smoothly that you don't really realize it is happening. The verses bring a slow build up to her strong chorus. And of course the lyrics are phenom. In my heart of hearts I am obsessed with imagery, and there is nothing more beautiful than when a talented lyricist is able to paint an image with her words.
The image that Adele portrays is one of heartbreak, pain, suffering and that of a woman scorned. Now, normally that is not a beautiful picture but with her lyrical paintings and powerful voice you realize you are listening to a masterpiece.
Overall, I rate this album as a must have. There is not a song you will regret owning, but if you are not a fan of the album ownage then above all the other songs you must have Rolling in the Deep and Set Fire to the Rain. I promise you won't regret those!
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