Review:

on 2012-03-18 CharlesMartel Said:

Occasionally something comes along which not only surprises you but reaffirms your faith in the essential qualities of music as a powerful force. For what is, essentially, a commercial mainstream pop album, Adele's "21" sure has a lot else that is going for it. After listening to this many times you rapidly come to the conclusion that there is something quite special here and, with some careful nurturing, Adele could prove to be one of the great artists of her generation.

Never mind the fact that everyone has this album (or so it seems) and that Adele has recently walked away with a bucket full of awards frome some self-promotional backslapping event for the music industry, there can be few occasions when hype, commercial popularity and genuine class have come together with such a style as this. Adele has written a collection of songs which describe, in her own words, things which were of importance to her at a particular time in her life. That this time in question is around her 21st year of age and you begin to realise that there is a talent in Adele that is lacking in so many of her contemporaries. This girl can write songs, personal songs, about real genuine feelings. In an environment which so often relies on the shallow, the inconsequential and prefers style over substance, that is refreshing.

What is better is that she can deliver those songs with the same emotion with which she has written them. No autotune or lipsynching here, this is a real talent. And so far, unlike Amy Winehouse, Adele has not trod a path to self-destruction. So what is it about a somewhat pudgy young girl with a great voice that has so captivated people? In short, it is that indefinable quality you get when you match good songs with talented delivery. That there have been a slew of singles from this should be seen as a compliment rather than as a marketing ploy (though I doubt her record company will share than sentiment). Each single has offered something new and it is hardly surprising that the public should have lapped it up.

"21" is the only album I know of in recent times which has not only been an outstanding commercial success, but has been lapped up by those who normally turn away from mainstream music. That you can hear singles from this album simultaneously on Absolute Radio (the UKs premier attempt at playing indie music) and on Capitol Radio (the unashamedly trashy bog-standard radio hit station) says it all. I have seen this album in the collection of all sorts from stay at home Mums to metalheads.

This is a great album, yes, but it is not outstanding. I wish it were. Adele's voice exceeds her song writing for, while the lyrics are full of personal agony and exhilaration, the music sometimes fails to match those sentiments. Occasionally, such as on "Someone Like You" the music fits exactly - simple piano, pleading lyrics, soaring voice - but on others, like "Rolling in the Deep", do not match up. Her cover of the Cure's "Lovesong" is particularly disappointing, even though it may have been a daring move on an album like this. I suspect the dead hand of some producer who has spent too much time smoothing out the edges to realise that the edges are what would have made this album a masterwork. Like I said, the record company can take the credit for any demerits this album has. I just hope Adele can come up with something which is more honest as a musical as well as a lyrical statement next time.
Rating: 8/10