Blackjack

After releasing the chart-topping album 19, Adele is back with her sophomore album, 21. (Adele’s age, fittingly) This two-time Grammy-winning artist has produced a stripped-down record worthy of praise.Adele has a soulful, unique, and distinctive voice that projects emotion into her songs. 21 has a number of stellar vocal performances. Adele’s dynamic vocals have an Amy Winehouse-quality with delta blues soul.

The album is well produced with good arrangements and surprisingly simplistic. Most songs have piano and vocals with little else beside strings, slide guitar, or horns. The album starts a little weak but gets stronger as it progresses. Adele’s catchy beat and lyrics cause the casual listener to become hooked.

Adele’s songs have a standard pop song structure and she is a big fan of breakdowns, such as in the stand out track “Rolling In The Deep.” It features a dark and stomping beat with a catchy, repetitive chorus. “Rumor Has It” also has a repetitive chorus and lyrics with a naughty vibe. “Set Fire To The Rain” is an epic and emotional song of longing. Along with nice piano arpeggios, Adele gives an amazing vocal performance on “Someone Like You” as her voice strains to reach notes that are just out of her natural vocal range.

Adele’s powerful vocals and excellent song writing will propel this album to the top of the pop charts. She has incorporated more musical influences on 21 than on her first album. Listen for these pop songs in your local Starbucks or corporate office building elevator for optimal effect.