Adele - 21

Coming out of the Tottenham section of North London, England Adele is back with her highly anticipated sophomore effort, 21. The follow up to 2008's spectacular 19 finds the British crooner continuing to wow the crowd with her spectacular vocal chops and diverse, rhythmic instrumentation spread all throughout the album that stands as one of the best albums of the year so far and definitely the best of her career so far.

The album comes charging out of the gate with the ferocious first single, "Rolling In The Deep" a breathtaking, spectacular track that shows off Adele's vocal prowess in grand fashion and one that keeps you entertained a great deal all throughout as well. "Rumour Has It" starts off with a rhythmic drum pattern, and a cooing vocal chorus heard distinctly in the background later kicks in that also mixes in beautifully with Adele's stellar vocals. "Don't You Remember" continues the album's upward momentum with an acoustic based ballad that shows Adele pouring her heart and soul out on a pure and consistent track inside and out. "Set Fire To The Rain" is a piano styled tune with a fragrant melodic undertone that gives the song that extra kick to make it stand out among all the rest of the pack.

The disc's second half starts off with "Take It All", a piano fueled ballad that is elegantly guided along by Adele's crisp vocal power giving the song allure and substance that carries it right until the very end. "One and Only" is a passionate, heartfelt ballad that is the perfect song if you're thinking about a special someone or just a person that you can't get out of your mind. "Lovesong" is a calm, soothing acoustic styled track that makes you feel right at ease with Adele's passionate voice hitting you immediately after it comes out of the speakers. My personal favorite song off the album is the disc's closing track, "Someone Like You" a track that best encapsulates the wide spectrum of emotions felt on the album, mostly revolving around deep, passionate love and how it makes you feel inside. It's not very often you come across an album that makes a particular emotion stand out so poignantly and so vividly that you can feel it deep inside your bones as you're listening to it. This is the album that did it for me with Adele's passionate and captivating vocal presence greatly enhancing the impact of those emotions and making the album one that I'll have on repeat for quite some time to come.

In retrospect, a stunning and remarkable second effort here from Adele, who has made her case known as one of the top young vocal talents out there in the business today. A fantastic album from start to finish and one that should definitely be treasured for what it is, an exquisite masterpiece. Buy this album now, highly recommended!

                                                                                                                                    Album Score: 4.5/5

Track Listing:

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