Adele
30
Columbia/Melted Stone
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When Adele released her debut album 19 in 2008 and followed up with the global smash 21 two years later, she carved out a niche for herself in the music world and quickly claimed it. Her soulful voice was distinct, her songwriting set her apart from many of her pop contemporaries, and her heart-on-her sleeve approach to chronicling the ups and downs of her life made her compelling.
Since 21 was released, Adele has become an icon, and the anticipation for her 2015 follow-up 25 and sonic boom of the arrival of its lead single “Hello” cemented her as a vital artist of this generation. Her openness, rawness, and down-to-earthiness, not to mention her sheer vocal prowess, made her a fixture on radio and the charts the world over.
But as success often has its want, the recognition became restrictive. Suddenly, “Adele” was a blueprint for soulful songs of heartache. “Adele” became a sound. You could hear producers across the globe encouraging their female artists (and quite a few male ones too) to have a song feel more “Adele-ish.”
So, with the delayed arrival of 30, her fourth studio outing, the expectations were set. Lead single, the reflective and remorseful “Easy On Me” fits the “Adele” mold perfectly. Powerful vocals, heartfelt delivery, piano-led movement, sparse arrangement. For those who wanted more of that “Adele” sound in their life, this was the warm hug they had been missing.
30 certainly delivers on the “Adele” requirements with beautiful, cinematic production that lays out like a canvas for Adele to pour her heart, soul, and tears onto.
In addition to “Easy On Me,” there’s the musical-inspired album opener “Strangers by Nature,” the comforting sorrow of “I Drink Wine,” the endless reverb revelations of “Hold On,” and the pin drop sparseness of “To Be Loved.” And look, there’s nothing wrong with that. That’s the Adele millions around the world relate to. And the songs are resoundingly good.
But 30 comes into its own in the “un-Adele” moments, or rather “new-Adele” moments. Take the soundscape on “My Little Love,” a delicate dedication to her son that captures the feel of XTC and Sade. It’s warm and comforting. And heartachingly honest. As Adele sings, “I’m holding on (barely) / Mama’s got a lot to learn (it’s heavy),” there’s resignation and acceptance in her voice. As a song for her son, it’s beautifully authentic. And the emotional punch (and bravery) of including snippets from a candid conversation with her son comes through as intimate and inviting rather than voyeuristic. It’s a Mother’s concern, and confession for the shattering of her son’s world and the guilt that comes with it delivered in an empowering and present way.
In “Cry Your Heart Out,” Adele electronically manipulates her voice to reflect the disorientation of not living up to one’s relationship hopes and dreams. Against an upbeat and reggae-inspired skipping groove, the song circles and swells, slowly carried by Adele’s vocals.
Vocal experimentation is also at play on “Oh My God,” as twisted and twirling vocals create an encouraging vibe. Leaning into pop-soul and R&B production, the track is a joyous romp about the return to dating and all the uncertainty and spontaneity it brings.
“Can I Get It” begins with very “Rolling In The Deep” vibes before skipping into a cheery bounce of a groove and see’s Adele shedding some of her emotional baggage and moving in a focused pop and borderline dance-oriented direction. It’s playful and a refreshing reminder that beyond heartache is repair and redirection.
The searing soulful vibe of the Inflo-produced “Woman Like Me” will have women singing along in unison with all their being and should have men heeding the wake-up call. And album closer “Love Is A Game” is the perfect mix of the Adele of old and the revelation of the Adele to be. With a Motown bluesy arrangement and sway-along chorus, it’s the ideal credit roller on Adele’s cinematic look back at failed relationships, self-admonishment, lament, and longing with a renewed heart filled with hope for better days on the horizon.
There’s no doubt you won’t be able to escape 30 over the next year as it’s played in cafes, restaurants, dinner parties, and synched to your favorite shows, but the truth is you won’t mind it. Adele delivers yet again on the sound and style she’s best known for and offers moments of extra enticement for where she could go next.
Notable Tracks: “Cry Your Heart Out” | “Love Is A Game” | “My Little Love” | “Woman Like Me”
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