Music Review: 21 by Adele

2011, Columbia Records

Reviewed by Annie Robinson, 14
Toronto

Music comes and goes at an incredible rate within the fast-paced music industry. " Not many songs ultimately withstand the test of time. It takes a special artist to record a CD that becomes a modern classic. Amidst the busy comings and goings of lightweight auto-tuned dance tracks comes a rare and meaningful CD from a relatively new artist out of the UK: Adele's 21.

The 12-track album features a polished entourage of Top- 40 songwriters and producers including the people behind Beyonce, Leona Lewis, Cee Lo Green and Taio Cruz. British songstress Adele Adkins has been honing her vocals since the debut of her first album in 2008. The evolution is impressive. 21, her current hit CD, is rich with this singer's disarming personal experiences. It is a hard album to not enjoy.

"Rolling in the Deep," the first hit off the album, is a cross between soul, blues, jazz, indie-rock, R&B, and pop. The final product is perfection. A hard-thumping bass line carries the song through until the end. It is a musical masterpiece and the highlight of 21.

The album reveals Adele's emotions and personal relationships."  She pens her highs and lows and opens her soul to us. She hums and croons about the comforts of being in love in "Love Song," and takes more of a sassy tone in "I Found a Boy." A low point comes close to the end of the record when Adele candidly sings about her hollow-hearted emotions after a breakup in the song "Someone Like You." Personally, this was my least favorite track on the album.

Adele's distinctive voice is compelling."  This album truly has something for everyone. Adele's music on 21 is irresistible and rightly earns its place at the top of the charts. I highly recommend this CD; you will not be disappointed by giving it a try.

For more information about Adele visit: http://www.adele.tv/