Did Valentine’s Day put you down in the dumps? Not get the date of your dreams? Find out that your girlfriend has been getting valentines from men other than yourself? If so, good news! Adele Atkins is here to give you a whole new set of songs to mope around to with her second studio performance, 21 (XL Recordings). And there you were getting sick of Bon Iver, too. Talk about timing!
The British neo-soul princess, Adele, who debuted a little more than two years ago with a poppy, Motown inspired album that showcased this young gun’s awe-inspiring vocal chords and lively songwriting, is back with a much darker effort than what we have seen in the past. Though 2008’s 19 (XL) was certainly a solid record, many of the tracks lacked substance, that special something-something that separates albums from “good” to “great.” Thankfully, the young soul singer seems to have taken many of the criticisms into account in making her latest attempt. Either that or she just got really depressed about it, in her fittingly titled 21, which is a much more engaged, emotional effort.
From start to finish, 21 is littered with references to what sounds like a rough two years. Jealousy, cheating, heartbreak and love sickness permeate the significantly somber track list. The opening song, “Don’t You Remember,” sets the pace for the grand majority of songs. It’s slow and sad and often times a bit groan-worthy with some overly dramatic lyrics, but this doesn’t necessarily detract from the product as a whole. That said, the opening track is a rather poor choice as it is easily the cheesiest of the bunch. But I suppose if you’re looking to get over your love sickness as you stare unblinkingly out of the rain-spattered window, then these are the kind of lyrics you’re looking for.
The energy does rise here and there, particularly in the following track, “He Won’t Go.” As one of the heavier, more dynamic pieces on the album, “He Won’t Go” exemplifies what happens when you mix Adele’s great talent with some solid producing.
This heavier songwriting carries right on over to the third, and best track of all, “I’ll Be Waiting.” Here, the backing band really shines as the listener is bombarded with deep grooves and a positively toe-tapping experience that, while sad, gives you a feeling of being able to conquer the world. But don’t act too quickly, because by the fourth track, you’ll be back to leaning your forehead against that aforementioned window, sighing repeatedly.
That said, the melodies, whether they be the forceful, punch-packing treats such as “Rolling in the Deep” or “Rumor Has It” or the much more emotional songs like “Someone Like You” or the new sad montage song-to-be “Lovesong,,” do tend to bleed together sometimes in retrospect, but Atkins’ excellent voice pumps each song to the brim with soul and delightful character that is nothing short of addicting. And while a few songs are not as distinctive from one another, the fact that they’re all quality tunes is something to be proud of. Her songwriting stays strong throughout, if not bordering on cheesy, much in the way that emotionally driven albums such as this can. That aside, her performance is as compelling as ever.
While this new gloomier turn may turn fans of the upbeat “Right As Rain” and “Best For Last” off, this is most definitely an album that deserves your hard earned money and attention. From soft and moving piano melodies to powerful electric guitars, brass and drums, form soulful keyboards to gospel choirs, 21 covers all sorts of musical ground without stepping too far into the ridiculous.
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