21

Adele's "21" is a dreary and overwrought album that finds the singer feigning maturity. The songs are mostly turgid piano ballads with uninspired string arrangements.

"Rolling in the Deep" and "Rumour Has It" are reasonable daytime radio fodder, but as songs they are marred by slow, torchy middle eights. "21" is a disappointment that isn't likely to gain Adele any fans she didn't already have. - Percy Kennedy