21

Oh god, this is gonna be a long review... I wanted to listen to the entire thing for a long long time now since I basically grew up on Adele, my mom used to play this music a lot so I still remember some of these soooo here we go! I guess...

This is adult contemporary done right, actually well layered and not boring in one second. I know that adult contemporary isn't the only genre, but it's one of the main still. I felt something in every song, like each song was somehow unique even though sometimes there were downfalls. The sound of this is very well thought through, we all can agree on this one (i think).

This album starts with a classic, "Rolling In The Deep", which is a song that most of us already know – probably the best song from the album, as it has neat progression and a very fun sound overall. Super catchy opener track.
The album continues on with some other good tracks, like "Rumour Has It", the shortest track on this album but still fun. "Turning Tables" was the first rather emotional track for me, it was really good even though not "fun" in that sense anymore.

Then there's... "Set Fire To The Rain"!! That's another classic, really beautifully layered and iconic, I feel like this one has the best layering of the entire album. I love this one.
Unfortunately, after that not many tracks caught my interest much, that is until "One and Only", the longest track on the album that kind of reminds me of Jeff Buckley's "Lover, You Should've Come Over" in its sound and progression. I liked it, it's probably the most underrated track here.

Then there's "Lovesong"... Sorry, that one IS a tad boring, it's nothing really interesting or unique and the lyrics aren't all that well written either. While it's not a big disappointment and I have nothing against this track, I think it's on the weaker side of the album.
And finally... The closer, "Someone Like You". This is probably the most iconic one and also the most emotional one with its simple yet strong sound, only played with a piano and vocals. This is the most "beautiful" track in my opinion, the concept of moving on and accepting that your lover has already found somebody else and the way the story is told. I love this one dammit, it's so personal and I'm sure many would also find it relatable or even devastating. I almost cried if I'm being honest, but I guess I'm a bit too emotionally numb to actually cry... I love it regardless.

Overall thoughts: After hearing some songs from Adele's debut, this is a big jump in both sound and lyricism for her and her music, every song feels intentional, no filler. I'm surprised this album is rated so low, like sure, must-hear, but this album is actually legendary, truly. Recommended to anyone, this is a classic you must listen to someday and I'm glad that I got to hear some of it as a child.

Favorite: Rolling In The Deep
Least Favorite: Take It All

way better than lewis c*paldi btw, not even biased ^^