21

One of my wife's albums that was always a background listen. Thought I might as well give it an active listen for once. Many of these songs are classics that defined the 2010s and still stand as great tracks today. Adele was a force in the 2010s, primarily because of this album, and 25 I suppose. I'll leave it to the Adele enthusiasts to provide a full breakdown but here are a few things I noticed during my most recent spin of this album. I like the uptempo songs so much more than the ballads (I guess they're ballads?). So, Rumor Has It and He Won't Go > Turning Tables and Take It All etc... I also think lack of percussion in an Adele song is a non-starter for me. Didn't realize that until listening to 21 this morning. Without drums, the song lacks punch and makes Adele's vocals so much more droning and whiny. Some bonus points for such a cohesive album, and the mixing is fabulous on every track.

He Won't Go might be my favorite track on 21. It's jazzy and punchy and the lyrics and vocals are set perfectly within the larger arrangement. Beautiful song.

Like: Rolling in the Deep, Rumor Has It, Set Fire to the Rain, He Won't Go, One and Only
Meh: Don't You Remember, I'll Be Waiting, Lovesong (inferior to the Cure in every way), Someone Like You
Dislike: Turning Tables (dis the droning Adele that grates on me), Take It All (piano is decent but such a slog of a song)