21

Title: 21 (CD)

Artist: Adele

Record Label: XL

Copyright: 2011

Genre: Soul/Pop/R&B

Age Range: 15+

Listener’s Annotation: A deep siren’s call to listen to the drama and delight of the modern woman.

Summary: 21 was a well received album. After Adele’s first album 19, most critics believe that 21 lost the restraint and restricted lyrics that held 19 back from being as good as 21. 21 is a more dramatic representation in both rhythm and lyrical expression. Some call it a coming of age album that takes Adele from a naive teenager to a young adult where life and love can be cruel. This album has a strong theme of anger, sadness, and pain and could be considered one of the best break-up albums of recent history. She truly brings back the title of diva.

Critical Evaluation: Adele’s 21 album in February 2012, won seven Gammy Awards including for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album. Adele’s song “Rolling in the Deep” won for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Short Form Music Video. The 21 album topped the list of best albums from many different entertainment press outlets including the number one album from Billboard. This is a great item to have in a collection. It is an album that is still in demand especially from female audiences.

Artist Information: Adele was born in north London, England, on May 5, 1988. A huge fan of Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald as a child, Adele was a music fiend beginning at the age of 3. She attended the BRIT School, a free school for the performing arts. Her first two albums, 19 and 21, earned her critical success and a level of commercial viability on par with the Beatles and Bob Marley. Source - http://www.biography.com/people/adele-20694679#awesm=~oDN1wCveucEH0R

Challenge Issues: Adult Themes