In the two years between the titles of Adele’s debut and this, her second album, she’s clearly seen the world. Where ‘19’ marked the turbulent swan song to a teenage life, ‘21’ introduces the realities of adult life, where grown-up responsibilities collide with heartache and emotional scars run deep.
Though imbued with intimate country leanings, it’s all about that voice. While ‘Rolling In The Deep’ extols thunderous regret, ‘Don’t You Remember’ grieves in elegant acoustics. Adele is sincere, poignant and affecting throughout; the emotive ‘Someone Like You’ closes the album magnificently.
9/10
Words by Simon Harper
