Adele - 21

I recently gave a listen to Adele's new album simply titled, 21. It's the songstress's 2nd album, following her first work, 19. To be completely honest, I always kept Duffy and Adele in the same boat singing & song wise. The first round, went to Duffy's Rockferry. I was pleased with Adele's 19, however I fell into lust with Rockferry as soon as I heard the album sampler I received from Universal.

Not to take from Adele, 19 was a very well sung and sweetly penned album. However, for the 22 year old Brit, 21 has a few charmers and blows Duffy's 2nd effort Endlessly completely out of the water. The singer's writing skills have flourished and her seamless lyrics and heart-heavy, gritty vocals will hit you in every sensitive spot your heart has failed to mend. Happy-go-lucky, beware. This album is a full-on wallow in bittersweet break-ups.

The first single, "Rolling In The Deep" is a churning "I'm going to make you feel my pain" chant. The melody is deep and the the drums follow the revenge in her voice. Her attitude makes this song flow perfectly. A great choice in a first single.

The second song, "Rumor Has It" will fool you about this album at first, making you believe this is an attitude infused, empowering, funk album with it's sass and lyrics such as, "You made my heart melt, yet I'm cold to the core, But rumour has it I'm the one you're leaving her for.." But don't be fooled. The road traveled after this song, is a very rocky one.

Songs like, "Turning Tables" and the remake "Lovesong" are afflicting and tell the stories of love lost and the painful remnants left behind; Two of the best on the album next to first and second tracks.

Trying something new, Adele showcased her recent fascination for country music giving "Do You Remember", one of the four songs produced by super-producer Rick Rubin (Johnny Cash, Beastie Boys). Sadly, an idea of this song actually working, never really has a chance to show itself.

"He Won't Go" and the unfortunate disarray of "Set Fire To The Rain" mask the singers vocals and she falls victim to less than pleasant ballads.

The closer, "Someone Like You" although, is an enchanting and sizzling reminder that there is, or was, a well-leveled album within the singers hands at one point or another. But regrettably, there weren't as many chills sent through the speakers as was hoped.

Nonetheless, Adele's sophomore effort was an admissible try. The songs worth listening to are gems but the flailing misses, go right over your head.

Rating: ***