The Queen of Soul is Back with a Vengeance

At long last, Adele's sophomore album, 21, was released today. Not that I would expect anything less from this girl, but I actually haven't been able to speak to anyone for about an hour now; the entire album has completely blown my mind and I can do nothing but sit, mouth agape, and marvel at the absolute prodigy that is Ms. Adkins. I can't help but feel incredibly inadequate as I listen to track after track of the most incredible new music around... how many people my age can say that they have recorded two of the most vocally and lyrically sophisticated albums of our generation, won two grammys, and have stolen the hearts of music lovers around the world all before the rest of us have graduated college?!? To say that people like this come around once in a lifetime is the understatement of the year, and I'm so happy for her that she has come this far. It's hard to believe that the girl I met after playing her first show in Los Angeles in 2008, stricken with fear and completely skeptical as to whether or not she would ever have a fanbase in the US, sold out almost every single date on her upcoming US tour in under a day. Once again though, I am not surprised at all. After listening to 21 in full about 3 times today, it has become clear to me that Adele is much more than a girl with unbelievable raw talent; she has become an absolutely brilliant songwriter as well, one whose growing confidence and way with words beyond her years is highlighted in every single song on this album. "Rolling In The Deep" still remains one of my favorites; the melody obviously shows off her vocal talent quite well, but moreover the power of the kick drum and beautiful backup vocals add a complexity and catchiness that I think set it on a whole new level from her older material. "Set Fire To The Rain" and "Rumour Has It" share that same undeniable confidence and are tracks that I foresee becoming absolute hits, and on the other end of the spectrum, the more mellow "Turning Tables" and "Someone Like You" are just so beyond beautiful I can't really say much other than how speechless I am. In other words, FUCK YEAH ADELE. You never cease to amaze me.

Check out "Set Fire To The Rain" here:

Adele- "Set Fire To The Rain"