Who is Adele and Why Should We Be Excited About "21"?

Adele Laurie Blue Adkins is a 22 year old singer/songwriter from the UK. Like many of her fellow British counterparts, such as Amy Winehouse and Duffy, Adele (as she is known professionally) is blessed with a gift for writing classically produced, soulful songs that match her magnificent pipes. In January 2008, she released her debut album, "19", to critical acclaim and garnered a Grammy in 2009 for Best New Artist. This February 22^nd, the singer is back with her highly anticipated second full studio album, "21."

Though I'd heard of Adele before, I'd never quite paid attention to her music until recently. On November 30^th, 2010, she released the first single off of "21", a fabulous song called "Rolling in the Deep." In the weeks that ensued, links to the video for the song were popping up everywhere, from Facebook to Twitter and every place in between. I finally took notice, and I'm glad I did.

"Rolling in the Deep" is one of those songs that you like the first time you hear it. The song is a verse of sheer defiance against an ex lover who's scorned her love and it's a strumming, yet heartfelt song that reminds me of something Dusty Springfield might have sang. MTV UK quotes the singer describing the song as a "dark bluesy gospel disco tune" and that's exactly what it is. Check out the video for "Rolling in the Deep" right here.

After listening to "Rolling in the Deep" I checked out some of the tunes from "19" on YouTube and loved enough of them to purchase the entire album on iTunes. It's now become a regular part of my listening rotation and if you're a fan of this type of soulful, bluesy music sung by a big voiced singer, than this one's definitely worth a listen. Though every song is stellar, some of my early favorites include the tender "Chasing Pavements," the authentic and heartrending " Make You Feel My Love " (originally recorded by Bob Dylan) and the inspired "Hometown Glory."

The big story with Adele, of course, is the upcoming release of "21." Previews of the new set are already singing its praises and fans of the singer are clamoring to get their hands on it. The new album, much like the first, was inspired by a recent breakup, only this time the singer's in a different place. "I've got a lot more self worth on this album...I'm much more patient now, more aware of my own flaws and I embrace them, I don't try to fix them," the singer tells the UK's Press Association.

The eleven tracks on the new set, which include a cover of the Cure's "Lovesong," have already evoked such adjectives as 'powerful', 'enchanting', 'deep', and even 'sassy.' Much of the album is said to have been inspired by country music, which the singer took a liking to while touring the American South in 2009. Some of the tracks getting the most attention include the "heartfelt and enchanting" "Someone Like You," the cheery "I'll Be Waiting," the playful "Rumour Has It" and the countryish "Don't You Remember." To see a full track by track preview of "21", click here.

Adele is clearly an artist whose star has only begun to shine, and "21" is sure to bring the singer to new heights, even here in the States where she's already made great inroads. If you're looking for something new, something genuine, and something special, check out some of the links provided here in this piece and catch "21" on February 22^nd.

Sources:

http://www.adele.tv/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adele_(singer)

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5jOU86rNxdRtbhbIlt7SCp9IvZ8fg?docId=N0265521295527724722A

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/jan/23/adele-adkins-21-review

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/news/article_1614070.php/Adele-narrowly-misses-out-on-first-number-one

http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/adele/news/254508-adele-21-track-by-track-review

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/article-23916372-cds-of-the-week-adele-and-bruno-mars.do