- Label
- XL Recordings
- Release date
- 28th January 2008
- Genre
- Indie/soul/pop
- Buy this album
- Order CD
Strong, unique debut from hotly-tipped youngster
Adele, XL’s bright new hope and most recent contender in the battle between the young queens of blue-eyed British soul, has been hyped to the rafters for months – the usual ingredients such as a strong Myspace following, press interest and a superb, tantalising debut single (Chasing Pavements) have combined to whip the listening public into frenzied anticipation over her debut album. It arrives in a flurry of press attention – was it worth the wait?
Absolutely. Adele’s voice is nothing short of superb, and her gift for songwriting far exceeds what you’d expect from someone still shy of their twenties. Coupled with sensitive, sweeping arrangements and superbly polished production, her songs – from the gut-wrenching soul of Melt My Heart To Stone, the brilliant, uptempo shuffle of Cold Shoulder, and smart ballads like Crazy For You – are moving, mature and capably delivered. Far less of a one-trick pony than Amy Winehouse, and head and shoulders above more recent pretenders in terms of musical ability, Adele’s future is bright indeed.
More to try: Roberta Flack: Killing Me Softly Aretha Franklin: Young, Gifted And Black
