Review : 19

Album name: 19 (2008)
Artist/Band: Adele
Genre: Soul

Rating:

My first acquaintance with Adele’s music was more of a chance happening than deliberate. While going through a few videos that a friend had compiled for me, I happened to come across one which featured Adele live in studio. And right from the first note of “Hometown Glory” she had me hooked to her as I wondered how she could make singing seem as effortless as she did. The song incidentally won Adele a Grammy Nomination, and the album “19” went on to get a Gold certification from the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America).

I obviously had to make sure I get hold of the whole album, and when I did, I spent the whole night listening to it. Mind you though, this is not the kind of music you could listen to in that crowded bus or on your ride back home. This is the “ambiance” kind of music. Songs which you listen to, to set in the right “mood”, if you know what I mean. This is music you can come home to after a tiring day at work, and just sit back and relax to. And although I normally mention songs in my reviews, I would rather not in this one. Adele’s “19” is not to be enjoyed song by song, and that is because after you’re done listening to it, chances are you will not remember any particular song, but the way they made you feel.

A few of the songs will vaguely remind you of Jack Johnson meets Amy Winehouse, but the songs still manage to maintain their originality. The most unique thing about Adele is how the music wraps itself around the lyrics, and the way the music is quite unpredictable at times. The focus is somehow always on the vocals and the way the song flows. So if you are one of those who don’t want to be overwhelmed by excessive instruments, you would really enjoy this.

And while at it how can I not mention the lyrics? The album was actually named after the age Adele was when she had come up with the lyrics. And while it has the simplicity of a nineteen year old mind, it has the hint of maturity that comes with being on the verge of attaining womanhood. My suggestion? Listen to “19” with the attention it deserves, but let your heart wander. This one is something you want might to come back to from time to time when the chaos gets too much for you.

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