19 Reviews

• The Amy Winehouse comparisons are as misleading as they are predictable.

  
  By A2H79299BJZOBF on 2008-08-12
  There's no disputing the gifts of Tottenham-born Adele Adkins, the latest BRIT graduate to stroll into the charts. As we know from her single Chasing Pavements, she has a sensational voice: rich, robust, voluptuously bluesy.
  Is she the new Amy Winehouse?
  It is not quite right.
  True, both are white girls who owe a debt to black soul, both sing with a London twang ("I don't get nuffin' back," rasps Adele on the punchy "Tired"), and both are in pieces because their man done them wrong.
  Eleven of the 12 songs on Adele's debut are about heartbreak (the other, "Hometown Glory", is about how cool London is).
  Adele, though, is easier to listen to than Winehouse. Her music is cleaner, less menacing: there's the bright acoustic-guitar chime of "Daydreamer", the lullaby twinkle of "First Love", the plush strings of "Melt My Heart to Stone".
  Her mesmerising singing tone, honest lyrics, jazz and soul influences, and brash Cockney speaking accent, echo Amy. But Adele's delivery is far more delicate.
  Lyrically she's simpler, too, occasionally even soppy: "When there's no one there to dry your tears, I could hold you for a million years," she gushes on "Make You Feel My Love".
  Where Back to Black sounded emotionally and musically true, almost everything on the covers-all-bases "19" sounds like it was absorbed by osmosis at the London's BRIT School for Performing Arts (where she, Katie Melua, Leona Lewis, Kate Nash and Winehouse are alumni).
  Some will find Adele rigidly old-fashioned. Her influences (Etta James, Dusty Springfield, Billie Holiday) are from another age.
  A cursory listen may lead you to conclude that Adele has a voice way in excess of her years. In terms of technical ability, that's true.
  The instrumentation seems designed to usher you to that conclusion: a dash of jazz bass, the odd string arrangement that seems to take its cue from Massive Attack's "Unfinished Sympathy".
  "Sumptuous one moment then fragile the next, this is an album dripping with beauty and class.
  Adele's voice caresses and inspires, and is superbly supplemented by piano, guitar and glorious orchestration".(Lee Davis)
  All that we can say is that she sings with unabashed passion about a kind of pain we can all recognise, and that sort of thing doesn't date.
  
  Made of Bricks
  Piece by Piece
  Spirit
  Always
  Rockferry
  
  
  
  
  

• Amy can sleep easy...

  
  By A24N1BAS3CU27H on 2008-02-11
  With declining album sales, and with the smashing success of Amy Winehouse (millions sold, 5 Grammys won), it seems every British record label has been on a major quest to discover the next Amy Winehouse as a solution to their woes. One of the names being touted for that post is Adele Atkins, who had every major and minor music critic jostling to outdo each other in lavishing her with plaudits. Heck, she's even getting a Brit award later this month, and all this before she had even released her debut.
  
  While most girls her age grew up listening to Britney, Spice Girls and Kylie, Adele was listening to some of those too, as well as to Eva Cassidy, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, and some Amy also. She does have a rich, smoky world-weary voice to boot. Listening to "19" (titled after her age), I didn't find it as immediate as Amy's CD was, but it is a grower and there is an attempt at sonic variety. The album was produced by Mark Ronson (who also did Amy's, and just won a Grammy for producer of the year).
  
  I guess in an attempt to deflect too much comparison, Adele's disc isn't restricted only to smoky retro jazz/blues sounds in the 12 tracks. In fact, opening cut "Daydreams" is an acoustic ballad as are "Best for last" (though this has jazzy phrasings), and the sparse bluesy "Crazy for you".
  
  Lead-off single (and #2 UK hit) "Chasing pavements" is a lush, sweeping jazzy power ballad. Similar is closing cut the stirring "Hometown glory" (an ode to Tottenham), a stunning piano/string ballad and my favourite. "Melt my heart to stone" is a downbeat blues tinged string filled ballad, while "First love" is lullaby-like, complete with tinkling bells. "Make you feel my love" is a sombre (almost hymnal) piano ballad with weeping cello/violin.
  
  Upping the tempo are "Cold shoulder" with skittery beats, "Right as rain" (Jazzy and bluesy, very Amy Winehouse), the catchy "My same" (with a snappy jazz/pop feel, I love it!) and "Tired" (lovely change in tempo midway).
  
  The new Amy Winehouse? Not quite (one listen to "Back to black" puts paid to any such notion), but she should be able to carve a niche for herself in a field that promises to get even more crowded as the year progresses (with people like Duffy coming). Not bad at all for a 19 year old.
  
  
  

• An accomplished piece of work

  
  By A70YTUFJY5HXN on 2008-03-06
  Singer & songwriter Adele's debut album is an accomplished piece of work. I've hinted at it one of my other reviews but I'll be clearer here: I'm particularly impressed that a singer so young (she's only 19, hence the album's title) would decide to look back to the great singers of yesteryears for inspiration as opposed to slavishly following the made-for-radio trends of her contemporaries. I know not everyone will agree with me but as of right now, the past is where the best music ever made is to be found.
  
  It's my kind of music in many respects, with lots of real live instruments and lots of strings. Adele shows her confidence in the quality and strength of her voice with sparse instrumentation on a number of tracks. On the album opener "Daydreamer" for instance, the only instrument is the guitar she plays as she sings. On the next track along, "Best For Last", she does something really fresh and different, singing while she plays solo bass for the most part. There are twelve songs in total, nine of these are very ably produced by Jim Abbiss, with two, including brilliant lead single "Chasing Pavements", produced by Eg White and one produced by man of the moment Mark Ronson, (with mixed results, in my opinion).
  
  It's all very well put together and well-intended but something's missing. It took me a while to figure out what it is and it's that old intellectual vs emotional response thing again. Intellectually, I totally appreciate, respect and even like the authenticity and artistry of what Ms Atkins has achieved here. I think she could have a stellar career ahead of her and I particularly admire the way she's (so far) refusing to conform to the stereotypes of what a female music artiste is supposed to look like. She says she's her own individual and I believe her.
  
  Emotionally however, she just doesn't touch me. Or more accurately, her voice doesn't. Perhaps it's a cruel or unfair comparison, but while Amy Winehouse has the ability to either make me beam from ear to ear or reduce me to floods of tears - depending on the song of course - with this particular lady, I feel nothing. I hear good music; very interesting music actually, but I feel absolutely nothing and can't honestly claim to enjoy listening to it. "Chasing Pavements" and the album closer, the piano-led, spiritual sounding "Hometown Glory" (my two favourite tracks on here) both came pretty close but not quite close enough. 3.5 stars.
  
  

• Awesome Debut by Adele

  
  By A3BMRSE8N1858V on 2008-06-25
  "19" proves that the latest invasion of female British singers are definitely going back to the 60's for their inspiration, and they are doing an exceptionally good job of bringing that infectious R&B/soul sound back. From Amy Winehouse to Duffy to young Adele, these ladies are harking back to everyone from Diana Ross to Dusty Springfield to even Peggy Lee. Winehouse and Duffy have already set the bar very high, and Adele comed right behind them and raises the the bar for the next in line.
  
  Infused at times with her folksy guitar playing, Adele has a voice that already sounds like a finely used instrument. Husky and strong at times, but sweet and mournfully tender at times, she showcases it at her best on songs like "Chasing Pavement," "Right As Rain," "Make You Feel You love," and others.
  
  Adele is another rich British talent, and one hopes that she keeps herself together with all the challenges that fame and huge talent bring.
  
  

• Not bad but.. Not is the same league as Amy

  
  By A389NQUB5XTJ33 on 2008-06-09
  The songs are catchy and I liked the album, taken on its own it is very good.
  
  Unfortunately her style is similar enough to force the comparison to Amy Whinehouse. And compared to Back to Black or Frank, 19 simply doesn't measure up.
  
  
• Adele is a breath of fresh air.
  By AVAZWWHJP7BKK on 2008-08-09
  I found Adele about year ago on Myspace. I was instantly taken with the single Best for Last. I searched online for the CD because I had to here more from the person who posessed this voice I can only describe as "chunky butter"; unexpected and smooth. I absolutely couldn't find her anywhere not even in the record stores. I waited patiently because I knew she would not get away in the age when her type of music is such a breath of fresh air. I've had the CD in my hands for 3 days now and it's been all I expected. I can't stop listening to it. I still enjoy Best for Last but I seem to repeat Chasing Pavement, Make You Feel My Love which was one of my faves from Garth Brooks. But, I'd have to say Melt My Heart to Stone and Right as Rain are my favorites and touch me personally. I haven't listened to a CD this much since Corrine Bailey Rae. I didn't think to compare Adele to Amy Winehouse until I read a comment here. Although I understand the comparison there is something in Adele's voice that is so well rounded. Her voice reminds me of Sunday afternoon; patient, comfortable, strong but peaceful and not tormented. Her voice makes you want to play her in the background when you're entertaining friends or someone special for the evening. It's nice to see there are at least 12 songs in this world that maintain class, heart and beauty. I can't wait to hear more from Adele.
  
  
• SmoothJazz.com Review
  By A14J1HNS7EB3YY on 2008-06-05
  The last time I was this moved by a songwriter was the first time I heard Ani DiFranco. Adele is just 19 years old and has an ability to weave words and wisdom together as if she's been around much longer. Add to that a voice that is so striking and soulful it'll leave you suspended in time just hanging onto her words and phrasing. Her influences include Billie Holiday, Etta James and Peggy Lee, but the pendulum swings wide and she's also inspired by the likes of The Cure and Jeff Buckley. The beautiful, full-figured, young Brit speaks, sings and writes with an East End accent (working class), which only adds to her earthy appeal. When discussing her weight she's said, "I don't actually care. I don't want to be on the cover of Playboy or Vogue, I want to be on the cover of Rolling Stone or Q. I'm not a trend-setter, I'm a singer." Columbia Records inked a deal with Adele's worldwide label XL Records to break the youthful chanteuse in the states. Since debuting on MySpace in 2004, she has received nearly 3.5 million profile views! The phenom entered the UK Album Chart #1 and 19 has already been certified Platinum in her homeland! The single, "Chasing Pavements" is a global hit and promises to be a smash on several radio formats here in the U.S. We're delighted to welcome Adele to our world of Smooth! Thanks for the burst of articulated, raw expression... it's been sorely missed 'round these parts.
  
  
• Great Even if You're Not 19
  By A3JXBZ8F65100O on 2008-08-22
  This girl's voice is unbelievable - so wise and soulful at such a young age and it's not enhanced or covered up with any electronic effects like so many young artists. The music speaks to the human condition so no matter what your age you can relate. If you're into blues, soul, or even light jazz, you will dig this.
  
  
• 4.5 Stars... Impressive debut album
  By A14GK0E64J0WAS on 2008-09-02
  Adele seemingly came out of nowhere in 2007 with comparisons to Amy Winehouse, Norah Jones, and even Feist with her soul-searching songs. After touring in a supporting role for various artists in 2007, Adele released her debut album in January, 2008.
  
  "19" (12 tracks, 44 min.) is a stunning debut, presenting songs all written or co-written by the 20 yr. old Adele. Starting with a sparse "Daydreamer" that immediately spellbinds you, the album shifts from moving track one after another. "Chasing Pavements" (1st UK single) is a standout, but just one among many: "Cold Shoulder" (2nd UK single), "Right as Rain", and the pensive closer "Hometown Closer" (3rd UK single) are just highlights. In all, this is a fantastic album from start to finish, with no weak tracks. The limited version of the album comes with a bonus live CD (5 tracks, 16 min.) which was recorded at a tiny venue in Los Angeles in March, 2008, and brings 4 tracks of the album and 1 Sam Cooke cover ("That's It, I Quit, I'm Moving On") in a stripped down setting, just great.
  
  I saw Adele in concert at Bonnaroo in June, and she put on a terrific 50 min. set, bringing most of the "19" songs. Her backup band equally was great. Adele's widely used comparison to Amy Winehouse and lately Duffy is frankly understating Adele's merits. I can't wait to see where she goes from here.
  
  
• Impressiver Singer/Songwriter
  By A3RV4M8MW6TOKX on 2008-08-01
  I purchased this CD along with Duffy's 'Rockferry' and while Adele's '19' isn't on that level, I think its a very good CD. Adele writes most of the material and it feels like a very personal album. I enjoy the CD more everytime I hear it.
  
  
• Adele Is Even Better In Person
  By A383H7QDW7N05X on 2008-11-06
  I first saw Adele when she made her appearance on Saturday Night LIve and I, literally, stopped ehat I was doing and listened to her voice with my mouth agape. Her vocal style is absolutely flawless...and she was actually singing (not lip synching). The next day, I bought the album 19 and was, once again, floored with the amazing tone of her voice and how all of her songs would simultaneously get stuck in my head. I found a few live performances including a Live Video she shot for "Melt My Heart To Stone" and she was even BETTER live than on her album.
  
  She may get compared to Amy Winehouse, but Adele has such class and control of her voice, and her songs filled with such passion and feeling, that I think that soon, Amy Winehouse will get compared to Adele...and Adele will blow her out of the water!
  
  
• Angelic
  By A3LQXDADERB0HU on 2008-04-25
  Adele's voice is fantastic and emotive. She blends British acoustic with blues and soul like Lauryn Hill(unplugged) meets Tracy Thorn and Etta James.
  
  This is the only album I have listened to for the past month. My favorites are (soulful) Melt My Heart to Stone, (folk/country) Crazy for You, (blues vocal) First Love and (motown-ish) Right as Rain.
  
  Her style is NOT the Amy Winehouse raspy attitude type of voice. Adele's niche is with her guitar and her voice.
  
  I can't get enough.
  
  
• Chasing pavement
  By ADKHI1TUGAX4 on 2008-09-13
  A couple of months ago, a co-worker of mine lent me her copy of Adele's 19 since I am an admirer of both Duffy and Amy Winehouse. The comparison between Adele and the aforementioned artists is predictable. While there are subtle elements of Amy Winehouse in Adele's music, Adele maintains her own distinct sound away from the troubled Winehouse. Adele's music is slicker and cleaner sounding, and lacks that gritty, raw sound of Amy Winehouse. I am not a big fan of pop music but what I like about Adele (and her peers that I have mentioned earlier in this review) is that the music is never juvenile in terms of lyrics or annoying musically. I find 19 immensely gratifying to listen to especially on a rainy day. While Adele's vocals is cleaner than Amy Winehouse's, her vocals are still anything but polished like any pop star from America. The one song that really stood out with me was Adele's interpetation of "Make You Feel My Love". The bluesy ballad almost brings tears to my eyes everytime I listen to the song. I think Adele's version is the best I have ever heard. Another great song is "Daydreamer". The delicate acoustic melodies gives the song a more organic sound than on a lot of the songs on the album. "First Love" is another favorite track of mine. I like the catchy pop hooks. I liked the entire cd. There wasn't one song I didn't like. Overall great debut album by Adele. I can't wait to hear more from this talented young artist.
  
  
• England making the best hits
  By A3E8WF8I2KHUTE on 2008-03-18
  I purchased 19 two weeks ago and listened to it everyday. Going through every song on the album I was interested on who actually Adele Atkins was? I first found out about Adele on ITunes as a free single download (Hometown Glory). It convinced me to find and purchase the album so I can check out everything for myself. I must say that this turned out to be way better than I thought.
  
  What really impressed me about Adele is when i found out how young she was. When I heard her voice it was so mature and smooth (something that puts a smile on your face). When I found out she was only 19 I thought back to when i finally saw Teena Marie perform. For the ones who do not know Teena she has a very controlled and powerful voice, sort of like Christina Aguliara, but Teena looked so small (something like 5'3 maybe shorter). But getting back tot he album I just can not get enough of it. I've read the reviews about critics and consumers comparing Adele to Amy Winehouse.
  
  To me the style of music is simular but the actual music and vocals are totally different. Both Artists are original yet still have a smooth Motown feel to them. While Amy has more of a brickhouse jazz feel to it, Adele has a smooth blues feel to the cd. Adele also writes her own music which most tracks are about heartbrake. Also she performs most of her music on the album as well, something that also impressed me. To me it's a must buy for music buyers and I can see this girl going far with her career.
  
  
  
• Awesome
  By A39O4B6IUNYTT8 on 2008-05-13
  Arguably the best song of the album is Hometown Glory, and the amazon preview sucks. It stopped by dead in my tracks when I heard it. It's amazing. Very few songs grab me in such a way.
  
  
• Good CD
  By A10KYXG17RUXIM on 2008-08-24
  I really like this CD. I listened to the entire thing on a rainy saturday afternoon and was quite pleased. I buy music based on what I like and I don't care if she sounds or doesn't sound like somebody else. I think her music is good on its own and that is all that matters. I am not really sure how to classify her music...it is kind of earthy. So forget about comparisions to other people and judge the music on its own merit.
  
  
• Sure to be a classic...
  By A3ME0L2OIYAQH5 on 2008-09-01
  Adele is a true artist. I can't stop listening to this CD. Every song is different and fantasic. She sounds years older than she is. I can't wait to see what she comes out with in the years to come...
  
  
• Fantastic Voice!
  By A2HBS55KTLWXNT on 2008-05-19
  Adele is not only a very good singer but she does away with the concept that women need to be blond and a size 2 to be a singer. I LOVE this CD and I think she blows Amy Winehouse away! If you're looking for a jazzy, soulful CD then this is the one.
  
  
• Best CD in a long time. Back to rehab Amy. Adele is here.
  By A2HYNCHXK7JJL2 on 2008-05-28
  Adele absolutely shines on this CD. Her voice is truly mesmerizing. My favorites are Cold Shoulder, Tired, Chasing Pavements, Right as Rain, My Same and Home Glory. This CD is worth every penny. Move over Amy Winehouse, here comes a bit of class that's sure to be around for a long time. I think some of the reviewers here who don't think she stands up to Amy Winehouse are way off the mark. There's no way you can listen to the above-mentioned songs and not think that Adele smokes Amy Winehouse. This is music you can listen to over and over and not get tired of it. As for the reviewer who wishes Adele looked more like Shakira, I have your cure: Play a Baywatch DVD with the sound on mute and instead have Adele's music for background. The rest of us are content with both her looks and outstanding music.
  
  
• Listen to her as her.
  By A3IOUUL50ZY6SH on 2008-06-13
  I would never compare this kid to the coked out wack job that is Amy Winehouse, whose music i like very much by the way. That girl has obviously been rode hard and put away wet. So her experience is even far worse than probably anyone on earth.
  
  It seems that to many, because one singer has had it rough that all singers should sing like they've had it rough. That is not fair and just plain wrong. I hope as you listen to this album more you hear something you enjoy listening to as I do. I Try listening to every album without comparisons. It can be difficult sometimes. You hear that accent and your mind goes to England right away. That dosent mean she should be campared to AW or CBR or any of the other great talents I have been loving for the last 3 or so years from over there. This album is very wonderful and a joy to listen to.
  
  
• Adele is an artist in her own right, beautiful and endlessly talented. MUST BUY!!!!!
  By A1EQ7UTXNHSQK1 on 2008-06-17
  I first heard Adele on You Oughta Know on VH1, and i loved the 10 second sample of the song that played, unsure of the title. I went online and downloaded the complete album through a torrent. I fell in love it, enough said. I could not wiat until June 10th so that i could hold the rela copy in my hands, and I loved adele. I completely fell in love with her. She's a breath of air just seconds before dying of suffocation from the disgusting and unbelievable state of the music industry now. You msut get this album, one of the ten best albums of the year. No lie!! You will not be dissapointed. THe live set that comes as a bonus is terrific as well.
  In my opinion, the album flows beautifully, showcasing deep emotion and jaw-dropping arrangements. If you're tired of the southern rap that has seized the charts, or sick of stupid, no talented singers singing songs that were produced in 5 seconds, than adele is for you.
  I highly recommend:
  
  -Daydreamer
  -Best for Last
  -Chasing Pavements
  -...THE ENTIRE ALBUM!!!
  
  
  
• Just incredible
  By A39O4B6IUNYTT8 on 2008-06-22
  How am I the _first_ person to review this album? (There must be an error on amazon). Anyway, this album is amazing. I add 1-2 new albums _every day_ to my music collection, and this one is a real stand-out. "Hometown Glory" is one of the best songs I've ever heard.
  
  
• It has been a while
  By A19F950KZH0Q4B on 2008-06-22
  I have not been this excited about a new artist since hearing Jill Scott for the first time. And I loves me some Jilly from Philly! I've been rocking this cd for a week now and I am loving it. Great debute!
  
  
• The female British invasion is on.
  By A3JMTFHLG0BPWK on 2008-07-21
  Adele is a part of the new female British invasion to attack the U.S. Let me be the first to say she does not disappoint. Campared as the next Amy Winhouse who won a Grammy for album of the year, she gives he one up. This album is well composed and produced and of all the new female British singers I give Adele the top nod.
  
  
• Da Bomb!!!!!
  By AW6LHA8VSHNBC on 2008-07-22
  Amazing voice, simple lyrics, and beautiful music. Need I mention that this 19 year-old has written these perfect poems and plays bass on many tracks? Simply stunning!
  
  
• One for anyone's collection!
  By A2ECGJHU7LZU9A on 2008-07-24
  If you like music...I mean any kind of music...buy this. The mix of her voice with the music, the beats, is flawless. I am usually an alternative rock guy...indie...blah, blah. This is quickly making up my list of favorite albums. The only other similar artist I like is Feist...Adele has a very different voice. You should youtube her...watch her play guitar, or bass while singing, really adds to the experience. I hope she stays around!
  
  
• Adele rocks
  By A1G2WSKROGDUC9 on 2008-07-24
  This CD was recommended to me by a friend into the U.K. music scene and I have no doubt American music lovers will embrace this songstress if they have any sense at all. Adele's precise, yet rough-edged voice is what makes the songs come to life. In particular, her cover of "Make you feel my love" is gorgeous and "Chasing Pavements" showcases her unique sound to a tee. The CD as a whole is timeless. I'd definitely recommend trying to snag the limited edition that includes another disc with live versions of songs.
  
  
• Very tasty production...
  By A2LTAD8UGZ0RNN on 2008-07-25
  but hardly distinctive in the current crop of soul singers coming out of the UK.
  
  
• Beautiful From Start to Finish
  By A33DCMP5LLBSBN on 2008-08-09
  With no knowledge of this artist, I bought this CD only due to the "Artists You Ought to Know" label, which tends to promote artistry over commercial appeal. I was very moved by this CD from Track One to Track Twelve (beginning to end). For one, she has an amazing voice, reminding the listener of her contemporaries Corinne Bailey Rae, Chrisette Michele, and Amy Winehouse. There is a balance of beautiful lyrics and vocal talent. Throughout, she has an unique message and experience in regards to love, pursuing dreams, and living life. This CD is worth adding to your musical collection.
  
  
• Awesome
  By A7X71KT03S6K6 on 2008-08-12
  Great CD. Adele is one of my newly discovered favorites. Her voice and songwriting is so down to earth.
  
  

• Rockferry
• Viva La Vida
• Spirit
• We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things
• One of the Boys