Released: 2011

Artist: Adele

Label: XL Recordings

Australian CD catalogue: XLCD 520

Running time: about 48 minutes

Tracks: 11

21 is Adele’s second studio album and the record that transformed her from a successful British singer-songwriter into a worldwide superstar. It combines soul, pop, blues and piano-driven ballads, with a strong emphasis on her exceptionally powerful and expressive voice.

Track highlights

1. Rolling in the Deep – dramatic, bluesy opener and one of Adele’s signature recordings.

2. Rumour Has It – punchy, rhythmic soul-pop.

3. Turning Tables – restrained but emotionally powerful ballad.

4. Don’t You Remember – country/soul influence.

5. Set Fire to the Rain – huge production and vocal climax.

6. He Won’t Go – bluesy, gospel-influenced number.

7. Take It All – sweeping piano ballad.

8. I’ll Be Waiting – energetic soul-pop.

9. One and Only – slow-burning gospel/soul performance.

10. Lovesong – beautifully understated cover of The Cure’s song.

11. Someone Like You – the stark piano-and-vocal finale that became one of her most famous songs.

The sound

The album is particularly effective because Adele’s voice is generally front and centre, rather than buried under elaborate production. The arrangements range from relatively intimate piano pieces to the much bigger productions of “Rolling in the Deep” and “Set Fire to the Rain.”

There are several producers, including Paul Epworth, Rick Rubin, Ryan Tedder and Dan Wilson, giving the album some variety while retaining a coherent sound.

Australian CD

If yours is the standard Australian XLCD 520, it contains the original 11-track album. It was released in Australia in January 2011 and has a standard jewel-case presentation with booklet.

Overall: 9.5/10.

For Adele, this is arguably the essential album. The combination of “Rolling in the Deep,” “Set Fire to the Rain” and “Someone Like You” makes it an exceptionally strong CD, and the quieter tracks give it considerable depth rather than making it simply a collection of hit singles.