21

Fantastic

Not typically my thing but I love the power behind that woman's voice. Powerful and emotional. But girl, you need to wash that man out your hair, he isn't worth it.

Lots of talent, obviously, but I didn’t really vibe with the songs

Rolling in the Deep is one of the best songs I've ever heard. Rumor Has It, Set Fire to the Rain, and Someone Like You are great too. The rest .... it's all good, just a lot of the same thing. I can't quite give it a 5. The best of it is up there with the best of all time, the rest is a modern generic soul album.

Amazing voice, super clean production, and punctuated by a two iconic songs that still hold today.

This is a pretty fucking good album. It does unfortunately falter in the middle there a bit for me, but all the singles are deservedly so, and Lovesong is such a chef's kiss addition on here.

Mostly blended together outside of the hits, and the lesser hit "Rumour Has It" actively annoys me in the chorus. The three big hits, though, are huge for a damn good reason.

Some of the most insane 1-star reviews I’ve ever read exist for this album. Some people are so incredibly hateful. Some catchy songs, some heartfelt ones, and an amazing voice. It’s obvious why these songs were everywhere at the start of the decade. And not just young people either, I mean EVERYONE knew Adele. Absolutely crazy that pretty much all her most popular songs were from a record that came out when she was 21. Minus points for dating Rich Paul tho.

Wait that was kinda great! I don't have much to say, except that I unexpectedly enjoyed a lot of the deeper cuts on here, and that it has aged pretty damn well after 14 years. Standouts: Rolling in the Deep • Don't You Remember • Set Fire to the Rain • He Won't Go • I'll Be Waiting • One And Only • Lovesong

One of the most inescapable albums of the early 2010s and by far not her best work, this is still a pleasure to listen to. I think it is hurt by its length and overall lack of variety. She really stretches her abilities on the singles, but there are a lot of songs on this album that sound the same.

Been a while since listening to Adele. Listening to this as an adult, I can totally hear the impact this has had.

This has been the most surprising album so far. When I saw today’s pick, I was disappointed. I thought yesterday’s album was boring, and I was dreading slogging through another. I knew of Adele and had heard a couple of her songs on the radio and in pop culture. I didn’t think I liked her, but I’ve been trying to approach each album with an open mind. The first song, Rolling in the Deep, came on. I already knew it from the radio, but it had never been a favorite. I assumed it would be the highlight of the album. The next song, Rumour Has It, seemed to confirm my suspicion that it was all downhill from there. I was very wrong. I started multitasking and mentally filed this as a “background music” album, until Turning Tables came on. A couple of minutes into it, I realized I was actually enjoying it. As the album went on, I liked each song more than the last. By the end, I had added several to my library. I decided to go back and listen again from the start. This time, even the songs I didn’t care for initially grew on me. By the end, I had added every single track to my library. Apparently, I like Adele, or at least this album. Added to Library: • All of them

A modern day diva, Adele is amazing. This album came out the year I graduated high school so I may be biased. Only couldn’t give it five stars because it drops off for a couple songs in the middle, sounding a little more like country ballads and the musicians not matching Adele’s energy.

While she can sing, this was absolutely not my cup of tea.

Adele has an amazing voice and I like her. 3 stars cause it's not really my kind of music but I have a lot of respect for her.

I've enjoyed Adele's music rather passively over the years. Having this album generate was a pleasant surprise. Although I know 2/3 of it through radio play, I've never listened to the album in its entirety and, woah... She is a highly successful artist who is still young and surprisingly has few albums over her nearly 20 year career. Yet, for me, it's hard not to call this her Magnum Opus. Nearly 15 years on, this does feel like a classic. Unbelievably composed and written. Crisp beautiful instrumentals and backing vocals. It's an album you can imagine putting together in the studio and having "that feeling". Admittedly, I feel the subject matter- classic nonetheless- is played out. However, Adele does love blues and broken hearted better than many and among the best. It doesn't feel corny or drab. It doesn't feel whiny- it feels yearning and beautiful. "Someone Like You" beams at you like a distant memory unearthed by a relic in a shoebox or junk drawer- altogether nostalgically pleasant and hauntingly painful. Adele puts together a "heartbreak" album that isn't somber, but rather tells a love story that doesn't end in joy. And isn't that how love is sometimes?

Adele is not Amy Winehouse, who did this same thing better. I don’t think she quite grasps what her strengths are here. The best Adele songs can’t be sung by anyone else, and a lot of these don’t really fit that bill.

The amount of talent this women has at 21 is more than 99% of the world will have in their lifetime

I stepped away from this challenge specifically because of this record. I was just not ready for this much of a downer. That said, Adele is incredibly talented, but definitely not something I enjoy listening to. and not because i don't like sad music (elliott smith is the shit), i don't think i could really articulate why. same with modern r&b. just not for me.

Love a bit of Adele

It’s just so good, which I alway seem to forget till I listen to it again - sad but good feels

While I’ve never been a huge fan of Adele, I’m also not an idiot.

I didn't know that I'm a fan, but I guess I am.

She obviously has a great voice but goddamn this was one of the most boring and one-dimensional things I've heard

when is someone going to tell her that "all" and "deep" don't rhyme

Wow, I had heard some songs for it before, but this was a revelation. The whole album is great.

Great album by adele

The girl can sing.

Basic.

Not really my thing but Rolling in the Deep is a banging opener

Rating this while in the midst of re-listening because I've been a huge Adele fan for years, especially of 21 and 19. This is an incredible project. If I could be more specific with ratings, I'd give it a 4.5, but being generous with my rating for how iconic this album is and how much of a moment it had in pop music when released. Favorites: "Rolling in the Deep," "Set Fire to the Rain," and "One and Only." Total bangers. Adele is incredible, and I appreciate how authentic she has stayed to her sound, audience, songwriting and structure, and aesthetics over time - she could have easily gone another direction and did bubblegum pop for her sophomore album, but she's stuck to her "divorced middle-aged woman" pop guns throughout her career, and I love that (and her).

A voice still sounds a bit rough on this, which I love, and the emotion is well and truly in there. It gets a bit lost towards the end. But this is great in a way that Adele albums will never be again.

The is a really good album. Great songs carried by a phenomenal voice.

78/1001 Adele - 21 Heard before? ✅ Revisit? ❎ Due to the singles from this album, Adele was also a banned artist on my phone due to how overplayed she was, but never quite got there. Either way, this is just bland, over produced, over sung nothingness.

Going into 21, I’ll admit I wasn’t exactly an Adele fan. I kept an open mind, hoping the critical acclaim might shift my perspective. After giving the album a full listen, I can say… maybe I’ve moved the needle ever so slightly, but not by much. I found this album to be repetitive both in sound and tone. I can not get past her signature belting. Maybe if I listen to it a couple more time, I may begin to appreciate it better.

I know most of these signs and remember when the album came out, but I forgot how many of them absolutely slap. Her voice is amazing.

Is this the best songwriter of the 21st century? Debatable. But this album is phenomenal, and she doesn't really have a bad song on any of her albums. One of the greatest voices ever

Quite a good voice, just wish there was a bit less filler and the lyrics were better.

My memory of this album is a 5/6 year old me waiting outside my mums work with my dad and my brother. She’d always be held back so through time knew all these songs off by heart. And it’s good front loaded except for someone like you but due to memories I have to rate it a 5 theres an edge of bias in music reviewing, even when someone tries to be objective this is one of my nostalgia blind spots

There is no denying her vocal chops. And the album starts off great, with two bangers that I still enjoy after many listens. But then the songs become very same-y and slow, even with her amazing singing. The production is fine, but there is too much down time between the faster tempo songs. IMO those songs are where the album really shines. Two in a row of the slow ones are ok, but more than that makes for a somewhat boring listen at times. The album is finishing playing as I'm writing this, and my final thought is that this is a good album bookended by four great songs (two to start and two to end). It's a 3.5 that will get a 4 as it's consistently listenable regardless of my complaints.

I can be pretty down on pop, but this was a fun album. Adele's mezzo voice is the star, through and through. There's some simple but engaging musicality to the track she's singing over that supplements the vocals and doesn't distract from, but they're fun to focus on anyway. Particularly the hip hop/jazzy percussion on tracks like He Won't Go.

Adele undeniably has one of the greatest voices of a generation. Some of the singles have lost a bit of their luster for me, but Someone Like You is a perfect song.

Adele has an amazing and soulful voice. That said, the music is not really my cup of tea. Favorite track: Rollin in the Deep

Kyllä se osaa laulaa. Ei kuitenkaan mikään lemppari albumi. Saa lisäpisteitä koska tiiän nää laulut melkeen kaikki joten voi laulaa mukana😜.

By far my favorite Adele album. I listened to this over and over again in 2011. I love almost every song on it. I especially love Someone Like You.

If Michael Buble is a pale imitation of Frank Sinatra, Adele is a pale imitation of Aretha Franklin. I get the appeal, she does have a great voice but this is not a consistently strong or original album.

so many popular songs from this album!

Some really good bangers out of this one. Rolling In The Deep, Fire To the Rain, Someone Like You are all widely popular singles for a good reason. There's something about Someone Like You that really hits for me in particular. Few songs go for a feeling of indignant weakness, but it's just as valid a human emotion as any other.

A good one.

its adele

Nogle hits imellem, som trækker op. Men jeg kommer nok ikke til at sætte det på igen.

I like it more than I remember.

Great album with some modern classics like Rolling in the deep and Someone like you

2011 Not interested. Not wasting my valuable listening time. Not messing with my streaming algorithm. Heard before ❌️ only singles on the radio Listened this time ❌️ not a chance Revisit ❌️ Just no ★☆☆☆☆ (2/10)

This album was a solid part of the soundtrack of the world around the early 2010s. Definitely needs to be in this list for just how huge it was. In regards to my personal enjoyment, I thought it was fun to notice now how American and blues/folky she can sound on here. I had a good time, but it's probably something I'm not going to go back to any time soon

I honestly enjoyed many songs more than I'd expected, I actually liked an Adele album!

In 2011, Adele burst onto the scene with this album and some absolutely killer tracks—many of which would go on to be her most notable songs. My mom at the time was of the mind that if you liked one song, you had to buy the CD it came from (despite iTunes very much being a thing at that point, but I digress). So as a teenager, anytime my mom and I would go anywhere in her car, she’d have this CD ready to go. Now, don’t get me wrong, Adele is a great singer. I wish I could have the musical success she found at 21–heck, I’d settle for 25 at this point! And some of these tracks were big for a reason (Rolling in the Deep, Someone Like You, Set Fire to the Rain), that reason being they’re phenomenal. THAT BEING SAID, I dreaded this CD coming on when I was a teenager, because aside from those songs + Rumor Has It, I HATED this CD. I found the other tracks to be boring, ESPECIALLY Turning Tables—Someone Like You coming at the end is a great closer, but you have to slog through the most forgettable sad songs in your life to get there. Eventually my mom learned to stop buying full CDs when she picked up a Ce-Lo Green album and we all learned the hard way that the song Forget You was NOT what that song was called on the album…

Loved this. The songwriting lends to Adele’s voice so well. Rolling In the Deep is just superb.

Okay she is top of the pops 2010s. Lovely voice and the songs sound sort of similar to each other. Never really moved me. The lyrics are more love and loss. Okay.

Great voice but apart from a couple of tracks, all the songs have the same subject. He's left, she misses him and she'll change if he comes back. By the end of the album I wanted to give her a good shake and tell her to get some self respect and stop wallowing

Painful

The album that first introduced me to Adele. I've heard her songs countless times, even tried to sing to a few, but I usually can only go a little bit before I want to switch. She's overall just not for me musically. That said this album reminded me that she is a powerhouse. Her songs are strong on this and only a couple didn't hit for me, I'll Be Waiting and her cover of Lovesong. That

I LOVE ADELE

Enjoyable. Significant but not overly heavy. 4+

Listened July 2021. Many of these songs are so overplayed that I don't get any pleasure from hearing them anymore. Nevertheless, this is a strong contender for most iconic album of the last 15-20 years with an insane collection of hit singles.

Years ago, working a retail job, there were a few bright spots in the wretched muzak. Turned out it was Adele, several songs from this album. It rates an automatic 4 just for helping me get through those days. Years later, my daughter likes Adele. I think this album is going to age well.

Yks aikoijemme makeimmasta äänistä. Varmaan joka biisi kuultu radiosta tai pikavideopalvelusta k

This came out just after I broke up with my ex, and brought back a lot of memories from that time. Due to current issues this was quite painful to listen to. It's brilliant though, Adele has a powerful voice and some touching lyrics. I understand why this is one of the best selling albums in Britain of all time.

Adele is clearly talented and has a fabulous voice. These are good songs. I could see myself returning for Rumour Has It. But my taste bone is not especially tickled by the other tracks. Bonus point for covering The Cure, though.

upon learning this is the best-selling album of the 21st century (so far) i was incredulous, but after a front to back listen: it makes sense! the album is solid, and adele's incredible vocals are able to elevate it to something that much more. it was an enjoyable listen, though beyond a few songs (rumor has it) it didn't leave any indelible impression on me - i heard most of these songs on repeat in the mid 2010s and i'm happy to leave them there. and not that anyone asked: but i think i'll always have some difficulty approaching certain songs (ahem, someone like you) in earnest because of how much it's been meme-ified. i can't hear that song and not feel ironic. that's not adele's fault, and it's not a knock on the album, i just have internet brain worms. highlights - rumor has it, turning tables, set fire to the rain

Fuck meeeeee. Great album though.

Bello, ma un po' monotone le lyrics

The arrangements, instruments, and vocals are great. The pathos is overbearing, but maybe it was cathartic. Schadenfreude is the nature of this beast, unless you’re going through the same thing, I would guess. Still, very good overall.

I really appreciate her voice. Not the target audience for the lyrics haha

Obviously I knew the singles - how could I not? And they’re still brilliant. But the production, the vocals and the lyrics here are all outstanding. Brilliant album.

I know it’s a seminal album, but it bores me. Next.

Classic

Adele, 21 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ She's a force. What a voice. Like growly blues singer. I love that she gives an ever-so-subtle bit of working class Briton in her delivery. She's not Lana Del Ray trying to ape 50s movie starlet. She's Adele, dammit. She's like the singing equivalent of Megan Stalter. Out there. In your face. Brooding. Sexy. Honest. Not this effects-laden Billie Eilish. Not kinda one-trick Gaga. Or exciting-but-ultimately-gets-old Katy Perry. Just real, with songs that make you think "yeah, she's seen this for real." When she turns 25 I think her stuff gets more interesting but I get the appeal of her debut.

Very good

Great album - didn't quite make the grade for a 5 but so very close

Brilliant. Just absolutely brilliant. Writing something this strong at age 21, the strength of her vocals. Someone Like You ranks somewhere in my favourite, most powerful songs of all time. Flawless.

5/5. Absolute bangers.

TE AMO ADELEE pero no es mi música

It’s okayyyyy, but One and Only is actually very fun on a NYC evening walk

I'm not strong enough to resist Adele or a power-pop break up album! But the Lovesong cover just makes me want to listen to the Cure.

Still not my favorite genre but a very good album. Definitely better than 25.

love no notes

3 out of 5, second album by Adele on this list. I found this one better than 25, more enjoyable melodies.

Þetta er flott plata. Adele er náttúrulega ein helsta söngkona samtímans. Það er samt einhver plasthúðun gullhúðun þarna sem sker svolítið í eyrun. Jafnvel bara ofspilunin að hafa áhrif. Var pottþéttur á fjarkanum fyrirfram en nær því miður bara miðjumoði hjá mér. 3.5

Svakalega vönduð og flott plata hjá Adele. Ótrúlega þroskuð.

I mean nothing has to be said.

Loved one and only, and of course other big hits too. Rolling in the deep and set fire to the rain does feel a bit crafty for me. But this is largely because of too many terrible covers. The original version is full of vitality. Strangely someone like you has millions of covers as well but it’s always a perfect Adele song no matter how bad the covers are. Overall although I like 25 more than 21, it’s still a five!

19 is a solid album but 21 really feels like when Adele reaches another level. Rolling in the Deep is such an awesome fucking song. It’s a never skip for me, and I’ll often listen to all of 21 just because of this song. The whole album is great, I’ve got 7/11 of the tracks saved and this is far from my first listen, I’m guessing I’m around 15+ now. I listened twice while reviewing. She’s just got it. The music is captivating, the lyricism, passion and skill are all in perfect harmony. I do want to point out that amongst the hits on this album that He Won’t Go is always a lovely surprise in the middle of the album. It’s just so groovy and really gives the album a great pacing and some chill energy to set the stage for the back half of the track list. Easy 5.

this is a really heavy hitter of an album. rollin in the deep, rumour has it, set fire to the rain, and someone like you all on the same 48 minute album. more than a third of this album became singles that took the world by storm, and established Adele as a true Tour de Force of music. that said, i do think that the other songs, though still hyper impressive, don't come as close to the magic the main four have from this album. im not sure i would find myself coming back to 21 as much as I would 25, which ive been listening to a whole bunch since diving in. not to compare albums by an artist, but i do think that the non-singles leave a little more to be desired. still a great album, but i could honestly leave this at a 3.5 and be happy. though, i am going to bump it up to 4, because damn does this girl have pipes!

Incredible voice and incredible album. The biggest thing for me that takes it down to a 4 (and one of the reasons I like 25 over this one) is just that I’ve never been a fan of rolling in the deep. I know it’s a very cold take but there’s always just been something about it that I haven’t jived with and since it’s like the main single from this album I’ve got to take it down one star. But otherwise incredible variety and vocals here.

My bias is shining through here with this rating but I think this is five stars regardless. Adele hits her stride with this album, having four of the biggest songs of the decade (right as the decade starts), some fantastic b-sides, and an incredible cover of Lovesong. It’s my favorite album of hers so I’ve listened to it more times than I can count but I’m never gonna be upset to have a reason to come back to it. P.S. The dude that let Adele slip away is an absolute dumbass but I’m thankful his mistake led to this album. P.S.S. Two fives for Adele should at least tie her with Kanye as my favorite artist on the list so far, definitely a good thing.

I wish we had this a little further apart from 25. I also wish I wasn't traveling so I could go into more detail on my review. The short of it is that 25 was a 4.5/5 and 21 is a 5/5.

No doubt the lassie can sing, but her songs are dull as dishwater and the least said about the awful cover of Long Song by The Cure the better.

Defined elementary school for me. Someone like you is the most 2011 song in the world. Set fire to the rain is one of the first songs I ever memorized.

Great album! Adele is amazing! 21 brings back a lot of good memories. One of which is my daughter and her friend making a video to Rumour Has It. They substituted "rumour" with our dog's name "Boomer". It was super cute and had shots of Boomer through out the video. Anyway, back to the music... Adele's voice is amazing! This was definitely her breakout album with hits scattered throughout!

4/5

Consistent 2010s soul pop.

Her second album. Pop. Rolling In The Deep is a great opening track. The vocals are superb and a good beat. At the time of recording this album she was only 21 and a talented singer songwriter. The production is as slick as can be. Before Adele became somewhat of a cliche, there was this. Top ballads and a great voice. This isn't even my kind of thing but I can't deny how good it is.

I knew Adele at 25 years old, so now it's time to figure out who she was at 21 years old. I really enjoy this album, and as usual, her voice is fantastic. It made me nostalgic for my early college days. Favorite Track: "Rolling In The Deep".

This is so weird. I feel like all the components are good, but I’m just not feeling it. I was bored and idk. It lacked something vital for me.

A classic record that stands the test of time. However, I did feel like somewhere around the middle of the album, there are a couple of filler songs. Remarkable album, solid four-and-a-half stars.

I listened to it on repeat for a year when it was released, so I know it by heart. iconic. However, I don't think I will ever listen to it again if not forced to as I was today by this page.

Un viaje fantástico a través de canciones llenas de sentimiento y emociones crudas que te hacen anhelar aquello que no es o no fue.

A bit too sad for me

All hits no skips, amazing voice.

Was a great album when it came out and still is. Feeling like it's 2011 again 👌

Cool cure cover, a lot of bangers. Deserves a 4.5

Mein zehntes Album, das ich schon vorher kannte. Schwierig. An sich solide vier, die meisten Songs sind super bis genial, so ganz umgehauen hat es mich aber nicht, Lovesong war für mich zu lang und etwas langweilig. Ich habe 25 schon fünf Sterne gegeben und das war einfach einen Ticken besser, trotzdem ist das echt gut und es ist schön, nach ein paar seltsamen Synthesizergeklimperalben auch mal richtige Musik zu haben. Es fühlt sich nicht nach fünf an, ich habe aber schon viel schlechteren Alben vier gegeben. Eindeutig 4 1/2. Kann ich wirklich beiden Adelealben auf der Liste fünf Sterne geben? Ja. Es erinnert mich an die guten alten Zeiten, wo wir die drei großen Hits im Musikunterricht gesungen haben. Und Ryan Tedder hat da mitgeschrieben. Dafür den Extrastern.

Incredible singing voice, good songwriting, several really good songs.

4.2

Pop album by a pop singer that had a bunch of pop hits on it. 😁

I love Adele and this is her best album.

Дуже подобались і досі подобаються перші два її альбоми. Особливо 19, він мені якийсь більш щирий та менш запродюсований (там в деяких місцях такий звук, що ніби лайв концерт). Плюс тут є пісні, які ще не досягнули рівня неможливості слухати як Every Breath You Take, але поступово наближаються до цього статусу (Rolling in the Deep та Set Fire to the Rain, наприклад, але не Someone Like You, ця все ще топ). У неї дійсно неймовірний голос, досі чіпляє мене за якісь струни, коли слухаю, наприклад, Take it All. Мені власне й найближчі ці умовні deep cuts по 100 млн прослуховувань на Спотіку: He Won’t Go, Take it All та I’ll Be Waiting. Багато свого часу дивився лайвів, хотів потрапити на конц, але якось не склалось, а пізніше не дуже й хотілось вже. Альбом не рівний, відчувається робота з різними продюсерами. Класний альбом, багато спогадів, включаю не так часто як міг би, бо зараз кайфонув. Але дебютний мій фаворит назавжди

I’ve heard the singles off this album approximately 1000 times (like most people) and I was worried id just be tired of them. I was really impressed with the rest of the album as well, so it’s easily a 5

es adele, no hay más que decir

I love that the guy from Semisonic cowrote Someone Like You

The maturity of delivery and vocal quality of Adele at the age of 21 will always amaze me. Remarkably talented. The album is solid from beginning to end, but seems to really just stay in the same wheelhouse. Nothing wrong with knowing what you do best, but, for me, I like to hear artists explore a bit further. Musical quality great, musical variety not so much. Rounded up 3.5 stars for how hard “Rumour Has It” kicks.

I am certainly not a fan of the 2000's pop era....but this is such a finely crafted album with great vocals, of course, and also some really good songs. It starts out in great soul-rock fashion with "Rolling in the Deep" and "Rumor Has It." There are some forgettable, samey songs after that but the arrangements and orchestrations really elevate songs like "Set Fire to the Rain." And, come on, "Someone Like You" is a great song, even if it was played ad nauseum and you couldn't escape it in 2011. The passion and conviction in her voice really sells it. Just an all around solid pop album that was a pleasure to listen to again.

13 year old me might have been appalled at this take, but sometimes there's a reason why music is popular. Despite hearing these songs in every dentist office and department store and getting sick of them for like a five year period, its a pretty decent album. I'll give my edgy teenage self one point of agreement that Someone Like You kind of sucks, I wish she ended on the Cure cover. The rest is a well-produced, if not a tad bland, pop soul album, with impressive vocals. Its not to my taste but still good on a technical level

Conocia de Adele solo sus hits y fue una grata sorpresa escuchar este álbum. Aquí se ve lo virtuosa que puede ser su música y me sorprendió enormemente en varias partes el álbum, una escucha satisfecha.

Plays like a greatest hits album. The vocal power is obvious, but the song selection is what takes this over the top

I had no idea I knew this many Adele songs. Awesome album. Best song: Rumour Has It

Surprisingly good. Great voice, comfortable and well crafted pop songs. Someone Lile You is immense

mostly I liked it, some of the tracks were a bit too R&B for my tastes

Beetje zelfde als 25 eigenlijk, iets hoger pieken, iets vaker dat gevoel van zwaar overplayed.

Ooh boy, nog een Adele album. Met ook alle grote hits zoals rolling in the deep, set fire to the rain en someone like you. Na ruim 10 jaar eigenlijk nog steeds niet weg te denken uit het publieke gemeengoed. Ik moet zeggen dat ik nummers wel prima vind, als je het maar niet keer op keer op keer op keer op de radio hoort (thanks radio 538 die thuis altijd aan stond...). 2 + 1 = 3

I have to admit I’ve never heard her before and only barely heard of her, as i switched off from pop music decades ago. I expected, then, to hear another of these little girly fantastic-plastic voices like many of the other blonde popsicles preceding her. So i was pleasantly surprised by her presence and big ‘real woman’s’ voice. This was no popsicle! The songs themselves don't speak to me but she well and truly earns her place on this rather dubious list.

This album stunned me back in 2011, and it still has that unique sound all the way in 2025. From the very beginning, Rolling in the Deep grabs the listener by the throat and by the time you've realized whats happening, you're being held hostage for the entire track list. Adele's music feels timeless and powerful, impervious to time. Her voice is robust and full-bodied, and her music enraptures.

Not something I would seek out. Perfectly fine album. Mostly bland tracks though. 2.5 rounded down Heard before? The singles Owned: No, 6/1001, 6/23 (26%) Will I get? No Recommend: No

Album plagado de éxitos y con un despliegue vocal increible de Adele aunque suena un poco repetitivo.

Adele has a great voice but her songs don’t do much for me

Banger. Even the non hits are fantastic. what a voice 5/5

Safe album, nothing too exciting but nothing I can complain about too much either. Fave song is the Never mind I'll find one

Well I did not need go listen to this one to give it five stars. But of course I listened and it is great. Although I like her live recording at Royal Albert Hall better, because you can hear what a great person she is as well.

top 3: - turning tables - set fire to the rain - someone like you special mention: - lovesong - don’t you remember - he won’t go

Really good album and its really easy to see why. Adele is a very powerful singer, the songs are really memorable and for a mainstream pop album the production is very well done

First half I wanted to cry with each and every song. This is all thanks to the incredible sound of Adele’s powerful voice. So many hits as well?! I also fell in love with turning tables, he won’t go and lovesong. Great album!

Classic

Iconic

What are those albums that you think? You know what you're getting into, but it still surprises you

In 2011, right after my sophomore year of college, I broke up with my longterm, long distance girlfriend. It definitely blindsided her, even tho it was something I had been contemplating for a while. When I got home, I remember my sister shared this CD with me. I listened to it on my laptop and wept, feeling that each lyric was written specifically to stab me in the heart for what I had just done. I guess I’m speaking to the universality of Adele. It’s pop music, but it’s damn good pop music.

She was 21 at the time?! Never heard this in its entirety but many songs were so mainstream at the time. There's so much love-related angst delivered in her signature voice. 5* I needed something more upbeat after this, very depressing. Highlights: rumour has it, set fire to the rain, someone like you

Great album, probably one of the best and most memorable of my generation. I definitely like it, however its not something I'm adding to my personal playlists or listening to on repeat so that's a 3/5 for me.

I find it repetitive sometimes, maybe it is because they wanted to mantain the same line... but I cannot deny it is a fantastic show-off of a magnificent voice for someone so young. Besides, many bangers.

I remember my younger sister listening to this a lot when it came out. Good album, a couple great hits and a couple legendary ones. Not really an album I see myself coming back to but nonetheless still good

Nice

eerste twee zijn goed... daarna steil bergaf tot ver onder nul...

I remember listening to this album when I was in middle school. Not much to say, Adele has such a great voice

Again, not really my thing but I appreciate how good her voice is, I enjoyed a few songs. “Lovesong” a favourite.

# Album Name: 21 # Artist: Adele # Rating: 5/5 # Comments: A very talented artist. No doubt. Amazing voice. This is a good album. I just felt the tone of the album was a bit much over the course of the entire thing. Id give this a low 5. Looking back half of the albums are top top tunes. # Top Tunes: rolling in the deep / rumour has it / turning tables / set fire to the rain # Would I listen to it again? Yes

Pretty good album, incredible voice. She really just has that “it” thing that only a few vocalists seem to have. Don’t like it enough to listen to it often, but definitely a good listen.

Det är Adele!

In 21 Adele finds a great balance between soul and pop, being mostly driven by her powerful and emotional vocals. It's a melancholic and often sad album, and it delivers very well that vibe. The understated and minimalist production compliments Adele's voice very well, giving her a lot of space to shine and carry the project. Most of the tracks are very good, there's of course very well known tracks like "Rolling In The Deep", "Set Fire To The Rain" and "Someone Like You", which remain as hard hitting and catchy as when they released. I particularly liked the lesser known ones from the second half like "He Won't Go", "Take It All" and "I'll Be Waiting", the latter bringing a much needed dose of higher energy. I didn't like much the country-influenced "Don't You Remember"and while I liked the "Lovesong" cover, I felt like it didn't quite match the level of the original. Overall it's a great album. My only drawbacks are the couple of songs mentioned before, and the tone can be a bit one-dimensional (and sad).

Great, but not my taste.

I think I had heard Rolling in the deep before and I can see why she is popular. I personally only liked "I'll be waiting" of what I listened to.

Of course this is one the list, of course she’s a great singer and writer, of course the production is fantastic, but the thing that really gets me is that she did all this at 21. It’s almost unbelievable. It’s not even my cup of tea but gotta give massive credit where it’s due.

3.5 stars. They’re overplayed for a reason. She’s undeniably very talented.

3.75.

4.5. iconic timeless bangers. a few songs were skips.

Great album!!!!

Ok Adele is a great singer. Obviously. But the actual music is just lame. Maybe that's intentional, I don't know, I don't care. Generic ass elevator music backing.

i try not to be overly negative when it comes to modern pop music because i do know it's a 'it's not you, it's me' sort of thing. i just find a lot of it to be toothless and not fun to listen to. this album kinda falls into that category for me. adele has a great voice! do not get it twisted. i'm not really a fan of the songs here. maybe it's partially because of how pervasive a lot of these songs were when this album came out, maybe it's because the music just isn't for me, maybe it's because i do genuinely find the songwriting to be lackluster. the arrangement and production is fine enough. but ultimately, i think this one isn't for me.

Urghh. Adele - no doubt has a super voice. Music though is shopping mall level dross. Inspired a generation of talent show wannabees and I don't want to waste my music listening time on this.

This album was super popular when I was in high school so I associate this heavily with that time. Better than I remember it being. Obviously Adele has an amazing voice, so it’s a very easy listen. Some songs in the middle of the album did kind of blend together for me. Overall, a very good album.

Reminded me so much of college, early heartache and singing in the car. I liked "Turning Tables" and "Don't You Remember" less this time around. And I liked "One and Only" more this time around.

Something I was well aware of but never listened to as an album. So a classic but new at the same time. Some beautiful songs on here. I can’t help but think that on a list of greatest albums of all time this is only an average 3 stars though

Ugh

Love some Adele

Soundtrack for your fainting couch! Couldn’t finish it. Dramatic, samey, screechy.

El mejor de Adele...?

There really should be a zero option

Having spent most of the 2010’s in an iron box buried deep underground, I had zero idea who Adele was. I was, however, quite wary of what seemed to be yet another mainstream pop idol designed by comittee to appeal to sad teenagers. I’m glad, however, that I gave Adele a chance. I was right, but I was also wrong. I was wrong because she’s clearly a very talented young woman with an amazing voice and a real soul / blues sensibility. « Rolling in the Deep » and « Rumor Has It » are great songs that convey a lot of emotion. I also liked « Lovesong ». The fact that she forced Spotify to play her songs in order and not as a random mix also speaks hugely in her favor in my opinion... The rest of the album, however, is a mixed bag. The production is far too polished to my taste, and I still think this is music specifically designed to please everybody. It’s smooth and comfy - it’s the musical equivalent of a safe space. I have nothing against safe spaces, but I want music to shock me out of my comfort zone, and this album certainly does not do that. Adele won’t become my favorite singer anytime soon, but with better production and a little bit of risk-taking, she may yet do some interesting things.

One of the first albums I remember listening to all the way through the week it was released. Although I didn’t understand the lack of a through storyline (I thought all albums where like a musical) I became obsessed with this album. I have listened to it through many times and it has become one of my top 5 favourite albums of all time. Upon a re listen, really focusing on the songs… I think it does have a pretty strong through line of a toxic relationship (hers in real life) and going through that experience. Makes me love it more. There are also 0 skip able songs.

Classic songs to mstch Adele’s faultless rich vocals

This is an album in two halves: the first half is a belter - “Rolling in the Deep” still sounds as good as it did the day it was released and begins an almost perfect run of tracks, any of which would be strong enough to release as singles. The second half of the album loses some of that momentum for me, and isn’t as strong. It took me a minute to realise “Lovesong” was a (quite nice) cover of The Cure and, of course, “Someone Like You” will forever be the heartbreak anthem of the 2010s, and is the standout track at the back-end of the album.

On the last Adele album offered up by the generator (25), I said find it really hard to have an opinion about Adele's music beyond her incredible voice. This album I liked a little more than the last, helped a lot by it including Rolling In The Deep which is a such a belt out loud sing-along it's hard not to love it. I still prefer the upbeat version of Adele though and start to struggle when everything gets a bit schmaltzy. While saying that I enjoyed this album more, I don't think I liked it one whole star more, so this would be a 3.5... but I'm still plumping for 3 given the lack of half stars. I am reserving the right to re-evaluate this in future though (a think a few more listens has the possibility to change my score). 3/5

Pretty boring, but quality music and singing.

3.5

4.5 stars. Really well made pop album. Has a few absolute bangers, a couple earworms (Rumor has it will be in my head all day) and some beautiful piano ballads. Adele's voice is unique and amazing as always, and never too show-boaty. Her vocals always seem to match the song well. Main thing holding it back from 5 stars is that it just didn't evoke any intense emotional response that makes an album really stick with me. Its almost too polished for that. Great listen though.

Fine.

This album went triple platinum in my household during middle school. Too bad it sounds awful. Adele is a generational talent but this album is boring and the instrumentation all sounds like it came out of a keyboard. The only reason this is getting 2 stars instead of 1 is because she is extremely talented.

Dude I was just thinking; “hey, my long weekend at home is missing the ambience of a grocery store.” I open my browser, and what do I see?? An answer to my problems. I will play this quietly and interrupt it periodically with loud, indecipherable PA announcements to feel like I’m really there. I need to feel like I’m at the bottom of a depressive cycle in the produce aisle. We’re just a press of a button away from crying next to the avocados. I’m ready to feel (miserable) again. Rolling in the Deep - This is the most 2011 song ever. Perhaps besides anything by the Lumineers. Anyway, here’s the thing, she can absolutely sing. It’s an incredible talent. If I had heard this song for the first time, I might even like it. Rumour Has It - The second most 2011 song of all time. Well I suppose the time would be 2011. Whatever. Some people peaked that year. I however, was a grumpy teenager who wished to not hear this song anymore. As a grumpy adult, it’s fine. We were really enamoured with the “stomp clap” motif. This one feels like a sell out moment. Still an incredible vocal performance, but far too commercial. Turning Tables - The first of the deep tracks. This one is going triple platinum with the moms who fantasize about divorce crowd. That demographic pretty much runs the daytime radio rundown. This sucks. Don’t You Remember - This is so basic and middling. I wish I didn’t remember this era. Although with my rapidly declining short-term memory, I probably won’t remember this song by this afternoon. Set Fire to the Rain - Damn, another hit. This one is so theatrical and her the top. Even just the “touching your face” line. It just reads like a theatre kid imagining their ultimate broadway closing scene. This might be more fit for the Neptune Theatre in Halifax. Ugh. Maybe Dartmouth. He Won’t Go - Yeah there he is officer. Yep, the guy in the oversized Gene Snitsky” t shirt. He won’t leave and we’ve been trying to close this grocery store for a few hours. He keeps shouting about it “not being his fault.” I don’t care whose fault it is, but we’re in the deep tracks here and I can’t really handle any more 2011 radio ballads. Take It All - Take it (take it) take another little piece of my time, and blast into the oblivion of time via another 48 minute slab of music. I suppose I’m the one asking for it! Perfect. This song was meh. I’ll Be Waiting - Errm whatcha waiting for? A good song? Me too Adele. Me too. One and Only - Oh boy, another wedding ballad. This really is the way I wanted to spend my day. Lovesong - this just makes me think about the death metal band “Grave” who have a song by the same name. It’s from their obligatory groove metal era that so many death metal bands ended up in. I will say, Grave’s “Hating Life” is actually heavy as all hell. I stand by it. Someone Like You - This song encapsulates everything I hate about pop music and how we consume it. Not because it’s a bad song, because it isn’t. This is actually a beautiful song and pulls at the heart strings. However, this song is devastating. Listen to it. Tell me why this is playing in the background when you’re shopping for toilet paper or waiting to pick up hemorrhoid cream at the pharmacy. Tell me. Why do I need to listen to someone pine for a love they weren’t ready to lose while getting fleeced at a mechanic? People claim to enjoy music, but don’t listen to it at even a surface level. We could play wasps buzzing for these simpletons, as long as it replaces the silence. Careful. If we don’t have heart wrenching breakup ballads playing, you might have to think! Ugh god. Maybe they’re right. Somebody spin up a catchy ballad about suicide. I’ve got some shopping to do. Every grain of passion typically gets expunged from pop music before it hits the dental office speaker, but it remains intact in Adele’s voice. The problem here isn’t the performance of the vocalist, it’s everything else. Every song is so generic. Each track was crafted with the hope of playing at an outdoor wedding engulfed in those millennial string lights. After 24 karat Magic, you need to bring the house down with the first dance song. Every wedding DJ knows the score. Listen, I don’t hate this, but I also don’t care. See my pop music rant in the last track review for my full thoughts. Don’t want to harp on it again. Oh what the hell, one more time. Stop playing emotionally dense music in public places. I don’t know who I have to reach about this issue, but some of us actually hear the shit that’s playing everywhere. 1.5 HIGHLIGHTS: Someone Like You

Adele has a great voice and she’s funny. I like her! But her music isn’t really my thing aside from a few songs. I was a fan of a couple of the songs off her first album, 19 (Hometown Glory and Chasing Pavements). I didn’t know she’d become an even bigger star but when Rolling in the Deep came out it was a showstopper and an instant classic. I remember at the time of 19 (2008-ish?), I guess because of the success of Amy Winehouse, BRIT school graduates like Adele and Kate Nash were getting a lot of attention. And around the same time Lily Allen and Duffy were really popular too and Adele kinda got lumped in with them. They were all successful to varying degrees but it was 21 that sent her to the stratosphere. I listened to this album a few times in 2011 but didn’t go back to it because there are a lot of forgettable ballads. Rolling in the Deep is the obvious best song. Rumour Has It is pretty fun. Set Fire to the Rain is pretty “adult contempy” as we say in my household. The other big ballad, Someone Like You, is a cut above because of her emotional lyrics and delivery. How did she sound so world-weary at age 21? I don’t care for the dreary smooth jazz cover of The Cure’s Lovesong.

Oops all ballads? This album is fine. Ya, Adele is a great singer. I just don't get much out of her style. I don't think she brings much personality to these songs. Some of them are catchy. But they also don't stick with me long. They lack character. Maybe it's the sanitary modern production? I could see this being better if it was recorded in the 60s. I was surprised to see the cure cover, but then I was disappointed because she doesn't add much to it. As far as pop girlies go, Adele is just not for me. I prefer the weirder futuristic millenial genz pop girlies. This sanitized 60s vibe doesn't do much for me. This album is one of my Dad's favourite modern albums and we never agree on music, so i'm not surprised I'm not a fan.

I've never been a fan, but you can't deny quality. I'm definitely going to be listening to more of Adele :)

Um dos melhores, senão provavelmente o melhor da intérprete.

soulful, sophisticated

Yet another album already in my collection. Something new please.

she has a great voice, but a bit too slick for me

adele? adele ist die queen. ich liebe liebe liebe dieses album. Von den bereits bekannten songs bis zu den die ich nicht kenne. Lovesong hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Es ist einfach krass und echt erstaunlich, dass adele nur 21 war als dieses album rauskam.

Beautiful voice, though admittedly a bit boring at times.

i remember listening to this when i was a kid since my parents were old enough to be caught in the storm. shit, i hadn't heard Rumour Has It in over a decade but i could still sing the chorus. this was a moment. i was expecting the Lovesong cover to stink but the bossa nova flair makes it very tasteful. good adult contemporary. but the soul aspects of it feel a little white bread to me deserves to be one of the 1001? for its sheer popularity? probably, but keep just one Adele album (probably)

This is a masterpiece. Really superb

I own this album so, yeah, I kind of like it.

Classic

its ok. Its not terrible and its not amazing. Some familiar songs, and the album was pleasant to listen to, but I am not rushing to listen to it again. thats a pretty bad cover of lovesong. 3 stars

Didn’t dislike

While i listened to it I def loved the production and her voice is as good as people say. However, I forgot this was meant to be i guess sad? Maybe its her lyrics or maybe I read the tone wrong but for its intention, I don't see it. Still, great music overall

Why is this here? Music for office buildings. YES she has so much talent and can SANG.

Dreary, boring, miserable.

It was less dull than I thought it would be. I probably won’t listen to it in its entirety but I did enjoy it. So many classics from this album

Amazing I’ll Be Waiting and One and Only are incredible songs that I think are as good or better than the big 3 (Rolling in the Deep, Set Fire to the Rain, and Someone Like You)

Not bad, but not for me.

2 - great voice but the songs are ok at best. Too overproduced and too many sad ballads

Alright, confession time: I didn’t expect to like this at all. When I first saw the album cover — Adele’s hand on her face, that grayscale melancholy oozing out like she’s about to read me a diary entry I didn’t ask for. I braced for a flood of maudlin ballads and overwrought wailing. But it caught me off guard in the best way. Dramatic without being cheesy. Honest without trying too hard. Basically, it’s what everyone else tries to do when they say they’re making a “mature” record. So yeah. I liked it. Adele, of all people, got me. I’m just as surprised as you are.

Kaikki Adelen hitit yhdellä levyllä (tai ainakin melkein). Muistoissani kuulosti eeppisemmältä. Liekö ikä vai kuultu pop-musiikki kuluttanut.

i already know this album like the back of my hand but enjoyed the relisten IMMENSELY i was a young teen when this album came out and oh boy, it spoke to that deep, tortured ragged emotion, dramtic aspect of my life that tormented me but was also what i lived for. there are some undeniable bangers in this album that i can still sing every lyric to. the album starts so so strong - the first five songs are non step bangers. a small bit of a lull before someone like you to finish; i can still see myself sitting in my music class in school, waiting impatiently for my turn to play the opening triads of someone like you, like some virtuosic pianist there have been some albums that i've regretted giving 4 starts to because in hindsight, i've considered them 5 stars. i was leaning towards 4 for this as i didn't want to see biased, or too "pop girly" ... but yknow what, when an album hits you just as hard 14 years after its release, thats a 5 star-er baby.

Adele has a great voice. Unfortunately, most of her songs are incredibly boring. 3 stars for her voice alone though.

A hauntingly beautiful album from start to finish. The music offers an array of powerful and subtle tones, while Adele's voice is secondto none.

I’ve gone through a good chunk of life actively not listening to Adele. Lovely voice yes but this first ever listen to ‘21’ confirmed my suspicions of an overly produced faux sentimental pop creation with next to no originality. The cover of my favourite Cure song really pissed me off.

Amazing vocals but the problem with reviewing an album like this is the hits have been played to death and the over-saturation makes it really unenjoyable to listen to. If I could hear this album fresh without hearing any of it before I would probably love this but it just doesn’t hold my interest at this point. Lovesong was nice, I hadn’t heard that before

Great album. beautiful voice.

As far as pop albums go this one is really good. That would earn it 3.5 states but that’s not an option.

It’s good 👍. I don’t think I can say anything that hasn’t been said about 21, but the hits hit hard and the rest are generally so so. Still, the quality of the production is set high and Adele’s voice is soulful and captivating.

A lot of up and down on this one. The good songs are really good, but there are quite a few duds as well. Starts out strong with Rolling In The Deep. Rumour Has It is also pretty fun. Set Fire To The Rain is incredible. Lovesong has some wonderful music. Someone Like You ends on a nice bittersweet note. Best song: Set Fire To The Rain

Who'd have known that basic white girl music of a white girl singing 11 songs about an ex boyfriend would be so good

Not my style of music but was easy to listen to.

I wasn't looking forward to this one and physically groaned when I refreshed the page this morning. Got it out of the way quick though and can report that this album is exactly what I expected it to be which is largely very bland! It's all very well written, put together and produced, but it feels like a dull cosplay version of much better things. It's magnolia paint, generally inoffensive but there's no oomph or wow and it's exactly what I hate most about music! The bluesier, stompier tracks were the most listenable but most of it was just 😩 and it frustrates me greatly that it’s artists like her that are championed by the industry.

She is absolutely flawless on this album. The amount of soul Adele puts into this album its hard as a listener to get swept away with her emotions and talent. Probably in top 25 of all time.

Any album that sells this many copies a) justifies its place on this list and, dare I say, b) probably has something going for it. I think the more rocky/bluesy style of Rolling In The Deep and Rumour Has It is a success, and it’s easy to see why the stripped-back pathos of Someone Like You has become a classic. But between these two ends of the spectrum there are plenty of tracks on 21 that neither provide vengeful drama nor tug on the heartstrings - they’re just pretty bland.

She has a great voice, but the song writing is not interesting at all

Some great songs but also a lot of this is pretty boring

Good for what it is.

Sigh. I probably should’ve expected this record, but I didn’t and here it is and I’m not looking forward to it. The upside is that I’ve heard so many of the songs on this record that I don’t have to punish myself by really trying to pay attention to them again. The downside is that I already know that this record is not for me, but I’m going to try to go through the motions here and listen to it for the sake of this project. Ok, so Adele has a powerful voice, and this record has some slick production. Technically, it sounds great. There’s some great big pop hooks all through this thing. But, fuck, it’s boring to me. Maybe it’s because I’ve already heard 3/4 of the record, and each song represents a dead horse that was beaten in 2011 mainstream culture. You couldn’t escape hearing most of these songs for a season of life. And, talent, slick production, and sweeping pop hooks aside, there’s really nothing of the songs themselves that’s actually interesting, at least to me. I would even say that Adele can hit a frequency that actually hurts my ears, and that note/frequency comes up often. But there are no risks taken here, it’s paint-by-numbers pop with some soul undertones. I imagine this record crops up fairly often across a Starbucks loudspeaker. Truthfully, I hate this record. I hate it so very, very much. I know that ratings are completely subjective and that I shouldn’t feel bad for trashing this completely milquetoast effort by an admittedly talented singer (and writing and production team); she doesn’t express anything that’s lyrically compelling at all. But also, realistically, it probably doesn’t actually deserve the 1-star rating that I want to give it. The production is tight, the musicians are competent, Adele has a strong voice that’s clearly being showcased here, even if it’s not for me. But, I also ask myself: if Adele never performed any of these songs, and if they never existed, would it matter to the landscape of American music? I don’t think it would matter at all. The closest she got to “interesting” on this record was a completely tepid cover of the Cure’s masterpiece, Lovesong. I’m honestly not sure why Adele’s 21 was on the list, but I’m really not the target audience and I’m sure there’s some folks that enjoy it. 1.4/5 Fuck it, maybe this is not a fair rating but I don’t care. Adele might be a talented singer, but after slogging through this record, I’m just angry. The music she sings is next-level dog shit that I never want to hear again, and I feel some sort of way that I had to listen to it today.

An amazing voice. Too slow, at times.

Every song is great more or less. I have to be in the right mood, but stands the test of time

4.5

One of top ten albums of the 2010s. This is one of the albums that I feel should they should have never replaced on the main 1001, especially at the hand of the follow up 25. I personally feel her first two albums tower over the two that followed. But, man, her voice evokes heartache, track after track. On this listen I really was getting into the four or five songs that Lightning 100 didn't play the shit out of... "Don't You Remember" and "I'll Be Waiting" particularly stood out (10) ★★★★★

Very boring for the most part. 2.5 stars

I actually never head this (or any Adele album) before despite knowing "Rolling in the Deep", "Rumour Has It", and "Someone Like You" via their early 10s ubiquity. Overall, I think this is really good -- I think Adele is a great singer and I think the retro-modern style she employs on "Roliing in the Deep" and "Rumour Has It" is really cool. If I had one complaint about it (and Adele is far from the only singer guilty of this) is the sort of over-reliance on somber ballads. Still, there's some great stuff here and nothing really bad. Standouts for me are "Rolling in the Deep", "Rumour Has It", and "Don't You Remember" (which was cowritten by Dan "Closing Time" Wilson). 4 stars.

A heftily bland and mediocre multi-platinum effort for the most part with very forceful yet mega soulless and sterile, robotised singing. Rolling In The Deep is ok but Someone Like You goes round and round and squeals painfully for an eternity and would be very high up in my own personal Torture Songs playlist. Low 2 because except for Someone Like You it isn’t exactly bad, just boring.

Ok

For what this is, it’s well done. Adele’s vocal range shines on this record and this is her standout album far and away. I listened to 25 when it was previously served up by this generator and after listening was surprised anything beyond 21 was included. This release absolutely deserves to be included, Adele showcases some personality and avoids delving too deep into adult contemporary sound that plagued 25. This is a good pop album, it just isn’t for me and that’s fine but I appreciate she’s good at what she’s doing here. 3 stars

Turgid and overblown

Overall the album is immense, and is just scratching the line for a 5/5 album. Multiple highlights like Rolling In the Deep, Set Fire to the Rain and Someone Like You which have become classics, as well as songs like Turning Tables, Don't You Remember which were personal highlights. Furthermore songs like Rumor Has It which showed an interesting and brief tempo change 2/3 way through and gave slightly Bond-esque vibes foreshadowing a future Skyfall and One and Only which showcased some more raw vocals in mini-riffs. There were also some more dud songs like Take It All and He Won't Go or I'll Be Waiting which were less of duds, but noticeable based on the heavy-hitting album. As such, this will get a 4.5/5 being extremely close to a 5/5 but getting bumped down to 4 as 5/5 are exclusively reserved for a 5.

Very good album. Her powerful vocals are always a treat to listen to. A couple of timeless classics bookending the album. Not quite a 5 but up there for sure.

This album had a really interesting history in terms of production. The songs recorded as demos end up being the best versions/songs on the album and the Rick Rubin produced songs are the weakest on the album. The various production ideas come through when listening but not in a good way. I thought this would be a nailed on 5 but it's no Thriller. Great vocal and 5 top tier songs. 4/5.

I really don't like it, but I don't think it is bad enough for a 1. 2/5

Excellent album. Already knew several tracks and the rest is just as good. Had already added Adele to favorites but hadn't got around to listen to it.

set fire to the rain es una cancion magnifica, las demas decentes

Not my bag, but cannot deny her immense talent and genuine soulful music. Wow.

My heart sank a little on seeing a pop record, but I don't know - I think I'm going to enjoy it. Noticed that she was working with different producers before I read it on the notes. There are some really different production ideas going on here and I find it a little bit jarring. It doesn't hang together as a single bit of work. More like a best of I guess. Some tracks hit much harder for me. Drums on don't you remember are ass. They feel like westlife 90s drums and I think this songwriting and this artist deserve better. The vocals are SO high in the mix. I tried turning it up to hear some interesting bass playing and the vocals were getting painfully loud. I could personally do with fewer vocal flourishes - I guess I'm not the target market in this respect. The little Richard high notes for e.g. Just lose some of the sincerity for me a lot of the time. Saying all this there is some high high quality songwriting here. I can also think of ways of delivering it that I would find more objectionable. I can absolutely understand why it's as popular as it is, I just find that it's not what I'm looking for from a great album due to the pop production and lack of consistent earnest messaging due to that (for me) Set fire to the rain is a good enough song to be enjoyable despite the very vocal heavy mix. I'll be waiting slaps. Simpler songwriting and less flashy than almost anything on the record, but the whole thing works so well. Holy f*, I've just read that most of these tracks were preferred to a Rick Rubin produced set of sessions! Goes to show how different tastes are. I think I'd actually be really interested in the Rubin record. (I'll be waiting is a Rubin one.)

Straight baller

Great album. So many hits. I think one and only Might be my favourite but hard to choose. I hadn’t heard this album in a while so this was a nice surprise.

Fantastic album. I'm normally not a fan of ballads, but every song on 21 is a banger.

Big favorite of mine when I was a child. Worst Song: Don't You Remember? Best Song: I'll Be Waiting, Rumor Has It, One and Only Added to Liked Songs: He Won't Go, One and Only, Love Song; already in liked songs - Rolling in the Deep, Rumor Has It, Turning Tables, Set Fire to the Rain, I'll Be Waiting

311 cover

Paska äänitys, eikä tuon emännän ääni ole tässä ihan parhaimmillaan.

Kai tää on taitava laulaja mut ei kyl nyt oikeen lähde naisten itkuvirret ja voimabiisit

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hyvin laulaa, mutta ei ollut mitään ihmeellistä.

I really really understand why people like it and she is amazing but it still leaves me cold.

5-

The album was massive. It's my favorite of her three albums. Her voice is incredible. The ballads get a bit tedious for me, perhaps because this album was so ubiquitous. I prefer the pop songs, but still awesome.

Staggering how massive the hots on this thing are

Prestige American Idol cringe that sounds like it was made exclusively for both the greater Grammy’s electorate and recent divorcees reclaiming their sense of self after years of settling. Nah.

Haven't listened to Adele for some time, but when you listen to this you realise what an amazing talent she is (was?). Fantastic selection of songs, different styles and that amazing voice. Loved hearing it again.

Got to be honest, I didn’t listen to this. I’ve heard it a lot. Great album though.

point9.

um 3.5 sólido. gosto da voz e de algumas das músicas, outros acho muito chatas

Not super interesting all the way through but man are there some absolute bangers in there.

Tiene algunos buenos temas soul al margen de los evidentes hits Rolling in the deep y Set fire to the rain. Sin embargo creo que peca de ser demasiado largo y regodearse en la duración y tono de ciertos temas. Por momentos se vuelve muy cuesta arriba, casi tanto como escuchar a Celine Dion. Claramente no soy el publico objetivo.

I love this album. Hard to believe she wrote it at 21. It’s emotionally powerful, beautiful, and timeless.

Vocal masterpiece, many great songs

Sad banger

Phenomenal voice and great songs. Sometimes people sell boatloads of albums because of their undeniable talent.

bonus points for covering a the cure song 👍

In the way I will never enjoy myself at a hen do, I can't connect with this.

Like the poppier tunes, the ballads become a bit tiresome.

Twenty one

Favorite: Rolling in the Deep This album is iconic

Changed pop vocals forever.

Great artist with some great songs. Amazing talent but just not my jam.

I really like this album. Adele can sing the damn paint off the walls, but beyond that, the production is big where it needs to be, and sparse where it doesn't. Some of the "not massive" songs drag a little, but not enough to detract from this being a fine listen.

This is the album that has been in the charts the longest ever in my country. 613 weeks and counting. That's almost 12 years. Over 100 weeks more than the runner up, Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms. It's good, but it has too many too similar piano ballads to be 5 star. Favorite song: rolling in the deep

Pop hit Can appreciate the vocals definitely got some cord on her.

No conecto con el disco. No es que sea malo o bueno, simplemente no conecto con el. Eso sí, la versión de Love Song me gusta, le da un toque ciertamente melancólico que me gusta.

the massive issue i have with the album is that while adele's voice is clearly impressive, that's really all that the album has going for it; it's otherwise bland and uninspired, especially when it comes to the production, and the songwriting isn't exactly a homerun either. but i suppose that's what gives this mass appeal - a general public trained to venerate vocal ability above all else thanks to shows like american idol and the voice, horoscope-vague song lyrics and easily digestible pop ballads.

Bangers

Biased because this is a favorite of mine but: perfect album, no notes

Якщо 19 зробив Адель відомою, то 21 - перетворив на легенду. Платівка побила купу рекордів, увійшла в історію як альбом, що найдовше тримався на вершинах чартів, і закріпила за нею статус голосу цілого покоління. Здебільшого це купа балад про розрив, як каже сама Адель, «нікчемних стосунків». Вона писала його три місяці коли була п’яна, вночі, викурюючи купу цигарок. І ось напевно через такий щирий, але руйнуючий з середини підхід ми й отримали настільки чутливі пісні, що доволі сильно відрізнялись від іншої популярної на той час поп музики. Здебільшого через неперевершений надривний та глибокий соуловий вокал. Ніби ця музика прийшла десь з 70-х років, коли blue-eyed соул переживав найкращі часи, та втілювала собою цікавий симбіоз Dusty Springfield з минулого та Amy Winehouse з теперішнього. Але сказати що він бездоганний, я все ж не можу. Всі «сила» альбому зосереджена в його хітах - Rolling In The Deep, Set Fire to the Rain та Someone Like You. Перший відкриває альбом, другий створює «струс» у середині, а третій відповідно закриває його. Розкидати ці хіти було гарним рішенням, аби «оживити» альбом, бо решта пісень взагалі не запамʼятовується, звучить нудно, одноманітно та монотонно. Звісно завдяки цьому альбому Адель стала одною з найважливіших поп зірок сучасності, але дифірамбів йому все ж співають забагато.

I would say more like 3.5 since this isn't one I am going to put on my to-buy list, but Rolling in the Deep definitely bumps it up to 4

A decent sounding album with some very good songs on it. Didn't like it as much as I thought I was going to to be honest.

all time classic

I imagine this is what Connie Francis sounded like to people in the 50s.

-Heavy focus on the singing -Simple instrumentals strong vocals, overall okay, but it's noticeable that there wasn't much put into the other parts of some songs as they just relied on her singing

Never a bad album.

yep thats definitely music

What a beautiful soulful voice. I could listen to her for hours.

I liked it more than I expected. That said, I knew way more if it than I thought k would. Obviously the hits are the best songs on the album. Adele’s cover of lovesong may be my favourite version

Overraskende koselig å høre på. Litt skuffa da jeg så det skulle være dette albumet i dag, men har overraska. Mye nostalgi i albumet, kanskje fordi jeg vokste opp med å høre på noen hits på albumet. "Rumour has it" var overraskende bra, og flere av låtene ble jeg positivt overraska over. Og "someone like you" er bare en ihjelspilt låt, fordi alle sangdamene på kulturskolen skulle synge og jeg måtte kompe :) Ikke noe nytt og wow, men hyggelig bakgrunnsmusikk til SUBS-dag

best of all her albums

Potential hot take: 19 is Adele's best and each subsequent album is worse than the one that came before. 21 isn't bad, it's just kind of boring and one-note. Once you've heard the first twelve seconds of a song, you've heard everywhere it's going to go, and then it continues for five minutes. And radio overplaying it to death hasn't helped.

No denying her vocal talent. However, I find it hard to get into the album.

Fantastisk vokalist, men mangler noe i låtskrivingen.