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AdeleThis album is steeped in nostalgia for me, and offers some of my go to karaoke songs. I think my newly discovered favorite from the album was "I'll Be Waiting." While the use of soul inspired musical elements made this album shine so brightly, it does leave quite a bitter taste in my mouth that a white British woman made such a name for herself off of musical techniques that originated from Black American culture (very unsurprising given how frequently this occurs in music.) I will admit she does do it incredibly well though. There is only so much belting one can take though, and after the third listen I found myself tiring of the same vocal styles over and over. The production dimmed the band behind her distinct voice -- this clearly lets Adele's effortless range of notes stand out among the music. This album is better enjoyed over headphones from my own experiences. I think one thing that I appreciate from this album is the narrative element. The themes of the songs are cohesive, and the ordering of them on the album creates a satisfying emotional journey for the listener. 1. Rolling In The Deep: a classic karaoke song, probably the song that introduced me to Adele 2. Rumor Has It: another go to karaoke song, love the bass line and supporting vocals 3. Turning Tables: it seems like almost every single song on this album got radio play, and they all deserved it in their own way 4. Don't You Remember: just a bit too sappy for my liking, it's giving memorial video backing track 5. Set Fire To The Rain: hits just as hard as it did when I was a child, helps to prevent the middle of the album from getting muddled 6. He Won't Go: also didn't love this one at first and had to give it a re-listen after seeing how many people disagree with me. My opinion doesn't feel super changed after re listening as a solo song. Something about the piano build into each chorus and the staccato dictation in the music just lands weird for me. 7. Take It All: by this point in the album I had started to get a bit bored of the belting... thank god I had to wait it out (OKAY so I gave this a re listen on its own, and I think the songwriting in this one hits very close to home) 8. I'll Be Waiting: my favorite of them, really scratches the Amy Winehouse way in an unique sound 9. One And Only: the last like minute and a half of this track is an incredible build 10. Lovesong: I wanted to like this one so badly, but it's just a bit too boring especially given how much I love The Cure's version, quite disappointing especially given how good the second half of this album is 11. Someone Like You: being eight years old, staring out the window as my parents drive, and dramatically following a raindrop with your finger, need I say more? Would absolutely play on my own time in its entirety