Music Review: Adele’s “21″ Sets The Bar High for The Best of 2011

A personal favorite is “He Won’t Go”, a funk-inspired tune with hints of Mary J. Blige. “Set Fire to the Rain” may be a hit-and-miss, depending on your current pop inclinations. “Turning Tables” feels like it may have picked up the pace from her first album. For this record’s covers segment, Adele turns to The Cure’s “Lovesong” for ideas – it’s done in contemplative fashion, structured in cool, convincing bossa nova. But the real stunner among Adele’s newest deck of cards is the last cut, “Someone Like You”. Complemented by a piano solo, her words drip with sadness and regret – a bittersweet recollection of the one who got away. Whether this might be Adele’s own postmortem of a past relationship or not, “Someone Like You” just might be her most wrenchingly powerful song.

21 is an exceedingly impressive effort; if only heartbreak could serve as constant fuel to her fire. But we’re optimistic that there will be talk about happier times – Adele’s still got her best years ahead.