• Record Label: XL
  • Release Date: Jun 10, 2008
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 19
  2. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. The co-writes--not as many as you might’ve expected--generally boom from the speakers. The self-penned efforts are bare-boned, erratically excellent but frustratingly blighted by Adele’s penchant for going beyond her capabilities as a vocalist.
  2. Adele is not yet ready to produce an album of sufficient depth to match her voice.
  3. Her debut, which topped the British charts earlier this year, lacks the bad-girl brio of those grads [Amy Winehouse and Kate Nash], but it shows off a vocal instrument that smokes the competition.
  4. Critics have favorably compared Adele to Amy Winehouse, but most of 19 plays like the quieter moments on Kate Nash's "Made of Bricks;" the production is largely simple and organic, wisely showcasing Adele's voice, which is appropriately soulful and imperfect.
  5. 50
    She represents a highly commercial compromise between Amy Winehouse's genuine soul danger and James Blunt's sclocky pop safety. [July 2008, p.92]
  6. There is scant emotional heft behind Adele's prodigiously rich voice, little bite to her songwriting.
  7. 40
    Veering between faux-soul and Hoxton hipness, Adele simply hasn't found her own voice yet.
  8. Under The Radar
    50
    Despite Adele's striking vocals--the girl can sing--19 isn't mining any new territory. [Summer 2008]
  9. Urb
    60
    Sure, she may not have as many debauchery-tainted demons to exercise as the Winehouses or the Holidays but that doesn't make 19 boring. [Jul/Aug 2008, p.88]
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 393 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 39 out of 393
  1. Jul 23, 2011
    8
    A strong start for this talented musician. Although a lot of her lyrics are somewhat simplistic and tread the same ground (love lost andA strong start for this talented musician. Although a lot of her lyrics are somewhat simplistic and tread the same ground (love lost and found), her voice is a real treat to listen to, regardless. Full Review »
  2. JoshR.
    Jun 30, 2008
    10
    Amazing!! Adele has an amazing voice for the age of 19! expect more great things from her in the future!!
  3. JohnZ.
    Mar 7, 2008
    8
    Almost masterpiece