19 - Adele
  • Band Name: Adele
  • Record Label: XL
  • Release Date: Jun 10, 2008
User Score
7.5 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 123 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 97 out of 123
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 123
  3. Negative: 14 out of 123

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  1. BlairS.
    Mar 5, 2008
    9
    An excellent debut from a gorgeous voice.
  2. James
    Apr 4, 2008
    10
    Shockingly good and necessary listening once a day for last weeks.
  3. Pete
    Apr 8, 2008
    9
    Super album, Adele can write songs!
  4. 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!!
  5. DitoA.
    Feb 22, 2008
    9
    Very good pop album
  6. sara
    Aug 10, 2008
    10
    She has a wonderful soulful phrasing.
  7. KenF.
    Mar 26, 2008
    9
    Great album. Emotionally moving. With this kind of beginning, I'm looking forward to her having a long career.
  8. DanielW.
    Apr 11, 2008
    9
    Wonderful tunes and a voice that keeps growing on u!
  9. JohnS.
    Aug 10, 2008
    10
    Of all female vocalists, none is as great as this one.
  10. JohnM.
    Feb 7, 2009
    9
    Given her tender years (let's not forget that she was a mere 19 when this album was recorded), it's not surprising that, lyrically, the songs are only adequate; that said, Adele's clearly a talented songwriter who's only going to get better as she continues to mature and hone her craft. But in terms of musicianship - that SPECTACULAR voice - those BRILLIANT vocal arrangements - this album instantly establishes Adele as a MAJOR talent who, should we all be so lucky, is likely to be around for decades to come... .… Expand
  11. BillL.
    Nov 27, 2008
    9
    This album sounds better after several playings. The artist is young and a little unfinsihed at this stage but is very talented and has a good voice and style for singing soul. I have come to really appreciate the album and play it frequently now. The music has real character and is cut above the polished but empty faire that is typically served up from recording studios these days.
  12. PedroP.
    Dec 21, 2008
    9
    Best album of 2008 for sure, Adele isn't anywhere near Amy Winehouse, but she's going at the speed of sound. She has a beautiful soulful voice and lots of charisma. Maybe some lyrics are a little boring or too good natured, but that's Adele, she's not some kind of pop diva that wears almost no clothes and jumps around with plastic boobs, she's a true diva, Aretha style.
  13. CarlD.
    Jul 31, 2008
    10
    Adele's songs may not be as catchy as Duffy's or as professionally written as Leona's, but the lyrics are from the heart and the voice behind it all will put Miss Lewis to shame.
  14. CyyChi
    May 28, 2011
    9
    19 is a complete album. Catchy some times (Best For last, Chasing Pavements...), sad (First Love, Daydreamer...) It's a must for any jazz, blues, pop lovers. And what a voice!
  15. wallofjericho42
    May 14, 2012
    10
    In my humble opinion, one of the most addicting albums I've ever heard. I wont bore you with mundane details, but its just flat out easy listening at its finest. It's bursting with personality. My only minor complaint is that track 7 "First Love" is underwhelming and feels a little out of place, but its still a solid song. Give this album a listen!
  16. Leetha
    Nov 26, 2011
    10
    I first heard the song on this album is Chasing Pavenments and Hometown Glory. Then listen "Daydreamer, Now and Then, and Cold Shoulder". I love it. Then I listened to the song "Right as Rain" kind of music in this song sounds like "Amy Winehouse. Overall this album 19, Adele gave a very brilliant musicality. She has a beautiful soulful voice.
    Adele is also a great songwriter. "19" is one     that must be listened to albums of all time ......… Expand
  17. BaltimoreFreak
    Nov 14, 2012
    9
    The first album of Adele prove her fascinating talent , even she is so young, she makes a kind of music that is not so "actual and commercial", her music can transfer you to a old years. Her voice is superb, so deep and moreover she has a style so sophisticated. I love her.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
68 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. All Music Guide
    80
    A beyond stellar debut in both quality and originality.
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  2. Dot Music
    70
    As is to be expected given Adele's tender years, thematically things are a bit monochrome.... All this, however, is forgiven with a listen to the highlights, such as the sweet acoustic guitar-led 'Daydreamer.'
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  3. Drowned In Sound
    60
    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.
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