19
by Adele
  • Record Label: XL
  • Release Date: Jun 10, 2008
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 393 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 319 out of 393
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 393
  3. Negative: 39 out of 393

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  1. bernlin2000
    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 and found), her voice is a real treat to listen to, regardless.
  2. NormF.
    Feb 21, 2008
    8
    I agree with those reviewers who say that in her songwriting, she is in an early stage of development. But her singing is excellent, and her songwriting tends toward an ambitious range musically that bodes well for the future. A very solid first effort.
  3. DarrisT.
    Jul 29, 2008
    7
    If you liked laid back songs that can relax you, this is a great album for you. Many of the songs have great lyrics that are deep and a welcome from you average Hot 100 artist. To Make You Feel My Love Tired First Love Chasing Pavenments Cold Shoulder Hometown Glory Great songs.
  4. 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 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
  5. 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.
  6. JOHnA.
    Aug 19, 2008
    8
    Adele shines on this exquisite debut. She has an amazingly gifted voice, which soars throughout the well produced and written songs. Catchy songs like Best for Last, Chasing Pavements, and Melt MY Heart to Stone show that this 19 year old has a mature side. Doesn't matter what critics say. this album is incredible. This album is most suitable for people who have just broken up with Adele shines on this exquisite debut. She has an amazingly gifted voice, which soars throughout the well produced and written songs. Catchy songs like Best for Last, Chasing Pavements, and Melt MY Heart to Stone show that this 19 year old has a mature side. Doesn't matter what critics say. this album is incredible. This album is most suitable for people who have just broken up with someone or feel free now that they are no longer with someone. Every song on this album is good, although there are three that could be considered "fillers". Overall, an 8 out of 10. Mostly for Adele's voice and 4 outstanding songs. Buy the album, if you life Duffy, Winehouse and Norah Jones, you will not be let down.… Expand
  7. Turine
    May 24, 2011
    8
    Compared to '21', this album lacks many nice songs and songs to keep people wanting to continue listening to the album in its whole entirety. ''Chasing Pavements'' is the main highlight to the album.
  8. paulwilsonlogic
    Aug 2, 2011
    6
    No more than her second album, "19" introduces to us, the soulful Adele voice, though it doesn't sound so much "soul" in the record. "Chasing Pavements", "Melt My Heart To Stone" and "Hometown Glory" are really the highlights of "19", with great lyrics and contagious pop rhythms. Lyrics are not so well creative in the rest of the songs and sometimes, they tend to be repetitive and tooNo more than her second album, "19" introduces to us, the soulful Adele voice, though it doesn't sound so much "soul" in the record. "Chasing Pavements", "Melt My Heart To Stone" and "Hometown Glory" are really the highlights of "19", with great lyrics and contagious pop rhythms. Lyrics are not so well creative in the rest of the songs and sometimes, they tend to be repetitive and too simple, though Adele's voice amazingly keeps you listening the entire album track by track.… Expand
  9. aaronpaul121
    Oct 1, 2012
    7
    Her next album, "21", is way better than this one. But it does have really solid songs and her vocals in this album is spectacular. A very good album overall..........
  10. 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!
  11. 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    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
  12. mchlkirk77
    Nov 28, 2013
    10
    One of my favorite artists of all time soulful, genuine, moving, passionate, real, wonderful, emotional i love you Adele and God bless your baby and family!
  13. lkaliba
    May 30, 2014
    10
    "19" introduced us to the amazing singer-songwriter Adele. With songs that are just emotionally satisfying as they are catchy; it just shows that this woman is here to stay.
  14. RK13
    Jul 10, 2017
    1
    This album is boring, bland and dreary. It os evident that Adele has a beautiful voice however her debut sounds like cheap background music at a hipster's Starbucks. Luckily this trend hasn't followed through her repertoire however Adele tries too hard on this album. She sounds bratty and obnoxious. The only good song is Cold Shoulder.
  15. JohnZ.
    Mar 7, 2008
    8
    Almost masterpiece
  16. 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!!
  17. Pete
    Apr 8, 2008
    9
    Super album, Adele can write songs!
  18. Cripes
    Feb 28, 2008
    3
    Dull Dull Dull, She may have a great voice and Chasing Pavements may be good but this is easily the dullest album I have heard in a couple of years....shame
  19. PaoloFromMilano
    Apr 2, 2008
    5
    Boring, dear Adele try again!
  20. MitchellZ.
    May 1, 2008
    5
    Good voice, ok arrangements, but overall... snore!
  21. KenH.
    Jun 20, 2008
    5
    Music for teenage girls. Anyone else will likely roll eyes at the lyrics. The music is plodding and uninteresting. She has a nice voice but its going to be years before she develops into an artist and will she even still be making CD's in 5 years?
  22. D.Ranged
    Feb 21, 2008
    1
    Toss this garbage out!!! Overrated, overhyped bland faux-Jazz singer who is too bland and too uncreative for words. Basically a poor man's Amy Winehouse, just like Kate Nash is a poor man's Lily Allen. Chasing Pavements might possibly be one of the most abhorrent and nauseating song out there.
  23. [Anonymous]
    Feb 22, 2008
    4
    Very boring and mediocre.
  24. RichardJ.
    Apr 22, 2008
    5
    Boring, Dull and not imaginative in anyway, This is like Kate Nash doing Jazz, quirky but doesn't merit a good album, I have heard Adele on the music scene for over two years and her music and her voice just doesn't interest me and this is no masterpiece, she is still 19 so she will get better...personally listen to Billie Holiday it is more interesting tonally and writing wise.
  25. maxjtotsky
    Jan 20, 2012
    4
    Adele's voice is something to behold, but the majority of the songs on '19' take major turns in the wrong direction and end up sounding like a whiny, annoying teenager making nonsensical claims about her love life. However, there are still times where she can be a good songwriter, both 'Chasing Pavements' and 'Hometown Glory' are exceptional tunes, but the rest of '19' is dull and uncomfortable.
  26. ramonfreitas
    Dec 19, 2014
    10
    Great debut album.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
  27. Panchogul
    Sep 28, 2020
    0
    Un debut aburrido y cómodo, si Adele no tuviera buena voz no tendría peso en la industria musical ya que toda su música suena igual de plana, letras comunes y corrientes, artísticamente monofacética y en extremo sobrevalorada.
  28. noahmanning14
    Nov 24, 2016
    10
    Insanely talented English vocalist and songwriter Adele debut album is to me the best debut album ever. She use her perfect vocals and her song writing skills to make a amazing album.
  29. Juan7
    May 12, 2020
    10
    Uno de los mejores álbumes debut de cualquier británico en toda la historia, líricas, instrumentación todo en armonía.
  30. BlairS.
    Mar 5, 2008
    9
    An excellent debut from a gorgeous voice.
  31. James
    Apr 4, 2008
    10
    Shockingly good and necessary listening once a day for last weeks.
  32. DitoA.
    Feb 22, 2008
    9
    Very good pop album
  33. sara
    Aug 10, 2008
    10
    She has a wonderful soulful phrasing.
  34. KenF.
    Mar 26, 2008
    9
    Great album. Emotionally moving. With this kind of beginning, I'm looking forward to her having a long career.
  35. DanielW.
    Apr 11, 2008
    9
    Wonderful tunes and a voice that keeps growing on u!
  36. HarryW.
    Jul 17, 2008
    5
    Coffee table music I'm afraid. If you like Norah Jones (and I do, kind of) you should enjoy this but it's not going to make you rip up your life and start over. Adele has a nice enough voice but lacking in the colour that willcome with age. Whether she will still be in the public eye when she gains that is dubious (Dido anyone?)
  37. JohnS.
    Aug 10, 2008
    10
    Of all female vocalists, none is as great as this one.
  38. 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.
  39. 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.
  40. 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!
  41. beingryanjude
    Dec 29, 2014
    9
    One of the finest debut album in recent history. Adele matches stellar vocals to deep, tender songwriting. She is enchanting and will move you. There is a moment at the end of 'Melt My Heart to Stone' that will bring you to tears.
  42. 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.
  43. raviopatra
    Nov 18, 2013
    9
    This is a very commendable debut from a 19 years old girl. Though it opens with songs that are a bit boring ("Daydreamer" and "Best for Last"), it picks up well from "Chasing Pavements", "Cold Shoulder", to my two favorites: "My Same" and "Hometown Glory". Adele is very talented and her next efforts should offer more than this. She's the new queen of pop music.
  44. linikedemarco
    Aug 25, 2014
    6
    Adele is a true powerhouse vocal that cannot be judged for not having the bad girl karma, since there are several other figures who stood out having the zen quality, but can surely be judged for pushing a monochromatic (and sometimes even boring) album, which comes together as melodrama over the classic unsuccessful romance.
  45. aladinkicks
    Mar 31, 2014
    6
    Adele has a million-dollar voice, but her music is not on par.
    She is highly overrated, but at least she is talented.
    Favorite Tracks: Rumour Has It, Rolling In the Deep, Don't You Remember
    Least Favorite Tracks: Someone Like You, One and Only
  46. Prospctiv_Writr
    Nov 28, 2015
    8
    19 is a pretty good debut from an artist that shows great potential. Compared to her later works, Adele's voice here is at its least impressive. Her vocals are good but aren't used to their fullest as with her succeeding works. Also, as a whole, the album isn't very sonically cohesive and the production is pretty sub-par.
  47. meduardanery
    Nov 9, 2015
    8
    Ela é incrível, e mostrava isso desde o 19. Se eu não tivesse pesquisado e fosse logo ouvindo o álbum, sem ver data nem nada, eu JAMAIS diria que esse é o primeiro álbum dela. Impressionante.
  48. aliha
    Jun 18, 2018
    10
    19 is a really good album for an-almost-self-written album. The lyrics are a little awkwardly positioned, but it's not bad overall. It's very enjoyable and exciting. "Daydreamer", "Hometown Glory", and "Chasing Pavements" are incredible songs that define the album
  49. wi_bart
    Oct 24, 2016
    10
    Great lyrics, poorly music, incredible voice. This album is amazing to hear. One of my favorites from Adele. I'd like to hear what next (hearing her albums for the first time)
  50. CamdenRendell
    Jan 29, 2018
    7
    My personal favourite by Adele. Not quite as polished as her newer material, which I enjoy.
  51. Carlos_Lopez
    Oct 5, 2017
    10
    El álbum debut de esta chica te logra conectar con la vida. Ya sea que estés camino a casa después de una larga jornada de trabajo o estés de viaje en carro. Este álbum es perfecto.
  52. leostarboy
    Sep 9, 2020
    7
    It may not be particuarly original or challenging, but there's enough positive signs here to bode extremely well for the future. The sound of 2008? And beyond, we'd imagine. 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 herIt may not be particuarly original or challenging, but there's enough positive signs here to bode extremely well for the future. The sound of 2008? And beyond, we'd imagine. 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.… Expand
  53. P_Santiag8
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    Me gusta ese álbum , una chica fresca , joven con increíbles letras , es de sus mejores trabajos
  54. RafaelSeixas
    Apr 22, 2018
    9
    Adele é uma artista diferenciada, não há nenhuma dúvida disso. Consegue transformar a tristeza, a amargura, a rejeição amorosa em clássicos que não conseguimos mais viver sem ouvir. '19' é um lindo álbum de estréia, muito incomum um cantor estrear tão bem, assim como Ela fez. A imaturidade, a doçura e o sentimento de entrega à ingenuidade é muito evidente, e tão poética que já coloca '19'Adele é uma artista diferenciada, não há nenhuma dúvida disso. Consegue transformar a tristeza, a amargura, a rejeição amorosa em clássicos que não conseguimos mais viver sem ouvir. '19' é um lindo álbum de estréia, muito incomum um cantor estrear tão bem, assim como Ela fez. A imaturidade, a doçura e o sentimento de entrega à ingenuidade é muito evidente, e tão poética que já coloca '19' em páreo com os grandes trabalhos lançados no ano. Tanto é que, de cara, Adele recebeu 2 Grammys. É um álbum ÓTIMO de uma cantora e compositora SENSACIONAL!… Expand
  55. NolanLundgaard
    Apr 11, 2020
    8
    19 by Adele: 7.29

    Daydreamer: 0.75 Best For Last: 1 Chasing Pavements: 1 Cold Shoulder: 1 :) Crazy For You: 0.5 Melt My Heart To Stone: 0.5 First Love: 0.75 Right As Rain: 1 :) Make You Feel My Love: 1! My Same: 1 Tired: 1 :) Hometown Glory: 0.75 10.25/12 ~ .854 -> 7.29 I had always wanted to start reviewing Adele, since she is a very iconic and loved musician. Her    19 by Adele: 7.29

    Daydreamer: 0.75
    Best For Last: 1
    Chasing Pavements: 1
    Cold Shoulder: 1 :)
    Crazy For You: 0.5
    Melt My Heart To Stone: 0.5
    First Love: 0.75
    Right As Rain: 1 :)
    Make You Feel My Love: 1!
    My Same: 1
    Tired: 1 :)
    Hometown Glory: 0.75

    10.25/12 ~ .854 -> 7.29

    I had always wanted to start reviewing Adele, since she is a very iconic and loved musician. Her first release, 19, is a good one. Though most of her songs are on the quieter and slower side, she is able, not unlike Taylor Swift, to fill those songs with moving lyrics, which helps her album get the score it did. Specifically, Make You Feel My Love is such an amazing song and was packed with so much emotion. Besides this, there are several other great songs, Cold Shoulder and Right As Rain to name a couple. My only complaint would be that a lot of songs are acoustic and slower, and this gets slightly repetitive over time. Ignoring that, though, I really enjoyed 19 and I cannot wait to listen to 21 (I love how the albums follow her age)! Highlights: Best For Last, Chasing Pavements, Cold Shoulder, Right As Rain, Make You Feel My Love, My Same, and Tired.    … Expand
  56. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 11, 2022
    6
    One of the strongest debut of that decade. A substantial display of the talents that would captivate many more in her next Lp. There's a soft lounge aesthetic where it feels as if you're in sn intimate concert. The gentle "first love " is a erudite torch song that matches the sincerity of "make you feel my love ". But my favourite here is "daydreamer" she really owns this one,sounds like aOne of the strongest debut of that decade. A substantial display of the talents that would captivate many more in her next Lp. There's a soft lounge aesthetic where it feels as if you're in sn intimate concert. The gentle "first love " is a erudite torch song that matches the sincerity of "make you feel my love ". But my favourite here is "daydreamer" she really owns this one,sounds like a perfect opener. There concept of the perfect man being a daydream is heartbreaking but she dwells on that love long enough for you not to notice.… Expand
  57. greedybadidea
    May 29, 2020
    9
    Adele's debut album is a gorgeous jazzy record that is a lot deeper than most debut albums. The only problem I encountered on this album was some minor production issues, but Adele's vocal performance is so sweet and you can't help but melt when you hear each song. She even throws some sass in there to switch things up. Altogether, I believe this a beautifully cohesive piece of art.Adele's debut album is a gorgeous jazzy record that is a lot deeper than most debut albums. The only problem I encountered on this album was some minor production issues, but Adele's vocal performance is so sweet and you can't help but melt when you hear each song. She even throws some sass in there to switch things up. Altogether, I believe this a beautifully cohesive piece of art.

    Album Track Ranking:
    1. Chasing Pavements
    2. Cold Shoulder
    3. Right As Rain
    4. Make You Feel My Love
    5. Best For Last
    6. Daydreamer
    7. Melt My Heart to Stone
    8. Hometown Glory
    9. Crazy For You
    10. First Love
    11. Tired
    12. My Same    … Expand
  58. Sebastianher27
    Nov 2, 2020
    10
    Excelente disco para ser escrito prácticamente por Adele, las canciones son hermosas y la producción es un recordatorio de que en pleno siglo 21 aún se puede hacer música de calidad
  59. Segundoleo26
    Nov 23, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "Adele is not yet ready to produce an album of sufficient depth to match her voice." ...… Expand
  60. evermore13
    Nov 18, 2021
    5
    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. Her debut, which topped the British charts earlier this year, lacks the bad-girl brio of Amy and Kate, but it shows off a vocalCritics 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. Her debut, which topped the British charts earlier this year, lacks the bad-girl brio of Amy and Kate, but it shows off a vocal instrument that smokes the competition.… Expand
  61. matheuxsc
    Nov 17, 2021
    10
    Já pensou lançar um desse aos 19 anos de idade, a mulher já mostrando pro que veio, lendária demais!
  62. Csnvss90
    Nov 22, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Simply perfect, one of the best debut album of 2008, the vibes, the lyrics, the vocals, so monumental… Expand
  63. PrThKi
    Nov 19, 2021
    9
    Damn. 19 is where it all began. An exciting talent releases her debut album and the rest is history.
    This album created a worldwide megastar in Adele. One of the most successful artists in history, and 19 can be thanked for beginning Adele's journey to the top of the record books. Nostalgic.
  64. earlgreyrelief
    Nov 19, 2021
    8
    what a great start for Adele. Her vocal style and ability are absolutely amazing. Her songwriting towards a multiply range musically is a very solid effort.
  65. Xbluannax
    Nov 20, 2021
    8
    Good debut album which claimed her fame. Not sure about her version of the Bob Dylan song.
  66. disguiseinchaos
    Nov 24, 2021
    10
    Its an incredible debut album, really underrated in my opinion. Could be other artists best album, its a great introduction to Adele's world and what was coming after.
  67. Andres0
    Aug 3, 2023
    7
    Un buen álbum que nos introduce al poder vocal de Adele y su escritura sobre diferentes situaciones de su vida.

    Canciones favoritas:
    - Chasing Pavements
    - Right As Rain
    - Make You Feel My Love
    - Tired
  68. cornfloury
    Aug 16, 2023
    10
    As a debut album I think this album is gorgeous, Adele is truly one in a billion.

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Most Discussed Album of 2008
18
#18 Most Shared Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. AllMusic
    80
    A beyond stellar debut in both quality and originality.
    Read full review
  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.'
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »