21
by Adele
  • Record Label: XL
  • Release Date: Feb 22, 2011
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 930 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 804 out of 930
  2. Mixed: 43 out of 930
  3. Negative: 83 out of 930
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  1. Ricko
    Sep 25, 2014
    8
    A solid and generally enjoyable album, plenty of easy to listen to songs sung with what has to be acknowledged as a fabulous voice. The curtain raising Rolling in the Deep and closer Someone Like You are by far the highlights. Sandwiched in between these are 9 soul/pop tracks that vary in both quality and originality. I feel the first and final thirds of the album are the stronger partsA solid and generally enjoyable album, plenty of easy to listen to songs sung with what has to be acknowledged as a fabulous voice. The curtain raising Rolling in the Deep and closer Someone Like You are by far the highlights. Sandwiched in between these are 9 soul/pop tracks that vary in both quality and originality. I feel the first and final thirds of the album are the stronger parts with a dull middle section. There are shows of obvious talent in parts while there is also some stuff which I could only describe as lounge music. Not what I'd call an essential record but at the same time very much worth a listen and it really does have some gems on it. "Rolling In The Deep" is a truly great song and has it all - vocals, tune, production - a real anthem. Maybe Adele suffers a little from what I'd call U2 syndrome - talented and deservedly hugely successful but also overplayed to saturation point which makes it difficult to appreciate just how good the songs are after a while. You get to the stage where you become numb to the songs. If she was undiscovered she'd be one of these cult artists.… Expand
  2. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 11, 2022
    6
    Stunning essential pop! This record is a breathtaking endeavour with no easy way out. A definitive staple its the moment a talented artist became an artist. To only acknowledged the commercial impact independent of tge critical one would be cool hardy. It's astonishing how subtle what she does here with seemingly little ease. The classics stacked in this record are unimaginable from theStunning essential pop! This record is a breathtaking endeavour with no easy way out. A definitive staple its the moment a talented artist became an artist. To only acknowledged the commercial impact independent of tge critical one would be cool hardy. It's astonishing how subtle what she does here with seemingly little ease. The classics stacked in this record are unimaginable from the precarious "turning table " that takes great steps to confront an inconsistent love or the critique of low effort lovers in "take it all". The influence if Amy Winehouse and Julie Holiday are on her sleeve.

    What makes this an outstanding heartbreak record is how considerate it is even in angrier moments like "rumour has it", it's a fair narration of people wrong for each other dissolving their love . The one of many highlights "set fire to the rain" despite being an unexpected chart topper is also a skilful adress of the blameless lover who'd never be accountable for anything. "Someone Like You " is a wise goodbye to someone who might've hurt you but you'll always love closing a juggernaut off elegantly.    … Expand
  3. axelkoch
    Aug 5, 2012
    7
    I'm sorry with saying this, but '21' is overrated. 12 Songs: 6 songs very good, 6 songs only average. Her voice is fantastic, without a doubt. But honestly, this album could've been much better. Some songs are just too sketchy for me. Yeah, there are all sad love songs and that's also a thing that makes the disk a bit boring to me. Only rage against ex lovers that she still loves. Yeah,I'm sorry with saying this, but '21' is overrated. 12 Songs: 6 songs very good, 6 songs only average. Her voice is fantastic, without a doubt. But honestly, this album could've been much better. Some songs are just too sketchy for me. Yeah, there are all sad love songs and that's also a thing that makes the disk a bit boring to me. Only rage against ex lovers that she still loves. Yeah, Miss Adkins, we've got it now. In other cases, only the music makes the song special. Best Songs:
    Turning Tables
    Rolling In The Deep
    Set Fire To The Rain

    Conclusion:
    This album is really good, don't misunderstand me, but you now, with her voice this could've been much better.    … Expand
  4. jyo_tirmaya
    Feb 28, 2011
    7
    Adele's voice works great throughout the album, saving a couple of the songs which are aren't worthy of her pipes. All in all though, a much needed better return from her first album "19" - which I thought was sappy.
  5. NolanLundgaard
    Apr 11, 2020
    10
    21 by Adele: 9.58

    Rolling in the Deep: 1 :) Rumour Has It: 1 Turning Tables: 1 :) Don’t You Remember: 0.75 Set Fire to the Rain: 1 :) He Won’t Go: 1 Take It All: 1! I’ll Be Waiting: 1 :) One And Only: 1 :) Lovesong: 1 Someone Like You: 1! :) 11.75/12 ~ .979 -> 9.58 Wow. I am speechless. I went into listening to 21 with high expectations because 19 was such a good    21 by Adele: 9.58

    Rolling in the Deep: 1 :)
    Rumour Has It: 1
    Turning Tables: 1 :)
    Don’t You Remember: 0.75
    Set Fire to the Rain: 1 :)
    He Won’t Go: 1
    Take It All: 1!
    I’ll Be Waiting: 1 :)
    One And Only: 1 :)
    Lovesong: 1
    Someone Like You: 1! :)

    11.75/12 ~ .979 -> 9.58

    Wow. I am speechless. I went into listening to 21 with high expectations because 19 was such a good album, but Adele takes things to a whole new level in 21. 19 was more of an acoustic album where songs sounded kind of similar, but this is not the case in 21. Adele gives her music a “poppier” spin in this album, and this change has great results. Before officially reviewing it, I had heard Rolling in the Deep and loved it, so I was excited to listen to the other songs here. I was super surprised with the quality of music that this album contained, with pretty much all of the songs having emotionally charged lyrics paired with great music. Piano was the main instrument used here, and sounds similar to the style that the acoustic guitar and piano had in 19, which retains Adele’s style, if it sounds a little different. There is so much more I could say about this album because I loved it so much. All fans of fantastic music should listen to 21, as it is the best album I have reviewed to date (out of 87) and I would consider it a must-listen. Highlights: Rolling in the Deep, Rumour Has It, Turning Tables, Set Fire to the Rain, He Won’t Go, Take It All, I’ll Be Waiting, One And Only, Lovesong, and Someone Like You.    … Expand
  6. RonaldOVOXO
    Feb 3, 2012
    10
    Adele is such a good artist. Beautiful voice and music and she's the 2nd best singer (The Weeknd is the first). I bought this album for my mom and she loved it i checked it out it was one of the best albums of 2011
  7. jotaeseche
    Apr 13, 2014
    8
    It's hard to say that you really really like all the track an album offers you, but this was my case: I've enjoyed and loved them all! At some point they sound a bit like the same in structure or lyrics, but 21 is clearly an album that has to be heard and taken as one of the greatest achievements of 21st century music. Adele (with her brilliant and peculiar voice, her strong feelings andIt's hard to say that you really really like all the track an album offers you, but this was my case: I've enjoyed and loved them all! At some point they sound a bit like the same in structure or lyrics, but 21 is clearly an album that has to be heard and taken as one of the greatest achievements of 21st century music. Adele (with her brilliant and peculiar voice, her strong feelings and the sorrow she constantly expresses) has made a remarkable job. So all the excellent critics are well deserved. We'll be waiting for what's coming next, but I truly doubt that any future material can compare to this one.… Expand
  8. BWETMatangi
    Aug 14, 2013
    2
    It seems that I am the only one who dislikes Adele. I guess it just isn't my genre or something, but I am not impressed with this. The only decent song is "Rumour Has It".
  9. Jiano74
    Jan 24, 2016
    3
    Um what there was without a doubt too much hype over this album it was mediocre at best it is truly overplayed and over hyped and one of those albums not to listen to even if people say otherwise.
  10. andyn823
    Jul 21, 2020
    8
    This album is a little bit boring, because it's full of sad and ballad songs. But I really love "Set Fire to the Rain", "Rumor Has It", and "Rolling in the Deep", these songs are different from other tracks in this album. I love the lyrics, the melody and the messages behind these songs.
  11. Akura-ou
    Feb 1, 2023
    7
    To this day, this album is very good. Production is interesting and the vocals are amazing, but out of 11 tracks I remember maybe 4/5 of them.
  12. Segundoleo26
    Nov 23, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "Things begin well enough with the single "Rolling in the Deep", with its thumping piano quadruplets and gospelly backing vocals, and continues reasonably with the galumphing Tom Waits-style arrangement of "Rumour Has It"; until, two-thirds of the way through the song, it grinds to a halt for a slower, torchy middle eight." ...… Expand
  13. GagaForGhibli
    May 30, 2012
    1
    Adele Makes Me Mad..
    Yes We Get It She Can Sing.. I Dont Like It That Everyone Says "Adele Is The Only Current Artist Who Can Carry A Tune Live" Hello People Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Florence And The Machine?
    The Album Is Nothing Special At All Is The Most Overated Album Of All Time! This Album Win's 5 Or 6 Grammys Florence And The Machine Is Ignored..
  14. greedybadidea
    May 29, 2020
    9
    Adele's sophomore album proves her legend status faster than any other artist I know. This record does so well vocally, production wise, and in terms of lyrical content. She even grows from her previous album with the larger vocal range portrayed on this album and steering from the jazzy production into an even more sophisticated sound. I would love to have a few more tracks steer awayAdele's sophomore album proves her legend status faster than any other artist I know. This record does so well vocally, production wise, and in terms of lyrical content. She even grows from her previous album with the larger vocal range portrayed on this album and steering from the jazzy production into an even more sophisticated sound. I would love to have a few more tracks steer away from ballads because even though I love her ballads, I do not want to see them become diluted in an entire album of ballads.

    Album Track Ranking:
    1. I'll Be Waiting
    2. Set Fire to the Rain
    3. Turning Tables
    4. Someone Like You
    5. Rolling in the Deep
    6. Rumour Has It
    7. One and Only
    8. Don't You Remember
    9. Take It Al
    10. Lovesong
    11. He Won't Go    … Expand
  15. chidime
    Nov 21, 2015
    8
    Writing a review 4 years later. My initial verdict for this album was a 7, but it's risen to an 8. This is actually a good album and it only gets better with time. Adele is a once-in-generation star and I am proud to have actually witnessed her rise in my lifetime. Though i think 25 is better, this was and still is a hell of an album. Congrats Adele, you deserve it all.
  16. Hackskeptic
    Mar 30, 2011
    8
    The maturity with which she delivers these 11 songs is astonishing, brought to life by her undeniable vocal ability and a commitment to deliver beautifully crafted songs without ever having to resort to calculated melodrama. Adele has without doubt, come of age.

    http://hackskeptic.com
  17. ManuelContreras
    Apr 8, 2018
    6
    me esperaba mas de este album en realidad, los singles son muy buenos, y ya
  18. NathanCabello
    Dec 16, 2014
    8
    Perfect vocals, and great songs, this is a wonderful album, a mixed of perfect songs, really really lovelly, one of the best albums od the world.
    Highlights: Turning Tables and Rumour Has It
    Lows: Take It All and One and Only
  19. ewhite
    Sep 2, 2018
    10
    Stunning album. Vocals, production, songwriting, theme, arrangement, EVERYTHING; on point.
  20. iamanicon
    May 29, 2011
    2
    I have absolutely no clue what all the fuss is about. 3 good songs. Overplayed TRIPE.
  21. MyleeneFRW
    Nov 20, 2021
    7
    Неплохой альбом с сильными синглами, из альбомных треков особо отметить нечего, средненькие.
  22. raviopatra
    Nov 18, 2013
    9
    This is obviously a better album than her debut effort. The sound is interesting, from the mid-tempo "Rumour Has It" to the piano ballad "Someone Like You". While being very appealing, the album manages to tell a story of a then-21 years old Adele pretty well. Seeing from how well the album is selling (I think no album has sold like this since the age of piracy began), it will absolutelyThis is obviously a better album than her debut effort. The sound is interesting, from the mid-tempo "Rumour Has It" to the piano ballad "Someone Like You". While being very appealing, the album manages to tell a story of a then-21 years old Adele pretty well. Seeing from how well the album is selling (I think no album has sold like this since the age of piracy began), it will absolutely be remembered for decades or even maybe centuries.… Expand
  23. SumitSumbria
    May 29, 2016
    9
    This is a classic piece, just pure singing, pure music; without the computer and technology edits. No artificiality, only originality; authentic music. Adele's vocals are everything along with the melodious production.
    A very different album in the crowd. It has got its own thing. The sentiment of the melodies has been extra oridinarily justified by Adele. The rythm is in good flow, tempo    This is a classic piece, just pure singing, pure music; without the computer and technology edits. No artificiality, only originality; authentic music. Adele's vocals are everything along with the melodious production.
    A very different album in the crowd. It has got its own thing. The sentiment of the melodies has been extra oridinarily justified by Adele. The rythm is in good flow, tempo is consistent.
    "Rolling in the Deep" is not the best track on the album. It's little over rated. "Rumour Has It" is a wonderful track, especially the bridge part. "Love Song" and "Don't You Remember" are essentially one of the best moments in the album.
    "Take It All" is my personal favourite. Can't express it in words. The perfect music, composition, choir, vocals; everything is just wonderful in this song. And then the comes the best part of the album, the closing track "Someone Like You", the best Adele song of all time.
    In this way Adele "sets fire to the rain"
    Adele's got a talented team. The production is not repetitive. It's so mucical and refreshing.
    Favourite Tracks - Someone Like You, Set Fire to the Rain, Take It All, Love Song, Don't You Remember, Rumours Has It, Rolling in the Deep.
    Jewel of the album - "Someone Like You"    … Expand
  24. JhosepKingsley
    Feb 23, 2018
    5
    From this album we can highlight the great writing skills of Adele which we can see reflected in the use of poetic metaphors, the magnificent production that sounds like a majestic symphony and the vocal performance of Adkins. However, despite the above, it is a flat, boring and uninnovative album that makes it overrated and monotonous.
  25. gabrielfobia
    Sep 10, 2016
    8
    Despite having a lot of slow songs, the album is progressive and captivating, you see yourself singing and crying with the album. It is her best album to date.
  26. mchlkirk77
    Nov 28, 2013
    10
    One of my favorite artists of all time, soulful, true to herself, genuine, moving, and every track is so enjoyable and wonderful, done with so much respect to original artists when a cover is done I love you Adele!
  27. mike4444
    Nov 1, 2013
    10
    This will probably be one of the most well known albums throughout music history. With over 22 million copies worldwide, the stunning vocals and music of this album have left a stain on the Earth that will not be cleaned up for quite a few years
  28. spongeswift
    Nov 11, 2017
    8
    21 is a nice record. It has a few very deep cutting songs but a lot of filler on top of that. This was the peak of Adele's work it is by far her best album because it was so monumental. Most of the singles became #1s and the album sold like hotcakes but other than that it's a pleasant album.
  29. Labarron
    Mar 1, 2011
    10
    This album is amazing! She has completely grew up and i am proud of her. The songs "Someone Like You" and "Turning Tabels" for example, shows how talent she is. To me, this album is 10 out of 10.
  30. pauldiam
    Jun 24, 2018
    10
    The Thriller of 10s. Iconic and legendary. Great music. Great voice. This album will keep selling for the following years and future generations will see it as a masterpiece.
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Most Discussed Album of 2011
4
#4 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Sputnikmusic
    Jun 14, 2011
    80
    Hearing a voice that grows scratchy and threatens to break and has not been tampered with, has not been slicked over in a studio, a voice that reveals all that can be found within a person and also seems to hold something back, to suggest another truth just behind the veil.
    Read full review
  2. Mojo
    Apr 20, 2011
    60
    The Brit School girl undergoes a successful soul-pop makeover. [Feb. 2011, p. 108]
  3. Consequence
    Apr 11, 2011
    70
    On her sophomore album, 21, Adele channels real emotion and blasts through sincere ballads and angry rockers with few missteps.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »