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. PrThKi
    Nov 19, 2021
    9
    Adele's 21 is absolutely one of the best albums of all time.
    The album spawned one of the world's best known, and most loved songs in 'Someone Like You'.
    Adele once again hits the sweet spot with this record. Amazing.
  2. rafaelffraposo
    Oct 25, 2022
    9
    Muito bom, fácil de se conectar, com Hit's.
    Contém muita verdade.
    Sendo um dos melhores da carreira!
  3. cartmenez03
    Jun 19, 2011
    8
    A great change from what we usually see in the charts. "Rolling In the Deep" was a great choice as a first single, as it made me get the album as soon as I could. Love it.
  4. ilias1992
    Oct 25, 2011
    8
    I think Adele is a great vocalist, that will affect and inspire many from now and on! And I can see it in the album!!!Such songs as Rolling in the deep, Someone like you, Turning Tables, Don't you remember and One and only are surely worth to be listed as highlights on the album as they bring such an emotion that you couldn't expect from a 22 year-old woman!The rest is nice but not perfect!
  5. NKOAS
    Nov 17, 2012
    8
    Oh, dear reader, I still stand by my belief that Adele is massively overrated. I still believe that the magazines and public idea that Adele is great for
  6. 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
  7. HEI5ENBERG
    Feb 23, 2011
    8
    This has to be one of the best albums to come out in a few years!!! Adele is a true artist, someone who writes from her heart and soul! This whole album is perfect to listen to if you're going through a break-up! Just sit back and let those tears flow :) The production on this album is tight! I give it 8/10
  8. AD421
    Aug 23, 2011
    8
    Adele. She's truly been a breath of fresh air this year. She's managed to let her slower songs take over peoples playlists in a time where dance songs run rampant. She's managed to bridge the gap and appeal to both young audiences and the older adult audience. Her strong voice and mopey sad love songs ave captivated many. "21" is a really solid album. Adele manages to drag you into her pitAdele. She's truly been a breath of fresh air this year. She's managed to let her slower songs take over peoples playlists in a time where dance songs run rampant. She's managed to bridge the gap and appeal to both young audiences and the older adult audience. Her strong voice and mopey sad love songs ave captivated many. "21" is a really solid album. Adele manages to drag you into her pit of despair. What's remarkable is her ability to get the audience to genuinely understand and feel for her. I do need to point out that she gets screechy a few times (it's noticeable on "I'll Be Waiting.") The standout on the album is most definitely "Set Fire to the Rain." Its one of the greatest songs I've come across this year. Its powerful and epic which makes it the black sheep of the album but it strangely finds it place and fits.… Expand
  9. wallofjericho42
    May 14, 2012
    8
    While it lacks the peculiar charm "19" had, her immensely powerful vocals sweep the floor. Less bluesy and jazzy and more leaning towards Pop, "21" is a step in the right direction despite losing some of the original pep. "21" is less pep, and more sass, which is by no means bad - just different.
  10. 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
  11. maxjtotsky
    Jan 20, 2012
    8
    On her debut '19', Adele sounded like a childish confused brat but on '21' she delivers some really diverse and touching songs, strong, emotional lyrics and her matured, powerful voice. The production is miles ahead of her debut, making this sound more comfortable and less insecure than you could have imagined. Adele's tales of heartbreak are likely to reach out to many, but for now we canOn her debut '19', Adele sounded like a childish confused brat but on '21' she delivers some really diverse and touching songs, strong, emotional lyrics and her matured, powerful voice. The production is miles ahead of her debut, making this sound more comfortable and less insecure than you could have imagined. Adele's tales of heartbreak are likely to reach out to many, but for now we can just celebrate how good a musician Adele has become.… Expand
  12. Mangaeyes
    Feb 27, 2016
    8
    8/10 - "21 is simply stunning. After only a handful of plays, it feels like you've always known it" - BBC Music

    A little bit monotonous in places but if you've ever had your heart broken then you really need this album.
  13. 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.
  14. GeorgePaskalev
    Jul 13, 2013
    8
    Chasing pavements inevitably leads someone somewhere, and in the case of twenty-three year-old Adele it’s taken her to a place everyone’s been to: the alley of broken hearts. Inspired by a devastating break-up the singer’s sophomore record, 21, weaves music and lyrics in such a precise way that the heartache becomes almost vicarious to the listener. Like most songs on her debut album,Chasing pavements inevitably leads someone somewhere, and in the case of twenty-three year-old Adele it’s taken her to a place everyone’s been to: the alley of broken hearts. Inspired by a devastating break-up the singer’s sophomore record, 21, weaves music and lyrics in such a precise way that the heartache becomes almost vicarious to the listener. Like most songs on her debut album, tracks on 21 are produced in a simple and basic manner to allow the vocals to shine through; only this time the album doesn’t sound as optimistic and trend-influenced as 19, which was released months after the enormous success of fellow British singer Amy Winehouse.

    21 doesn’t remind the listener of any other record because, on first listen, the album is too relatable; the brain leaves no space for recollection but for one’s own struggles with love. The (slightly overproduced) mid-tempo “Set Fire to the Rain” sets a battlefield for contradictory emotions and captures the album’s main essence: an exploration of masochistic self-conflicts while attempting to move on from destructive relationships. Partially retrospective (“My hands, they were strong /But my knees were far too weak /To stand in your arms /Without falling to your feet”), the song oscillates between piano-driven verses filled with hope for reconciliation and a lushly-arranged, self-liberating chorus with belting raspy vocals.

    21’s first single, “Rolling in the Deep,” kicks off with a throbbing, threatening beat as Adele marches away from this draining romance. A fusion of epic pop hooks, blues’y rhythms and gospel clap this revenge anthem disavows any chances for ‘making up.’ On “Turning Tables,” an acoustic tune where the piano and strings contribute to the narrative just as much as the evocative lyrics and raw soulful vocals, the singer confirms her final decision (“It’s time to say goodbye to turning tables”).

    Despite the rage portrayed by the invading, aggressive beats and intense vocals in the first few tracks the record’s last song, the piano-and-vocal somber ballad “Someone Like You,” expresses hope for outgrowing the pain. Sounding more vulnerable than ever, Adele travels to the future where she’s forgiven her former lover to say a final bittersweet goodbye.    … Expand
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. rebeligado
    Sep 14, 2015
    8
    Hinário

    Rolling In The Deep
    Rumour Has It
    Turning Tables
    Don't You Remember
    Set Fire To The Rain

    Sequência ótima de faixas, além que não tem músicas ruins no "21"
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. leostarboy
    Sep 9, 2020
    8
    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. Here's hoping that if Adele ever finds true love, she doesn't lose her ability to so convincingly channel heartbreak.
  21. 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.
  22. Hi_How_RYah
    Nov 20, 2021
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. among all albums made by her, it is the only exceptional, without the suspicion of repetitive singing style she mostly exhibiting for about half a decade apart from her debut.… Expand
  23. SleepyFox
    Nov 10, 2021
    8
    With her second album "21", Adele did an impressive work. The songs are full of soul influences and her voice just sounds incredible. The songwriting is very good; deep and melancholic, but sometimes it's a little too "repetitive".
  24. Xbluannax
    Nov 20, 2021
    8
    Adele’s best album in my opinion. Loved the jazzy feel to her songs. I’ll be waiting is my favourite,
  25. patp
    Apr 4, 2023
    8
    An almost perfect album. Iconic album full of great balads. Will never get old.
  26. 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.
  27. bernlin2000
    Jul 23, 2011
    7
    Quite a bit more uneven than her first album, but there's some standouts here for me: "Rolling in the Deep" "Turning Tables" "Someone Like You". What always stands out, even on the less memorable pieces, is Adele's stunning voice: she is one of the most vocally talented musicians out there today.
  28. asjklas
    Oct 20, 2011
    7
    Aside from 21's biggest problem -- its insistence on recycling the same sound throughout its short eleven-track course -- Adele's phenomenal and almost magical voice and lyrical melodrama make this album one of the most enchanting listens of 2011.
  29. andykuchen
    Aug 29, 2011
    7
    A very soulful and powerful album, mostly revolving around breakup. Adele packs quite a punch with her stunning vocals. It is probably the most moving and touching album of the year... so far.
  30. Nikz2710
    Jan 23, 2012
    7
    21 is Adele's sophomore album after "19". It is a compilation of love ballads, about Adele's relationship fallout. The album was produced by a number of producers, "Ryan Tedder", being one of them.
    Adele's sophomore attempt is a huge success. Adele showcases the raw, spine-chilling, power of her beautiful voice among tracks like "Someone Like You", "Turning Tables" and "Set Fire To the    21 is Adele's sophomore album after "19". It is a compilation of love ballads, about Adele's relationship fallout. The album was produced by a number of producers, "Ryan Tedder", being one of them.
    Adele's sophomore attempt is a huge success. Adele showcases the raw, spine-chilling, power of her beautiful voice among tracks like "Someone Like You", "Turning Tables" and "Set Fire To the Rain". Her vocal performance on the 80s rendition-like "Rolling In The Deep" is amazing, and is one of the standouts of the album. Adele's songwriting ability is also to be given a tremendous amount of appreciation. Her heartfelt lyrics on "Someone Like You", and "Rumor Has It" is impressive, and shows her maturity as a songwriter.
    On the other hand, the album's depressing mood may not appeal to everyone, with most of the songs sounding the same, somewhat because of the production. Adele's voice may be the only thing that makes songs like "Rumor Has It", and "He won't Go" listen-worthy.
    Nevertheless, 21 is a great album that features great tracks, but its monotonous themes and depressing mood makes it far less epic than it is made out to be. Adele's third album will be the decider to judge how versatile she is as an artist, or whether she can only stick to the same breakup ballads as "21".    … Expand
  31. RIProo
    Mar 25, 2012
    7
    Without any incredible sounds, without any incredible video and without any fashion style Adele made a good album, for all the ages. Congrats. ( sorry for my English )
  32. doc2be
    Mar 26, 2012
    7
    Good album. Some of the songs feel a little repetitive on repeat listens. Her silky voice commands attention. But after a while the songs are a bit 'samesy'
  33. 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
  34. aahfeekiee
    Jan 6, 2013
    7
    21 is a very good album as a whole. But looking at all the acclaim that 21 has garnered for itself, it's not very surprising that it will fall short of many people's expectations.

    Six Grammys aside, was 21 really worth all the media attention; the accolades? The album skilfully deals with one dominant theme in particular; heartbreak. Anger in 'Set Fire to the Rain', sadness in 'Don't    21 is a very good album as a whole. But looking at all the acclaim that 21 has garnered for itself, it's not very surprising that it will fall short of many people's expectations.

    Six Grammys aside, was 21 really worth all the media attention; the accolades? The album skilfully deals with one dominant theme in particular; heartbreak. Anger in 'Set Fire to the Rain', sadness in 'Don't You Remember', irony in 'Rumour Has It', hopelessness in 'Take it All', revenge in 'Turning Tables', sincerity in 'Someone Like You', so on and so forth. Adele scrutinizes and carefully analyzes the single theme of heartbreak from many different perspectives as she tries to justify each viewpoint. Perfect for sappy little teenagers to quote on Tumblr pretending that it relates to them in one way or another.

    There are some other themes, like in He Won't Go, Lovesong and One and Only, that still deals with love at its most trivial; just barely escaping the topic of heartbreak. But who could claim that these were actually the highlights of the album? Perhaps it was the heartbreaking songs that had put 21 in the limelight, because variety just couldn't have been it. It's great to have an exceptional songwriter every once in a while amidst commercial songstresses like Katy Perry, Rihanna and Britney Spears who barely write their own songs, or Taylor Swift and Carly Rae Jepsen who aren't as deep or intelligent as they might seem to be. But it wouldn't kill her to add in a little variety; spice things up a little, in the hopes that maybe, if she's feeling really creative and inspired, she'll even write songs which are not about love! Love is an evergreen topic a composer can rely on, but if one lets their career evolve around the same damn thing, it won't still be entertaining after a while. Now, she could explore with other genres and try out new things; which she hasn't, even since 19. Lady Gaga has been criticized for being so experimental she's losing her signature sound. Marina and the Diamonds and Lana Del Rey have been criticized over repetitive production in Electra Heart and Born to Die respectively. It's fascinating to know how Adele has escaped the critics in this area.

    Her vocals couldn't have been it either. She performs great live, but so would many other popstars today if all they did was stand in front of a microphone and sing while occasionally throwing shade and being a little profane in a British accent.

    You see, when people hear the word 'Adele', they think of heartbreak and sadness. The plump British girl who can sing. Social acceptance, perhaps. All the assumptions start rolling in that she's had a troubled past full of insecure misfit tragedies.

    I've never mentioned that more often than not, pity might have impaired the general public's impression of the album; what you interpret of what I'm writing is solely up to you. Sympathy may have had a role to play in Adele's respected image, but then again, I'm not pointing fingers. Essentially, there will always be off-stream artists who are better than Adele in terms of songwriting and singing, work even harder, and is just waiting for that big break but never really got by to achieve that. Whether or not one feels that her vocals forgive the fact that Someone Like You becomes the most overplayed song of the decade, or whether or not her songwriting justifies that she can still just stand on stage and still be a good performer; will be different for everyone to judge. But it's hard to deny that 21 will make an ideal playlist as for whoever is facing a difficult time getting over someone, or at least aspire to be in that mood for who knows what. While 21 may not fit into that idealist mold you've created for the perfect album you're seeking for, it's worth a listen or two. Not all would be impressed by her long notes and not everyone would appreciate the attention she's put in the little ideas she's came up with while pondering about love. But every now and then it's bound to come to you as 'almost interesting' or 'nearly relates to me'. I still have 21 on my daily playlist; Don't You Remember, Set Fire to the Rain, I'll be Waiting and Rumour has it being one of the better played songs. Adele stays in my music player as one of the well-played crooners beside Lady Gaga, Lana Del Rey, Bruno Mars and ABBA. Ultimately, whether or not I feel that the album is great will not change the fact that I still choose to listen to it everyday. So occasionally I will skip a few Adele tracks to listen to pretentious, manufactured Korean Pop singles, for pretty faces and a catchy beat are more than enough to grab my attention for a while.    … Expand
  35. linikedemarco
    Aug 25, 2014
    7
    Even though Adele has left the teenage image behind, embracing a new level of the same concept, 21's catchy singles overshine other very good songs, emphasizing a poorly distributed climax throughout the album (which also gives one the possibility of cutting the album in half without affecting its quality) and enhancing the expectations over the singer for a killer third album.
  36. Adson
    Oct 4, 2014
    7
    The album is great, lyrically speaking, but instrumentally speaking, the sound isn't so marvelous listening track by track. My favs are the singles, "Rumour has it" and "Turning tables".
  37. Lenis
    Jan 28, 2015
    7
    I've overplayed this album and I don't get how it didn't get best reviews (watching her winnig grammys and selling millions with this album) it's the opposite way but at the XXI century, british singer/songwriter Adele gave us her second studio album, 21. In this record she proves her vocal range and good vibes, following her hit single "Rolling In The Deep" and the 2nd "Someone Like You"I've overplayed this album and I don't get how it didn't get best reviews (watching her winnig grammys and selling millions with this album) it's the opposite way but at the XXI century, british singer/songwriter Adele gave us her second studio album, 21. In this record she proves her vocal range and good vibes, following her hit single "Rolling In The Deep" and the 2nd "Someone Like You" you will get this travelling around powerful, classic and deep compositions such as the highlights -Set Fire To The Rain, Rumour Has It and Turning Tables-. Nice production but unfortunately a little basic and boring after 6 songs, the rise of the queen and the surprising fall it seems like unfinished or something like that because it doesn't have a theme, it doesn't have variation but it have 5 songs that can be declined and easily skipped… Expand
  38. ORIGINATED
    Apr 28, 2015
    7
    There’s a more mature voice and sound to it, with instantly catchy tracks. Adele has shown more audacity on this record and has collaborated with the right guys at the right time. It might sound less versatile than 19 but it’s also because its music serves its story, her stories actually. Her piano skills are cleverly used on some melancholic songs and her powerful voice makes this albumThere’s a more mature voice and sound to it, with instantly catchy tracks. Adele has shown more audacity on this record and has collaborated with the right guys at the right time. It might sound less versatile than 19 but it’s also because its music serves its story, her stories actually. Her piano skills are cleverly used on some melancholic songs and her powerful voice makes this album something everyone will remember for the next decade at least. The record is charming overall but could have gone deeper with a more detailed exploration of her feelings or a more cohesive track list. It’s still a wonderful mainstream album that dares and that’s creative enough to deserve some awards.

    Best track: Turning Tables
    Exact Score: 8    … Expand
  39. CamdenRendell
    Jan 29, 2018
    7
    Although Adele is overpraised (*cough* The Grammys *cough), and overplayed, there are some great songs on this thing.
  40. MyleeneFRW
    Nov 20, 2021
    7
    Неплохой альбом с сильными синглами, из альбомных треков особо отметить нечего, средненькие.
  41. zaeksito
    Nov 27, 2020
    7
    Tiene canciones que son joyas, pero considero que está sobrevalorado simplemente por el hecho de ser Adele.
  42. 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.
  43. evermore13
    Nov 18, 2021
    7
    Overall, «21» shows that Adele is towering in the same landscape where some of her contemporaries have lost all their bearings. Her husky, powerful voice is what keeps you listening, but here's hoping she experiences something besides betrayal before writing her next record.
  44. evergreenOldboy
    Dec 20, 2011
    6
    With all of the buzz surrounding this I thought I had to check it out. After hearing a few songs I realized that I had already heard them on the radio or something and that I liked them. Then I listened to the rest, and decided that its not bad, but that its not something I am going to listen to on my own time either. But then I stumbled across the metacritic's critic top ten picks forWith all of the buzz surrounding this I thought I had to check it out. After hearing a few songs I realized that I had already heard them on the radio or something and that I liked them. Then I listened to the rest, and decided that its not bad, but that its not something I am going to listen to on my own time either. But then I stumbled across the metacritic's critic top ten picks for music in 2011, and was flabbergasted. I mean this, really? Come on it is not that good, not good enough for that many critics to pick it number 1. Then I found myself wanting to give this album a really low score just cus critics are for some reason picking this over the black keys' new album el camino(my favorite album right now). But I stopped myself, it bugs me when other people do it, so i wont either. However, next time I hear an Adele song on the radio, I think I am just going to change to another station.… Expand
  45. JoelSN
    Mar 24, 2012
    6
    "21" is the most successful album of the digital era, and we will probably never see any other album acquire this success. It will most likely reach the "Diamond" certification in the US very soon, being the first album since 2004 Usher's "Confessions" to do so. But does the album deserve all the success that it's getting? No one can deny the incredibly talented singer that it's Adele. Not"21" is the most successful album of the digital era, and we will probably never see any other album acquire this success. It will most likely reach the "Diamond" certification in the US very soon, being the first album since 2004 Usher's "Confessions" to do so. But does the album deserve all the success that it's getting? No one can deny the incredibly talented singer that it's Adele. Not many artists in the pop scene can own the stage only with their voices, and Adele is perfectly capable of doing so. If I were to grade Adele herself, she would probably get excellent score, but "21" is not that good. The album shares Adele's feelings after a breakup with her former boyfriend, and I think the record suffers of "extreme depression" being "Rumour Has It" the only song that it's not some kind of ballad. This is not necessarily bad at all, but it becomes a problem when most of the songs in the record are dull and forgettable. In my opinion "21" has 4 or 5 extremely good songs, that would make super successful singles (and in fact they have). But the rest of the record is not that good, unfortunately. I think Adele's success has more to do with how refreshing her sound is compared to what's on mainstream radio all day, her mind blowing performances, her interesting persona and of course, her great singles than with the quality of the album. However, it's a midly solid sophomore effort, and now that she is on top of the world I hope she can outdo herself and deliver an amazing third record. Everybody will look at her and that's a lot of pressure, but she has the talent to make it.

    Highlights: Rolling in the Deep, Set Fire to the Rain, Someone Like You, Turning Tables    … Expand
  46. Spotlights
    Nov 17, 2012
    6
    I'm not actually sure about this one. It's very melancholy. I definitely prefer 19. 21 is good but does feature quite a few fillers. Basically, the really good tracks are REALLY good and the fillers are just meh. The ratio of fillers to hits is about 3:1.
  47. ManuelContreras
    Apr 8, 2018
    6
    me esperaba mas de este album en realidad, los singles son muy buenos, y ya
  48. 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
  49. Juan7
    May 12, 2020
    6
    Con influencias de soul, Adele nos demuestra su lado más vulnerable después de una ruptura.
  50. RogerSmith97
    Jun 24, 2011
    5
    I Like This Album Better Than 21, But Adele Has Real Talent... Rolling In The Deep Is A Great, Creative Song... Some Of The Other Songs Are Nice, But Sound Alot Alike.... In My Opinion Adele Should Keep To Fast Pop Like Rolling In The Deep... She Can Still Have Slow Songs, Just More Fast Songs To! Adele You Have Talent...
  51. ernis_v
    Apr 3, 2012
    5
    Adele intrigues us with something new for the first two songs, but then it all fades away into boring and banal same old-same old melodies about a cliché - he left her, now she's sad. Adele could have just put "Someone Like You" instead of the most part of the album, and the effect would have been be the same
  52. kalamaris
    Oct 15, 2012
    5
    It gave me mixed feelings while listening to it. Only 4 songs (Rolling In The Deep, Set Fire To The Rain, Someone Like You, Rumour Has It) make this album somehow interesting, the rest of them are so monotonous. I just cannot understand why it is so much overrated. OK, Adele is a good artist with a nice voice but this overexposure of her really makes me wonder why. An average job.
  53. mdm389
    Jul 13, 2012
    5
    Million dollar voice, totally generic songwriting. It doesn't venture into any waters that haven' been sailed through a thousand times before by soul and R&B singer, and the cliche lyrics and backing instrumentation fail to prop up the songs here. Adele has little to say beyond examining a failed past relationship. She'd be more tolerable if Florence Welch of Florence + The Machine wasn'tMillion dollar voice, totally generic songwriting. It doesn't venture into any waters that haven' been sailed through a thousand times before by soul and R&B singer, and the cliche lyrics and backing instrumentation fail to prop up the songs here. Adele has little to say beyond examining a failed past relationship. She'd be more tolerable if Florence Welch of Florence + The Machine wasn't doing the female British singer act so much better at the same time.… Expand
  54. arvintaylor138
    Feb 18, 2014
    5
    Adele is respectfully one of the most treasured artists of all time, but i wasn't too keen is album. Some tracks were soulful while the rest were moody, depressing and if I must say, 'boring' ballads. Not for me...
  55. 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.
  56. DanShelley
    Feb 2, 2018
    5
    Despite being a good album, it's way too overrated. There were better albums back in 2011 talking about acceptance and compassion but the Grammy's thought it would be a good idea to give a heartbreak album 6 awards because it went viral.
  57. super-adn23
    Jan 16, 2012
    4
    Mediocre and pretentious work, nothing musically creative, low quality production, the only really good songs on the entire album are Rolling In The Deep and Set Fire To The Rain. Even though Great vocals and beautiful lyrics. Obviously overrated.
  58. Seasz
    Apr 14, 2012
    4
    Her voice is so beautiful, but most of these songs are really depressing or boring, Rolling in The Deep is, in my opinion, the only catchy and good song from this album.
  59. BlacKat1025
    Mar 27, 2012
    4
    With all the praise surrounding this piece, it falls suprisingly flat for me. Even after a few listens, I have trouble distinguishing between songs. All of the tracs deal with the same subjects : Heartbreak, Love, Betrayal. I can appreciate the depth of emotion in this record, however, to describe it in one word...it's boring. That's it.
  60. chommy
    Apr 9, 2011
    3
    Boring as hell. Rolling in the Deep is a really nice song, but the rest are so boring. She has a beautiful voice and she could do so much better with it,
  61. jredekop
    Apr 6, 2011
    3
    On hearing 'Rolling in the Deep' on the local alternative station, I decided to download the album. This ended up being a major disappointment. Besides the single, there was nothing exciting or fresh to be excited about. To me is was just pop with a tinge of blues and soul, with no real originality being put into it. No suprise here it's been number 1 on iTunes for so long...
  62. lilalindahouse
    Nov 20, 2011
    3
    I don't understand a single person who could survive listening to all 11 tracks on the album. It's all pretty much about the same thing, love, break up, depressing and all the rest of it. On on album you expect variety but this one. Just the same track repeated over and over with different lyrics. If you wanna listen to depressing screeches for 48:12 straight go ahead and pick up a copy ofI don't understand a single person who could survive listening to all 11 tracks on the album. It's all pretty much about the same thing, love, break up, depressing and all the rest of it. On on album you expect variety but this one. Just the same track repeated over and over with different lyrics. If you wanna listen to depressing screeches for 48:12 straight go ahead and pick up a copy of 21. If you want variety. Forget it.… Expand
  63. JoseLittMonster
    Oct 28, 2011
    3
    I want to say that I love Adele! But the album sounds all the same, Set fire to the rain, Someone like you and Don't you remember are beautiful songs, but the rest is all the same and I want to add that rolling in the deep is a terrible song. BORN THIS WAY IS SO BETTER! IS THE ALBUM OF THE DECADE! so maybe all the people is buying the album but I will not do that because it don't worth theI want to say that I love Adele! But the album sounds all the same, Set fire to the rain, Someone like you and Don't you remember are beautiful songs, but the rest is all the same and I want to add that rolling in the deep is a terrible song. BORN THIS WAY IS SO BETTER! IS THE ALBUM OF THE DECADE! so maybe all the people is buying the album but I will not do that because it don't worth the money! XO!… Expand
  64. 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.
  65. iamanicon
    May 29, 2011
    2
    I have absolutely no clue what all the fuss is about. 3 good songs. Overplayed TRIPE.
  66. GavinGski
    Apr 14, 2013
    2
    Nothing good here at all. Personally, I don't like her voice. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE SAME THING. Rumor Has It is one of the worst songs I've EVER heard. Rolling In The Deep was alright, average at best. Just a screechy over-rated album.
  67. 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".
  68. robguy222
    Sep 4, 2011
    1
    2 good songs! Someone Like You and Set Fire To The Rain. Nothing else is good! Rolling in the deep is kinda good. Besides that nothing!!!! Hope she makes a better 3rd album!
  69. 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..
  70. Awesome-McTasty
    Aug 8, 2011
    0
    Crap. Chicks voice is cracking all over the place. Not a good singer. Don't waste your time, it's not worth it. Totally overrated, not seeing the fuss whatsoever
  71. ChrnoTodd
    May 2, 2012
    0
    Very bad album. Adele has a nice voice, but the lyrics and melody are suck. My mother make better lyrics than Adele and her producers...........................
  72. ashleyyy
    Jun 29, 2011
    0
    This is a very boring album! it has 4 good songs! And when i hear the album i might fall asleep. It is not radio material, but the grammy voters eat albums like this up! In my opinion Born this way deserves album of the year but 21 is a good choice as well !
  73. fionasapple
    Jun 25, 2012
    0
    Overrated garbage. Adele can sing but this album is just awful ! the only song i liked was Rolling In The Deep which got annoying after radios overplaying it.
  74. Itsamassivebulb
    Nov 12, 2012
    0
    Morose, Dull, Uninspiring, Middle of the road, Non-offensive blandness. Of course everyone is drawn to her as shes a stripped down pseudo soul-pop singer who popped up as a counter to the over the top electro-pop trend, right place right time. Imagine if she released this album in the mist of the mid 00s when this stuff was all over the place, no one would bat an eyelid..much like herMorose, Dull, Uninspiring, Middle of the road, Non-offensive blandness. Of course everyone is drawn to her as shes a stripped down pseudo soul-pop singer who popped up as a counter to the over the top electro-pop trend, right place right time. Imagine if she released this album in the mist of the mid 00s when this stuff was all over the place, no one would bat an eyelid..much like her first album as a matter of fact.
    A great songwriter she is not (for one read the amount of songwriters credited on each song, not so personal as she claims) the lyrics are nothing that Alanis Morrisette or Liz Phair have done before, and Adeles lacking the punch and passion of the former. Instead were met with a collection of easy listening flat instrumentation with cliche break lyrics knitted to very standard Melody.
    Adele was among a batch of artists in the UK that came about after Amy Winehouses Back to Black had got big alongside Duffy and Gabrielle Cilmi, Adele timed her release just right and she filled the hole for when Amy Winehouse died to claim the throne of queen of the middle of the road pop. Not too cheesy to alienate parents, not too retro to alienate the teenagers. The music being artistically flat has no bearing on what people are looking for in Adele. Why have groundbreaking, experimental and challenging music when you have this teenage-white girl singing mature orientated songs? I think peoples admiration of her is more down to the fact that she lost a load of weight, rather than her raw lyrical output. Lets see where she is come release of her next album.    … Expand
  75. wendyszafir
    Apr 28, 2013
    0
    well, i dont like her, i dont like this album, and i hate how it is overrated... i just hope she comes with something GOOD in her next album, not about ex and cheatting sh*t
  76. viniciusmiguel
    Dec 10, 2013
    0
    boring boring boring and boring, everything about this album is boring. Adele have an amazing voice but this album sucks!! it could be better if she stopped to talk about her break up in every song.
  77. italoverdade
    Nov 19, 2015
    0
    And we really have an album with more of the same, with nothing innovative or influential, the disc has good lyrics but does not come close to its predecessor, and I feel at this point in his career the lack of personality that will be a watershed and come become a model to follow, as it comes to criticizing the sales Monster will give a super evaluation ...
  78. 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
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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
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