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100

Observer Music Monthly

Forget her peers or even ex-Eurythmics - think Dusty or Aretha, albeit of SW2, instead. 19 has been on constant repeat for several weeks now and will be, I suspect, for the rest of the year to come.

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PopMatters

19 indeed boasts several distinct sounds by which Adele is given to do her thing. These are utilized quite harmoniously to fit her powerhouse vocal delivery, a stirring combination of her diverse influences ranging from the Cure’s Robert Smith to Philly soul queen Jill Scott to legendary rhythm ‘n’ folk chanteuse Karen Dalton.

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All Music Guide

A beyond stellar debut in both quality and originality.

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NOW Magazine

She’s often at her best alone with an acoustic guitar instead of ornamented with retro R&B references. It’s easy to want to dislike something that the UK press, Perez Hilton and Kanye West are telling you to like, but Adele shows some real talent.

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Mojo

She has the voacl talent of a young Alison Moyet, and thankfully this debut lives up to expectations. [Mar 2008, p.112]

Q Magazine

Adele's songs possess an ageless classification. [Mar 2008, p.105]

Entertainment Weekly

Adele's songs aren't as sharp as Duffy's. Still her singing throughout is a thing to behold. [13 June 2008, p.70]

Dot Music

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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musicOMH.com

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.

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Drowned In Sound

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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Slant Magazine

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.

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Rolling Stone

Her debut, which topped the British charts earlier this year, lacks the bad-girl brio of those grads [Amy Winehouse and Kate Nash], but it shows off a vocal instrument that smokes the competition.

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Urb

Sure, she may not have as many debauchery-tainted demons to exercise as the Winehouses or the Holidays but that doesn't make 19 boring. [Jul/Aug 2008, p.88]

Spin

She represents a highly commercial compromise between Amy Winehouse's genuine soul danger and James Blunt's sclocky pop safety. [July 2008, p.92]

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Under The Radar

Despite Adele's striking vocals--the girl can sing--19 isn't mining any new territory. [Summer 2008]

New Musical Express

Adele is not yet ready to produce an album of sufficient depth to match her voice.

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The Guardian

There is scant emotional heft behind Adele's prodigiously rich voice, little bite to her songwriting.

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Uncut

Veering between faux-soul and Hoxton hipness, Adele simply hasn't found her own voice yet.

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Sputnikmusic

It can't even stack up to Gabriella Cilmi. Estelle? Leona Lewis? Yikes. Avoid.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this album is 7.8 (out of 10) based on 61 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

John M. gave it a9:
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... .

Pedro P. gave it a9:
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.

Bill L. gave it a9:
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.

JOHn A. gave it an8:
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.

sara gave it a10:
She has a wonderful soulful phrasing.

John S. gave it a10:
Of all female vocalists, none is as great as this one.

Carl D. gave it a10:
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.

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