Adele Laurie Blue Adkins (better known by her mononym stage name) didn’t launch her musical career via an extravagant talent show; rather, she used a more strategic and subtle strategy.
Her British independent label XL released her album 19, named for her age, in 2008. A subsequent appearance on Saturday Night Live introduced her to American audiences.
Hometown Glory
Hometown Glory is an evocative song by Adele that explores her deep bond to her hometown. Beginning with routine and familiarity, as well as acknowledging imperfections within it while calling attention to its unique qualities – Hometown Glory captures Adele’s connection with her origins through song.
Adele emphasizes in the chorus that these wonders include not just physical landmarks but rather people as she sings about those that make up her hometown and how they give it its identity. This song serves as an excellent example of Adele’s lyrics being both personal and universal at once.
19
Adele has proven herself an A-List international superstar on par with Madonna, Prince and Bono; perhaps even surpassing them in terms of fame and stardom. With an A-Team supporting her globally touring schedule and an established place at the table.
This opening single from 19 veers more towards singer-songwriter than her later work, featuring gentle guitar chords in its verses, which contrast with its expansive chorus featuring soulful melodies and jazz-like horns.
Adele’s global hit “Hello” won her her first Grammy Award for Female Pop Vocal Performance. Soon thereafter she went on to release many more chart-toppers such as Rolling in the Deep and Skyfall theme song – both being recognized with Grammy awards themselves.
21
Adele’s second album, 21, proved even more successful than 19 and catapulted her into global recognition. It achieved number-one status in over 30 countries and generated many popular singles such as “Rolling in the Deep” and “Someone Like You.”
At this point, Adele had proven that she had an incredible talent for creating soulful ballads with modern flourishes. She assembled an A-Team of world-class producers and managers that allowed her to deliver her best work directly to an eager audience.
Adele’s third album, 25, took an unexpected direction. Co-written and produced by Greg Kurstin, it expanded Adele’s genres while still featuring her signature sound in tracks like “Water Under the Bridge” and “Rumour Has It”. As a result, 25 was an eclectic listen that highlighted Adele’s talent to sing just about anything.
25
Adele stands as one of the most prolific pop musicians of our time, her albums becoming best-sellers since their release and her latest hit 25 proving that her following continues to expand exponentially.
As with its predecessor, 21st is about time – how years add up and life can unravel without our control. But its message doesn’t come across with harshness but instead with wisdom gained over time.
25 brings back producers and songwriters Greg Kurstin, Tobias Jesso Jr, Max Martin and Shellback while also adding in North London producer Inflo. As a result, 25 is a sonically dense record with powerful drums and rich backing vocals that sound as if they’re coming directly out of your speakers at full volume.
30
Adele may have taken a hiatus from touring and even gave up her Brit Award, but that hasn’t stopped her from selling millions of albums! Adele made history early this year by becoming the first act to sell one million physical copies of their album in 2021 alone!
Adele used “Daydreamer” as one of her demos that helped secure an XL Records deal and it serves as an introduction to her delicate folk style. Adele sings about a boy whose eyes make you melt over an unassuming acoustic melody, her light vocal phrasing coming across effortlessly on this track.
Adele gives us a sneak preview into the kinds of broken-heart nostalgia she would explore more extensively on 25. Here, Adele sings of a love that left her “with bitterness and wandering eye.” Her wise advice shines through beautifully on this tender piano ballad.