Adele is one of the world’s biggest entertainment brands and the wealthiest female singer of her generation.
She shot to prominence in America after releasing her album 21, thanks to her emotive vocals and traditional compositions that appealed to America’s thirst for power ballads.
How did she get started?
Adele began her musical journey at Brit School – home of stars such as Amy Winehouse and FKA Twigs – where other acclaimed artists such as FKA Twigs got their start. For class project, Adele recorded three-song demo, which her friend posted onto MySpace; quickly spreading across London-based XL Records who picked it up as soon as it spread further.
Adele’s career took off immediately following the release of her debut album 19, which became a success in the UK. Subsequent appearances on shows such as David Letterman and Ellen DeGeneres catapulted Adele into US charts where she caused an unprecedented rush of downloads and CD sales.
Adele continues to draw the acclaim of music enthusiasts worldwide. Her latest release, 25, broke sales records and quickly become her fastest-selling record ever; no wonder she enjoys such an avid following!
Her first singles
Adele is widely revered as one of the most beloved artists of her generation. She first rose to prominence with the release of her 2008 debut album 19, which chronicled a real-life tale of relationship breakdown and its aftereffects; its hit single ‘Hometown Glory’ which she wrote at 16 was an instantaneous smash hit that earned her a Grammy nomination.
She continued her success with 21 in 2011, which became the best-selling record of 2011. From there came another hit single called ‘Rolling in the Deep’. Additionally, she’s an exceptional actor and engaging performer whose energetic live shows have become her trademark.
Her first album
Adele (now simply Adele) released 19 in 2008 – her age at that time – which became a smash hit and set the foundation of much of her subsequent work.
19 captured that awkward stage of life when you are no longer a child but have not fully blossomed as an adult. From its acoustic opener “Daydreamer” to its romantic bombastic conclusion “Chasing Pavements,” 19 was a truly coming of age album, full of exquisite suffering, exasperation and pragmatic wisdom.
She was an unparalleled talent, and the music world took notice. She took both business aspects and marketing seriously as part of her job, being as hands-on with her brand as any Hollywood celebrity. Her approach made the record industry feel more like an extended family; hence allowing her to get away with performing stunts such as her 25 re-release.
Her second album
Adele went relatively quiet after her massive success with 21. During this period she worked on what would become her biggest album yet: 30. On this album she deals franky and openly with issues surrounding her divorce and life after it.
30 stands out as being more focused and cohesive than 21 due to the fewer songs that address love and loss; however, some might find its backing vocals overbearing or annoying.
Adele at her most mature and headstrong is evident here, though that may work against her on occasion. With songs like the heart-stopping Rolling in the Deep and Set Fire to the Rain – which shouldn’t be playing everywhere – she avoids the dangers associated with lovelorn songs that often succumb to saccharine sentimentality and cliche. A bold move for such a young woman with so much experience to offer!
Her third album
Adele’s third album is entitled 25 and continues the story from 2015. Just as with her first two releases, its name reflects Adele’s age.
But in terms of her aura and mystique, not much has changed: the same old cliches still dominate her dialogue; her arrangements remain large yet tidy and prim; while her gargantuan voice continues to be deployed casually with casual control.
Yet there’s an added depth and complexity in this album – be it through its telling of a more intricate tale, its interaction with modern musical ideas or simply in how nakedly vulnerable it is – there has never been anything so open about her feelings before now; and yet her bravura vocals – particularly on the title track – remain just as great.