19

by 
AlbumJan 28 / 200812 songs, 43m 39s
Pop Soul
Popular

Adele Adkins recorded her debut when she was still in her teens, but the gravitas and interpretative skill she exhibits on the stripped-down soul-pop of *19* reveal a timeless talent. The introspective “Chasing Pavements” and the biting “Cold Shoulder” showcase her supple alto, which brings her lyrics’ deep-seated emotions to the fore; her sweetly smitten cover of Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” turns its professions of devotion into honey drops. A stirring introduction from one of the 21st century’s pop luminaries.

Was Adele's debut album any good? Read the NME review of the multi-platinum selling artist's first record, '19'.

Check out our album review of Artist's 19 on Rolling Stone.com.

It's a shame that the record doesn't seem to allow Adele to act her age: these feel like songs written for someone at least ten years older, if not more.

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