Adele was destined to sing. From playing guitar in Brockwell Park to music classes at the Brit School and signing her first record deal before her 20th birthday, Adele proved herself capable of singing brilliantly.
She blends soulful vocals and traditional songcraft to craft pop hits that enthrall audiences of all ages, writing about female rites of passage that often bring tears to eyes.
How did she get started?
Adele may not have found success through talent shows like The X Factor, but that didn’t stop her from becoming one of music’s powerhouses. Adele studied at the BRIT School – just like Leona Lewis and Amy Winehouse had before her – where she developed her craft and refined her performance style.
America was soon calling, with appearances on Letterman and Ellen shows prompting an explosion of iTunes downloads and CD sales.
Her first singles
Adele composed her first single ‘Hometown Glory’ when she was only sixteen, which later appeared on her debut album ’19’ and helped launch her career.
Adele’s soulful emotive style was showcased beautifully through this classic track without its accompanying music video.
Her second singles
Adele thrilled audiences with her debut album 19 in 2008; its name alluding to her age when most of its songs were composed. Adele’s delicate phrasing and tasteful arrangements earned comparisons to Amy Winehouse – another British singer heavily influenced by soul music.
21 (2011) was an adventurous collection of songs that became one of the biggest-selling records of this century despite her vocal cord issues.
Her third singles
Adele broke new ground on 25 with her piano-driven songs like “When We Were Young,” which reflect back on her pre-fame years with an overwhelming sense of emotion.
Adele’s 19 is an upbeat song that recalls the 1960s girl groups that inspired it, while this uptempo ballad gives a hint of Adele’s rootsy side. This hit topped the charts and won her an GRAMMY while simultaneously giving Adele’s album sales an enormous boost.
Her fourth singles
Adele ends her album on an impressive, crescendoing string ballad that thematically feels like its own climax — and showcases what Adele does best: singing in a more controlled voice that recalls classic artists such as Whitney and Aretha.
Acknowledging our shortcomings and accepting responsibility are hallmarks of authenticity.
Her fifth singles
Adele was absolutely taken aback at how fast 25 broke sales records, yet its intimate sound explored a broad definition of soul music.
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Her sixth singles
Adele had already set new sales records when 21 was released in 2011; becoming the first female solo artist ever to reach number one status in more than 26 countries.
On this record, she sings more mellowly as perhaps a result of throat surgery that freed up some pressure from pushing up her chest voice too far; thus enabling her to use more vocal colors.
Her seventh singles
Adele writes of female passageways – 19 embodies her teenage experience; 21 her transition into adulthood; and 30 the pain of heartbreak. Adele’s music can almost feel like an emotional gut punch!
She gives hope to an industry where sales have drastically fallen; her refreshing honesty has long been her trademark trait; but don’t mistake her as being indie cool – this woman doesn’t fit the mold.
Her eighth singles
Adele is an astute businesswoman and the head of her multi-million international brand, taking its business aspects very seriously – and reaping tremendous returns through record sales.
She gives industry hope that there is still money to be made despite having seen its value halve over a decade or so, while serving as a role model for women and feminism.
Her ninth singles
Adele is beloved by fans due to her direct, candid approach. This trait has made Adele one of the top music performers worldwide.
But her style has also led to trouble in the music industry. At one point there was talk that Sony might make an offer which could see her leave Beggars and XL; but instead she decided to stay put delivering 30 which proved her point as it became her most intimate album yet.