Recently at my internship, I had the chance to observe a live concert for a webcast featuring Adele. She released her second album, "21", last week, and I she was simply amazing to listen to. Such a powerful voice, and her new album shows personal growth from her first album. It is a perfect fit as an example of a lyrical sequence. The theme of love is consistent throughout, and deals with love lost. The album conveys the emotional stages of a failing relationship, and the overall narrative proves to be an emotional journey. In the opening number, "Rolling in the Deep" (embedded below), the singer shows resentment towards her ex-lover. She states how they "could have had it all", and expresses how he is losing out.
As the album continues, the singer embodies various feelings towards the breakup, contemplating the relationship that was. The final number, "Someone Like You" (embedded below) is a powerful ballad that wraps up the album. We see a sort of contradiction from "Rolling in the Deep", which opened the album, as the singer ultimately is saddened by the failed relationship. Her ex found someone new to love, and she wishes she too can find someone, realizing she must move on, "wishing only the best" for her ex, and hoping she can be lucky enough to find "someone like you".
*Note, this version is especially powerful and unique, as we hear Adele's own account of the song and album. She sings it here live from her house.
If you enjoy what you hear, I highly recommend listening to other tracks on the album, including "Turning Tables" and "Lovesong" (which is a cover version of an original song by The Cure).
About Me
- Matt McClure
- Spending last semester interning in NYC. Not sure what comes next...
One fringe benefit of this assignment is learning about terrific music I hadn't heard before. Thanks for your post, Matt.
ReplyDeleteAdele was one of the first artists that I thought of when I listened to our assignment this week. I really love female artists and I love Adele's emotional lyrics and themes. It is so cool that you got to observe a live concert! Your internship sounds really cool.
ReplyDeleteAdele has always had powerful and emotional songs usually focusing on love. Her previous album, 19, features other strong emotional songs, like "Make You Feel My Love" and "Chasing Pavements". In which she wonders if she could of actually found love. Adele is definitely a perfect example for this week. Great choice!