ALBUM REVIEW: 30

Whether Adele features among your favourite artists on Spotify, or if you are simply an avid music enthusiast looking to discover the latest releases, 30 should definitely be on your must-listen list.

In my opinion, 30 is an interesting blend of Adele’s signature vocals and powerful melodies, the same ones admired in the likes of  Someone Like You – it is also mixed with more

experimental compositions, including a remarkable integration of recurrent choirs and jazzy tunes.

This album combination beautifully conveys the strong personal emotions the Essex-born singer communicates to the listener, creating a sophisticated sound. Despite this, I did feel it was rather overwhelming at times.

There are definitely some songs that stood out from the rest on the album, despite the entire list of tracks being worthy of a listen. The opening track Strangers by Nature beautifully introduces the listener to 30. Still, what I appreciated most are the poetic lyrics, especially in the first line “I’ll be taking flowers to the cemetery of my heart”.

Other honourable mentions are My Little Love because of the distinctive use of voice recording as part of the musical storytelling, and All Night Parking (with Erroll Garner) as it showcases the powerful range of Adele’s vocals – accompanied by an intense piano background.

Despite 30 making for a beautiful listen, it is not an album I would recommend if you

are looking for something uplifting or simply music to put on in the background. As

mentioned earlier, both the music and lyrics can get rather intense, and this is the only drawback I noticed.

Nonetheless, this should not be a reason stopping you from giving it a listen. Whether you enjoy it for the same reasons, or notice something I haven't, happy listening!

Edited by Hannah Youds