With the Grammy nominations announced, its time for my annual review of every album of the year nominee. Track information in this review if courtesy of genius.com.
"30" - Adele
Columbia Records
1) "Strangers By Nature"
A Judy Garland homage, this gives off a classic sound that's a bit unexpected to start off the album.
2) "Easy On Me"
This deals with lessons learned amid her childhood and lost love; "I know there is hope in these waters, But I can't bring myself to swim when I am drowning in this silence." She shows off her vulnerability.
3) "My Little Love"
Adele describes what being a mother means to her, through voice memos between her son and herself.
4) "Cry Your Heart Out"
This track deals with the time after her divorce; "When will I begin to feel like me again? I'm hanging by a thread". I wish there was more to the chorus.
5) "Oh My God"
She's trying to take control, and put herself first; "Teetering on the edge of Heaven & Hell is a battle that I cannot fight". There's a cool feel to this track.
6) "Can I Get It"
She wants a real relationship; "When will you run with me? Like I know you wanna". There's almost a folk-feel to this.
7) "I Drink Wine"
This is about shedding one's ego; "How come we've both become a version of a person we don't even like?"
8) "All Night Parking" (w/ Eroll Garner) Interlude
This is about falling for someone new.
9) "Woman Like Me"
Adele is talking about the end of her relationship; "I begged you to let me in, 'Cause I only wanted to be the cure".
10) "Hold On"
Anthemic, Adele gets incredibly personal; "How do I feel so mighty small, when I'm struggling to feel at all?......Just hold on , let time be patient......Sometimes loneliness is the only rest we get...and the emptiness actually lets us forget". Just some really strong writing.
11) "To Be Loved"
This piano ballad is about the ups & downs of life; "I'll never learn if I never leap, I'll always yearn if I never speak". Adele showcases her stellar vocals.
12) "Love Is A Game"
This track starts off with a string intro. If I'm being honest, I think "To Be Loved" would have been a better album closer.
As expected, Adele always brings it. "30" finds herself at her most vulnerable at times. There are a couple tracks that miss the mark a bit, but she carries this album with her stellar vocals and elite song composition. (92)
"30" - Adele: 92
