Adele: 21

Without question, Adele 21 is a great record. Her voice is amazing. Her lyrics are exceptional. The music is pretty darn good. 21 is deserving of every accolade it has received and continues to receive.

However, the performance of this 2020 pressing does not meet the level of the artist. Sonically, it is over compressed in places. It is not as dynamic as it should be, which is unfortunate because there are so many opportunities in this record to bring her voice and the many instruments into the room and make it sound like she’s right there with you.

XL Records has a reputation for mass producing very average records. Like many other XL Record pressing, other than the music, there is nothing in this vinyl that makes you say “wow!” That is unfortunate, as it is such a great album. A high resolution download is a better option unless you really want this album on vinyl.

TRACK LIST
1. Rolling in the Deep
2. Rumour Has It
3. Turning Tables
4. Don't You Remember
5. Set Fire to the Rain
6. He Won't Go
7. Take It All
8. I'll Be Waiting
9. One and Only
10. Lovesong
11. Someone Like You

Maybe it will warrant the attention of an audiophile label one day. Analogue Productions would do this album the justice it deserve. We can only hope to see that happen sometime soon. Until then this is the best of what’s around. 💵

💰 Invest
 💵 Consider
💸 Pass