River Lea," a collaboration with Danger Mouse, is an organ-heavy soul shouter, and "Water Under the Bridge" builds to gospel-steeped ecstasy. Adele is more somber on "Million Years Ago," a gorgeous acoustic reverie that suggests Caetano Veloso writing for Dusty Springfield. "I feel like my life is flashing by," she sings, her voice deepening with regret and sounding decades beyond her years.
Whether she's holding notes with the strength of a suspension bridge or enjoying a rare lighthearted "whoo-hoo!" on "Sweetest Devotion," her incredible phrasing – the way she can infuse any line with nuance and power – is more proof that she's among the greatest interpreters of romantic lyrics. "No river is too wide or too deep for me to swim to you," she sings on the gently lifting "Remedy." On 25, no feat of strength comes as a surprise.
Adele, 25, album review: 'pop doesn't come more perfect than this'
5 is crammed top to bottom with perfectly formed songs – elegantly flowing melodies, direct and truthful lyrics and richly textured production – all sung as if her life depends on it.There are deep, resonant piano ballads (Remedy, Love In The Dark and All I Ask), a brace of slinky, playful pop belters (Send My Love (To Your New Lover) and Sweetest Devotion) and some spooky, thunderous, big production dramas (I Miss You, Water Under The Bridge).
The highlight has to be River Lea, a blast of North London gospel that improbably locates the source of Adele’s musical soul in the waters of Chingford, Walthamstow and Tottenham. “When I was a child I grew up by the River Lea / There was something in the water and now that something’s in me.”
The fact that BEP is more successful than No Doubt and Fergie is more successful than Gwendelyn.
Ahhh Fergie completely ended ha.
Plus the chola look fits Fergie better since ya know she's actually from L.A. unlike the other chick.
Loose was definitely the best and most successful album out of the three.
Nelly is the prime definition of fat after flop. Big Hoops was so good I can't believe the GP let it go to waste.
These Fergie stans need a better grasp on music and Female anatomy. Gwen managed to release more than just 1 succesful era and unlike Fergus she didn't let fear of flopping stop her from releasing an acclaimed album and touring.
