30 is the fourth album by British singer Adele. It marks a new chapter in her life, which shows her most vulnerable side up to date. But how do her records keep getting better?
Life is made of steps that need to be followed to become successful. It all begins at school followed by University, which will secure a job in the future.
But what happens when a person decides to opt out of University? Does that mean the individual’s life will be unsuccessful? No. That person is just following her instincts.
At least that is what happened to Adele Blue Adkins. Despite her mother’s efforts to send her to college, the soon-to-be singer had already made up her mind.
That day, she penned her emotions down and the result was “Hometown Glory” (2007). Thus, her first-ever recorded song. The next steps were to get a manager and get signed, which she accomplished soon after.
In 2008, on January 28, she made her debut with her album “19.” A record in which she wrote most of the songs at nineteen. Hence, the reason she named it like that.
The album varies between jazz, folk, and indie for a blue-eyed sound. Indeed, her vocals were a dominant factor in winning “Best New Artist” at the Grammy Awards (2009).
Beginning of 2011, on January 24, her sophomore effort, “21,” followed. The LP, an outcome of a failed relationship, has breakups written all over it.
The success of “21” showed at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, where she won in 6 categories, including the prestigious “Album of the Year.” Also, it became the best-selling LP of 2011.
Undoubtedly, after two successful LPs, Adele was on top of the world. However, afterward, she stepped away from the spotlight to focus on living.
Unlike her previous records, her third effort, “25,” premiered at the end of 2015, on November 25. Regardless of if at the top of the year or the end, it accomplished the same impact.
The lead single alone, “Hello,” proved that despite her hiatus, fans would support her whenever she dropped new material. In addition, “25” marked a wake-up call in the music industry.
For instance, it shone a light on the poor payment of online streaming. Therefore, to make her point across, she opted out of streaming services just like Taylor Swift (2014).
Amazingly, instead of damaging her numbers, it catapulted her sales to 3.38 million units sold within the first week. Similarly to “21,” it won “Album of the Year” at the Grammys (2017) and became the best-selling LP of 2015.
After almost 2 years of promoting it, she stepped away from the media to grow as a person. Eventually, she got married and entered a new decade, her 30s (2018).
Adele: 30
On November 19, 2021, she released the aptly titled “30,” known by their fans as Adele 30 Vinyl. Clearly, in four bodies of work, the listener has seen her grow throughout different stages in her life.
As a teenager (19), during breakups (21), makeups (25), and now a woman in her thirties. In a way, she has kept her music as an open diary.
30 mirrors Adele’s most vulnerable side yet. That is, her talking to her son about feeling lonely after her divorce. “Easy On Me” highlights her vocals, and “Can I Get It” lifts the mood with a catchy chorus.
“Sometimes loneliness is the only rest we get.
-Adele, Hold On (2021)
Let pain be gracious.“
Finally, she realizes that loneliness is not a bad feeling. Thus, she has to let pain be gracious and must trust that she will be loved. In the end, love is a game.
Certainly, nowadays it is rare for artists to take time between records. Yet there is Adele, an artist embracing the time to perfect the sound. And quality over quantity prevails every time. Just take a look at the following table.
| Record | Award/Achievement |
| 19 | 6x Platinum |
| 21 | Best-selling album (2011, 2012) |
| 25 | 2x Diamond |
| 30 | Best-selling album (2021) |
Needless to say, whenever she goes on her subsequent hiatus, fans can be certain that in the future she will discuss her latest chapter with them!
Watch “Easy On Me” and listen to Adele “30” vinyl.
