Album review: 30 by Adele

The planet-conquering chanteuse is back with another album of angsty soul, but does it live up to expectations?

Adele: exceptional vocal dexterity, but the songs don’t always measure up

POP

Adele

30 (Columbia)

By titling her albums according to her age she was at the time of making them, Adele Adkins has cleverly shoehorned her life experiences into her work. This confessional aspect, her sharing (or oversharing as some might see it) creates a profound connection with her fan base. From her 2008 debut, 19, and especially since 2011’s follow-up, 21 (the best-selling album of the 21st century), Adele has become totemic. She is ...