Rating: 8/10
Adele’s second album was extremely successful, with it’s lastingly popular singles and place as one of the bestselling albums of all time. 21 shows a noticeable new maturity in comparison to 19, evident by the lyrics and tone.
In this post I’ll be ranking all of the songs from Adele’s sophomore album, 21, from worst to best, based on my personal enjoyment, lyrics, music, and legacy. Enjoy!
11. I’ll Be Waiting (Track 8)
Real talk, there isn’t a weak track on this album. Even this one, my least favorite, is really good, and I can totally imagine it being someone else’s favorite. I guess I’m just not crazy about the melody/hook, and it doesn’t have much replay value for me.
10. Lovesong (Track 10)
I haven’t read any other reviews for this album, because I really want this ranking to be based on my opinions, not what other people think. However, I have a feeling that this song is probably an “underrated favorite”. I like it within the context of the album, but the vibe of it just isn’t my thing. To be honest, it creeps me out a little.
Update: I just found out this song is a cover. Doesn’t change my opinion though.
9. Take It All (Track 7)
I really like this song as part of the album, and it’s pretty close to being a favorite, but if I had to skip songs on the album, this would be one of them.
8. Don’t You Remember (Track 4)
This is a sweet but melancholy plea for a former lover to remember the good times, and I really enjoy it. Adele’s vocals are wonderful as always, but I feel like they really shine and compliment the tone of the song here. I would have it higher up, but I can’t rank it among the top tracks.
7. He Won’t Go (Track 6)
This song marks the point on this list where all the songs from here on out are my favorites. This song doesn’t stand out much from the other non-singles sonically or thematically, but for some reason I find myself enjoying it a lot more than the previous songs. Maybe it’s the bridge.
6. Turning Tables (Track 3)
This is a really great song. It’s emotional, piano/strings driven, and the bridge is awesome. I would have it higher, but it’s probably the least relatable of the singles for me. Make no mistake, I really like it though.
5. One And Only (Track 9)
This song didn’t do much for me upon my first listening of this album, but upon relistening, I actually love it. It’s very relatable, and Adele’s vocals are fantastic. Additionally, the instrumental is awesome. It’s like, jazz, meets blues, meets soul, meets gospel.
4. Rumour Has It (Track 2)
All the singles from this album are so iconic, it was actually really hard to put them into order. To be honest, all the top 4 (except for number one, ’cause that one’s untouchable) are neck-and-neck. I don’t know what to say about this song. Just listen to it if you haven’t, ’cause it’s pure diva/pettiness perfection.
3. Set Fire to the Rain (Track 5)
This was one of my favorite songs when I was younger, so I guess you could say I’m a little biased towards it, but regardless, I think no one can deny that it’s an amazing song. I still don’t really know what “set fire to the rain” is supposed to mean, but I’m sure it’s something meaningful. I really like piano ballads (I am aware this isn’t solely piano, but it’s piano driven, so whatever) so it’s no surprise I love this song.
2. Rolling in the Deep (Track 1)
The album’s opener does a great job of showing how 21 is sonically different from 19. It establishes a more upbeat sound, and an angrier theme. This song is really empowering, but also gets me angry at an ex-boyfriend who doesn’t exist. The lyrics describe Adele finally seeing someone for who they always were, and being scorned at how the relationship fell apart when it could’ve been great. “The scars of your love remind me of us, they keep me thinking that we almost had it all. The scars of your love, they leave me breathless. I can’t help feeling we could’ve had it all, rolling in the deep. You had my heart inside of your hand, and you played it to the beat.”
1. Someone Like You – Track 11
“We were born and raised in a summer haze, bound by the surprise of our glory days. I hate to turn up out of the blue, uninvited, but I couldn’t stay away, I couldn’t fight it. I’d hoped you’d see my face and that you’d be reminded, that for me, it isn’t over.” Someone Like You by Adele is probably one of my favorite songs of all time, so I knew before even listening to the full album that this would be number one. From the lovely piano (this is a lone piano ballad, and I love it for that) to the gorgeous lyricism, there’s nothing I don’t adore about this song. It’s stripped back and emotional, and it’s relatable to everyone at some point in their life. “Don’t forget me, I beg. I’ll remember you said ‘sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes in hurts instead’.”
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