19 (2008)

Along with Duffy, this buzzed-about British bird hails from the Winehouse that Amy built. Over crafty retro-soul arrangements helmed in part by Back to Black producer Mark Ronson, Adele croons lovelorn lyrics in a smoky voice much more mature than her 20 years would suggest on 19. But with the exception of the delirious ''Chasing Pavements'' — about a relationship that follows a rocky road to nowhere — Adele's songs aren't as sharp as Duffy's. (Her folky guitar strumming can get a little snoozy on fare like ''Crazy for You.'') Still, her singing throughout is a thing to behold. B
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