The last few years have seen a burgeoning of the movement of ‘poptimism.’ Poptimism takes popular music as an artistic form worthy of merit and critique like any other, and has been very productive. Popular music is analyzed and appreciated more rigorously and superstars like Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, and Taylor[Read More…]
Tag: adele
Pop Rhetoric: Adele’s “Hello” and discussions of identity
In the last few years, female artists have taken an incredibly strong stance on feminism, creating art that focuses on the tense dialogue surrounding gender, race, and identity. Whether this requires a change from their old style or leans into their existing art depends on the artist: For someone like[Read More…]
Album Review: 25 – Adele
Some singers shoot for critical reception; others for commercial success. Some aim for none, some for both… and then there’s Adele. The British sensation—officially Adele Laurie Blue Adkins MBE (yes, she’s an order of the British empire now), literally started from the bottom. Born in Tottenham, U.K., and raised by[Read More…]
Deep Cuts: Time Warp
My Same Artist: Adele Album: 19 Released: January 28, 2008 Adele has made a name for herself with her soulful and powerful voice, bringing new beauty to pop ballads. In “My Same” Adele’s vocal muscles were not flexed as far as on other tracks, but the cool vintage piece highlights[Read More…]
Album Review: Adele – 21
British soul singer Adele's second album, 21, is conscious of its status as a make-or-break sophomore record. But while 2008's 19 was an album full of heart-wrenching confessions of love and regret, 21 doesn't wear its heart on its sleeve in quite the same way. The songs are still romantic[Read More…]