This week, I’ve had Adele’s “Chasing Pavements” #OnRepeat. I’m late, know, I know, but sometimes I come across and rediscover music that other people have long forgotten. To be fair, though, this song really isn’t that old.
For those who still don’t know about her, Adele is a singer-songwriter from Tottenham, London, England. She rose to fame with her debut album, 19, and her following album, 21, gained her several awards, including several Grammys. Her music blends Soul, Blues, R&B, and Pop music, and her voice has stylistic elements of Janis Joplin, Etta James, Lauryn Hill, and Aretha Franklin. Some of her most well-known songs include “Skyfall,” “Rolling in the Deep,” “Hello,” and “Make You Feel My Love.”
The song, “Chasing Pavements,”is about someone who discovers that they’re in love with someone and having an overwhelming need to tell them, but wondering if they should even take the risk. Adele’s voice brings an air of melancholy and almost desperation to the song—which are feelings that sometimes occur when you realize you’re in love. Simultaneously, though, the way in which she slides up to notes and slips into her high voice portrays the dizzying, over-the-moon, and completely vulnerable state people are in when they become enamored with someone. This aspect of her performance technique makes her voice fit this song perfectly. I have always enjoyed Adele’s voice because of her ability to manipulate her vocal timbre, going from delicate and light-sounding, to heavy and gritty. This song exemplifies that unique quality in her voice; not to mention the lyrics and melody make the song too catchy to forget.
Take a listen below:
Is there a singer or group that you can’t stop listening to? Leave a comment below!