Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, better known as Adele, is an English recording artist and song writer. The self proclaimed “heartbroken soul” singer was born on May 5, 1988 in Tottenham, London, England, and was raised by her single mother who worked as a masseuse and made furniture. Adele’s father was a ship worker who was absent from her life. Adele’s mother encouraged the singer to discover music and Adele began singing at the tender age of four. As a youth, Adele impersonated the Spice Girls, Gabrielle, and Destiny’s Child at dinner parties, family events, and at school performances. Adele sharpened her voice and taught herself how to sing through listening to Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, and Roberta Flack while “worshiping” pop icons like Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, and Take that. Adele penned her first album, entitled “Home Town Glory” at the age of 16 and received formal music instruction at the BRIT School in Croydon, a performing arts school which propelled her musical aspirations and cultivated her talent.

In May 2006, Adele graduated from Croydon and four months later published two songs at the online publications site PlatformsMagazine.Com. Months later, a friend posted a three song demo on MySpace from a mutual class project featuring Adele’s vocals and it grabbed the attention of the music label XL Recordings. A phone call from XL Recordings led to a meeting, despite Adele’s initial thoughts the call was not “real,” as the only record company she was aware of at the time was Virgin Records. In 2007, a record deal followed and Adele’s “Hometown Glory” was released. Adele also contributed to vocals for Jack Penate’s song “My Yvonne” and her first album, entitled “19” debuted as number one and was certified platinum within the United Kingdom. In March of 2008, Adele accepted a record deal from Columbia Records and XL Recordings which expanded her career into the United States. On June 20, 2008, 19 was released within the U.S. and was certified gold in February 2009. A Saturday Night Live appearance on October 18, 2008 quickly secured international recognition and pushed album sales to 2.2 million copies by June 2009. Adele’s Saturday Night Live appearance paved the way for several small tours within the U.S. and the UK release of Adele’s second album, entitled 21 on January 24, 2011 and within the U.S. on February 22. Adele’s 21 has quickly reached the top of the charts within 14 different countries and is expected to follow the success of 19.

Adele has received multiple awards including: two Grammys in 2009 for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance as well as the BRIT Awards Critics’ Choice award for her unique blend of gospel, blues, soul, and elements of disco.
Here are the 10 Best Adele Songs:

1. To Make You Feel My Love

2. Chasing Pavement

3. Rolling In The Deep

4. Someone Like You

5. Hometown Glory

6. Daydreamer

7. Set Fire To The Rain

8. Melt My Heart To Stone

9. Tired

10. Best For Last


Related Brainz Content: