Click the play button above to listen to a podcast with seniors Caleb Audia and Christi Norris as they discuss Adele’s new album. Continue reading below for an in-depth track-by-track review of the album by Audia.

Powerhouse vocals, emotional writing and addictive live performances surround the general stereotype of Adele – stereotypes that are further highlighted in the release of her latest album, “30,” and the recent “Adele: One Night Only” concert. The album became available to fans through all streaming platforms Nov. 19.

“30” marks Adele’s return to music after six years. The lead single, “Easy On Me,” has already seen top-charting performances, scoring No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and recently settling in the top three.

The latest album features 12 tracks, each with a unique backstory centered around Adele’s recent divorce with Simon Konecki. Listed below is a track-by-track breakdown of the work, as well as highlighted backstories and lyrics behind almost every track.

Strangers By Nature – Rating: 6/10

The first track, “Strangers By Nature,” sets the tone for the album lyrically. Many compare it to a Disney soundtrack – and I agree. While one of my least favorites on the album, it does a phenomenal job taking the listener from wherever they are currently listening, and sonically shaping them into Adele’s mind. As far as introductions go, this makes for a great beginning.

Easy On Me – Rating: 9/10

The lead single off of the album, “Easy On Me” has seen constant attention and love amongst fans and media since its release. With more that 100 million views on YouTube within a week of it being out, “Easy On Me” takes on the role of the only single off the album. You can view our extended review of the track in our article, “Adele makes comeback in new single, ‘Easy On Me’.”

My Little Love – Rating: 9/10

Seemingly about her divorce, “My Little Love” takes listeners and fans into Adele’s emotional perception surrounding the event, and how she explains it to her son. Some elements that are intriguing about this specific track are the recorded conversations between Adele and her son about her divorce, as well as her emotional state. An example of one of the emotionally-provoking lines is when Adele states that she “loves daddy because daddy gave me you.”

Cry Your Heart Out – Rating: 5/10

The No. 4 track of “30” starts off repetitive with the line “Cry your heart out / clean your face” repeating. Quickly transporting the listener into a funk-like ballad, Adele’s vocal range is unchallengeable against the beat. While this track is my first least-favorite on the album, the lyrical depth matched with Adele’s voice remains enjoyable.

Oh My God – Rating: 9/10

Starting off with high pitched vocal chops, “Oh My God” sounds like a 2021-upgraded “Rolling in the Deep” – a previously-hit single from one of Adele’s previous albums, “21.” “I am a grown woman / and I do what I want to do,” Adele sings in the second verse. This verse, in my opinion, accurately represents the whole mood of the track, with Adele feeling like she’s being held back by her feelings and situation. Personally, I really enjoyed the track, and would not be surprised if a music video was released for it as the album gains more popularity.

Can I Get It – Rating: 9/10

Taking a guitar-lead on the instrumentals, listeners get a different vocal performance from Adele in “Can I Get It.” Like a western-themed track throughout both the first and second verses, Adele’s voice stretches through different vocal ranges – and it is downright amazing. Remaining as one of my favorite tracks on the album, Adele’s different ranges, styles and genres become apparent in every listen. My only complaint is the build-up from the pre-chorus to the chorus, but that complaint was temporarily silenced by the beat drop. Still, I feel as if Adele should’ve had the instrumental drop over the chorus, rather than separate, as the build-up would’ve been more appropriate. Regardless, this track is nearly perfect.

I Drink Wine – Rating: 10/10

Easily my favorite track on the album, even with my mother agreeing that “I Drink Wine” should’ve been the lead single. While it starts off sounding like a typical English-piano-ballad, the track is a great example of Adele’s emotional songwriting and outstanding vocal abilities. “I hope I learn to get over myself / stop trying to be somebody else,” Adele sings – correction, belts – over the chorus. The track is amazing in nearly every way, and each chorus has different vocal layers, vocal styles and even different instrumentals over it, making for a unique and emotional experience.

All Night Parking (with Erroll Garner) – Rating: 7/10

An interlude that fits perfectly in the album, “All Night Parking” marks track No. 8 in the album. Taking on hip-hop styles mixed with piano and bass guitar backgrounds, Adele’s voice matches the beat nicely. Vocal distortions are also heard throughout the entire track, and makes the listener feel as if they’re trapped within Adele’s story.

Woman Like Me – Rating: 7/10

Track No. 9, titled, “Woman Like Me,” starts off somber and emotional. “I don’t think you quite understand / who you have on your hands / how can you not see / how good for you I am,” Adele sings in the first verse. After the first chorus run, the instrumentals kick up with a nice R&B-style beat that pairs nicely with Adele’s vocal performance.

Hold On – Rating: 9/10

Pristine, but distant, vocals surround your head during the intro of “Hold On.” The track brings out Adele’s songwriting, rather than focusing on the listener’s experience. “I am so tired of battling with myself / and no chance to live,” Adele performs over the chorus. What really got me, however, was the last half of the track. The instrumentals really kick up, with a choir that becomes present during the chorus. With some incredible belts towards the end, Adele’s vocal capabilities remain breathtaking. The song felt long, however, and that remains my complaint.

To Be Loved – Rating: 9/10

A track that runs emotionally deep, “To Be Loved” can be described as a slow piano ballad. “To be loved and love at the highest count / means to lose all the things I can’t live without” Adele sings over the chorus. The track, about the ups and downs of being in love and how it is important to take time and reflect, was initially previewed in an Adele Instagram Live video two days before the albums release. Personally, I think the track is a great addition to the album, and the lyrics reflect many of the stories we’ve heard from Adele.

Love Is A Game – Rating: 8/10

A closing full of vibrato and strings, similar to as if it were in a closing soundtrack, “Love Is A Game” finishes the album off nicely. “To self-inflict that pain / love is a game for fools to play” Adele sings over the surrounding instrumentals. Towards the end of the track, Adele seems to hint that she would, “Do it again like I did then,” giving a sense of pride and an unregretful taste in her experiences.

Summary

Overall, “30” ranks as a high-quality album in both writing, vocal performance and general flow. While I don’t think this is Adele’s best album – “25” takes the place for me – it offers a unique and emotional outlook on her divorce. Tracks like “Oh My God,” “Can I Get It” and “I Drink Wine” quickly made their way into my daily playlist. But, other than that, the rest of the songs become quickly forgotten. Still, the emotional baggage that this work holds makes it spectacular, and I truly believe that there’s at least one track everyone will like.