She’s less tortured here than on previous efforts and, as I observed about the first single, “Hello”, there is resilience in her howling, haunting voice. She specializes on this album in conveying anxiety, doubt, fear, pain and guilt-which explains why this collection instantaneously broke records. Soulful Adele, like so many modern pop singers before her-from U2’s Bono and Sinead O’Connor to Alanis Morissette, Sam Smith and James Blunt, sings of longing and lament. The songs, even as delivered, are unlikely to be remembered through the ages. The 14 tunes on Target’s exclusive extended album version (with three bonus songs) are generally well-crafted melodies and expertly delivered, if overproduced, to accentuate Adele’s primary ability to belt out a tune. The songs are good, not exceptional, though some stand out. I think Adele expresses what millions of Brits and Americans feel these days an aching, yearning lament for lost innocence. On Adele’s new album, 25, she howls, she bellows, she wails and I think this vocal approach is why Adele has become one of the bestselling recording artists of our time.

Adele 25 target deluxe edition