It is a big week for Adele; she just released her critically acclaimed and heavily anticipated sophomore release, 21. In her native Britain, she has the number one album and is the first living artist since The Beatles to have two singles and two albums in the UK Top Fives. In order to celebrate, generate some press and show off her talents, Britain’s Golden voice arrived in New York on the eve of 21’s release to display her talents in an intimate, invite only concert at the Ed Sullivan Theater for a special “Live on Letterman” segment (it can be seen below).
In the stage that has given iconic Brits a major platform, dare I mention The Beatles on Ed Sullivan or Oasis’ US television debut in 1994, Adele returned to Letterman’s building to live up to that legacy. As her band arrived on stage sharply at 9pm, Adele made a grand entrance through the back of the audience and tried her hardest not to stumble in her high heels as she got on stage and began belting out words from that powerful voice of hers. Adele’s voice comes from a place of vulnerability, it comes from heartbreak, and it comes from a young woman who is much more mature than most ladies her age. In her 21 years, she seems to have experienced a lifetime of education from situations that have given her a reason to write, sing and give all of herself for us to listen to and take in. In between songs, the neo-soul, bluesy singer would tell such hilarious and amazing stories about situations she has been in, her career, her jet-setting lifestyle that aside from listening to her great music, you wanted her to keep going with her great stories. Though with two Grammy Awards under her belt, top selling albums, numerous Brit Awards, critical acclaim and having Rick Rubin producing her work, success has not jaded Adele; she is as down to Earth and sweet as someone who has never had any success. Her personality and talents will be her key to longevity and why 15-20 years from now, the name Adele will still be talked about.
In her 45-minute performance which showcased brand new songs and songs off her debut, 19, the true highlight came during her performance of her breakout single “Chasing Pavements,” which was then followed up by a bossa-nova cover of The Cure’s “Love Song,” then followed by her brilliant and beautiful cover of Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love.” These were covers and renditions that would have Dylan and Robert Smith smile and be proud.
Adele will return to the New York area in the spring for a massive world tour, this is a show and person that is not to be missed. Her latest, 21, is out now and is more than worth a listen.
Photo's courtesy of John Filos of CBS.