With all the buzz and hype already surrounding the latest album by Adele, I’m going to cut right to the chase by saying I’m having a hard time connecting with her fourth album, 30. Yes, I know it’s breaking records and is well on its way to becoming the biggest selling album of 2021, but none of that matters to me. All that matters is the music she’s presented here, which I’m sorrow to say is not as powerful as Adele’s previous output.

The album’s lead single “Easy On Me” is the highlight here, but nothing else on 30 is as compelling. Album closer “Love Is a Game” is the next best track, but the rest is just mediocre at best. Sadly, I’m beginning to come to terms with the fact that Adele may be one of those artists that reached her peak at the early stage of her career. If I had to sum up 30 in one word it would be: disappointing.