Adele matures, reflects on a year in her life

Adele Adkins and I are 22 years old. What’s she got that I don’t? Well, a spectacular voice, Grammys and worldwide adoration for starters. However, we have much in common when it comes to experiencing the triumphs and pitfalls of being 21 years old.

Adele’s sophomore disc, “21,” is not a slump, but a wise-beyond-her-years account of all that being 21 is.

The British soul star can now drink legally in America, as shown on the bluesy first single, “Rolling In the Deep,” which comes off like a boozy bar fight.

Elsewhere, “Take It All” explores the mutual wrongdoings of her first real relationship long after that silly high school crush. “Set Fire to the Rain” is driven by a churning percussive arrangement to an intense chorus about what happens when you don’t take it slow.

Naturally, “21” is not very cohesive, but think about it. If you are that age, are you cohesive?