We’ve all heard of Adele. She’s been in our playlists and on our radio stations since 2010. Having made her debut at the age of nineteen – with her appropriately named album, 19 – we have watched Adele grow as an artist and a person, hearing her biggest life changes through song. Now we listen again as she takes us through what will likely be one of the most painful experiences of her life: divorce, in the form of her album 30. The perspective on the album is split between her own internal monologue and her attempts to explain the divorce to her son. Overall, while perhaps not her strongest album, it can safely be said that 30 is excellent, with many strong standouts.

Two of these standouts come in the form of the songs “Oh My God” and “Can I Get It”. Both songs are considerably more upbeat and positive in tone than the other songs of the album – which, in all fairness, isn’t saying much. Even so, both songs are very strong, lyrically and musically. “Easy On Me”, the song we have all come to know over the past few weeks as the album’s lead single, is obviously incredible, and becomes even more devastating when put into context with the rest of the album. “To Be Loved” is another standout that sounds very classically Adele – think Hello and Someone Like You. Of course, the album is not without its heavy moments: “My Little Love” and “Cry Your Heart Out” are two thematically darker songs. The former even features an incredibly personal voice memo from Adele about the emotional difficulties of this tumultuous period in her life.

The album is incredibly successful at dealing with emotional anguish. Junior Gabby Tanen says “You could feel that pain along with her and I think that’s what makes it such a good album.” This statement is certainly true: as previously stated, the album can be a tough listen, but it is real and it is raw. However, some argue that people’s perceptions of the album should not be limited to her experience. “I think the genius in her compositions should transcend the limits of her experience, and that people should be able to bring what they want to her music. In some ways I feel the critics do her a disservice by making the songs all about HER,” Mrs. Whaley says. She has a point; Adele’s vocal, musical, and lyrical skills go far beyond her life story, as they always have.

In short, Adele delivers an excellent album, as she always does. If you are a fan of her – or even if you are not – 30 is a must-listen.