Adele's Musical Influences: Artists Who Shaped Her Sound

Jolanda Knecht
12 sep
6 minuten om te lezen

When we think of modern music powerhouses, Adele undoubtedly comes to mind. Her rich, soulful voice and emotional songwriting have captured the hearts of millions worldwide. But what shaped Adele’s unique sound? The renowned artist, known for hits like "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You," has drawn inspiration from a diverse range of musical icons. In this blog, we will delve into the Adele music influences that have significantly contributed to her exceptional art, making her one of the most celebrated artists of our time.

The Power of Soul: Influences from Etta James and Aretha Franklin

One cannot discuss Adele's sound without acknowledging the prowess of classic soul artists likeEtta JamesandAretha Franklin. Known for her deep emotional expression, Adele often cites Etta James as one of her greatest influences. The rawness and passion that James delivered in songs like "At Last" resonate deeply within Adele’s music. You can hear the influence of Etta's heartfelt ballads in tracks from Adele's acclaimed Adele album, especially in her powerful vocal delivery and the emotional depth of her lyrics.

Similarly,Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul herself, laid the groundwork for many female artists with her dynamic voice and engaging stage presence. Adele has remarked on how Franklin's music showcased a blend of vulnerability and strength—qualities that are evident in her own work. It’s the combination of vocal performance and emotional storytelling from both of these legendary artists that have undeniably shaped Adele’s musical style.

Embracing British Pop: The Influence of Spice Girls and Sam Cooke

While soul has played a pivotal role in Adele's sound, her British roots introduce a unique flair to her music. Growing up in the 90s, Adele was influenced by iconic bands like theSpice Girls. Their catchy melodies and infectious energy impacted Adele's early musical ambitions. The Spice Girls not only paved the way for young girls in music but also taught a generation about the importance of self-expression and individuality.

On the other hand, the influence of American soul legendSam Cookecannot be understated. Cooke's ability to fuse gospel with popular music resonated with Adele, reflecting a sense of universal appeal. His songs, rich in melody and emotion, are echoed in tracks like "Make You Feel My Love," showcasing the timeless nature of love—a common theme in Adele's music.

Britpop Icons: How Oasis and Radiohead Shaped Her Sound

The Britpop scene of the 90s also left a mark on Adele’s artistry. One of the standout bands from this era isOasis. Known for their anthemic melodies and poignant lyrics, Oasis encapsulated a spirit that resonated deeply with Adele. Songs like “Wonderwall” have an emotional undercurrent that can be seen in tracks like "Hello," where intense lyrical content combines with powerful vocal delivery.

Radiohead, another staple of British music, introduced a more experimental approach to songwriting that has intrigued Adele. Their ability to create atmospheric soundscapes and thought-provoking lyrics has inspired Adele to explore different dimensions of her music, particularly in her recent projects. The vulnerability seen in Radiohead’s work aligns closely with the themes present in Adele’s songwriting, integrating her influences into a well-crafted style that is distinctly her own.

Jazz and Blues: Billie Holiday and Nina Simone’s Lasting Imprint

Adele's love for jazz and blues further enriches her overall sound. Influences fromBillie HolidayandNina Simoneare particularly significant in shaping her emotional delivery. Holiday’s poignant storytelling and complex vocal nuances can be heard in several of Adele's ballads, where she captures the essence of heartbreak and love in a way that transcends generations.

Nina Simone’s fearless approach to music—where she infused her protest themes with stunning vocals—has also resonated deeply with Adele. Simone's boldness to speak her truth through her art is something Adele embodies as she addresses personal and societal themes in her albums. The interplay between vulnerability and strength, evident in both Simone's and Adele’s work, has helped to define Adele's ability to connect with her audience on a profound level.

Modern Influences: The Impact of Beyoncé and Taylor Swift

As contemporary legends in the music industry,BeyoncéandTaylor Swifthave both impacted Adele's approach to artistry. Beyoncé's fierce presence and vocal prowess have encouraged Adele to embrace her individuality and diversity within the pop genre. The confidence displayed by Beyoncé in crafting her music, along with the themes of empowerment, can be seen in Adele’s own evolution as an artist.

Similarly, Adele has expressed admiration forTaylor Swift's songwriting abilities. Swift’s knack for storytelling and her ability to write relatable lyrics has influenced how Adele approaches her own songwriting process. The crossover of personal experiences into their music allows both artists to resonate with millions, which is evidenced in Adele’s personal revelations throughout her albums.

The Role of Classic Rock: The Influences of Fleetwood Mac and The Beatles

Classic rock also features prominently among Adele's inspirations. The legendaryFleetwood Machas left a lasting impression on her music, particularly with their emotive songwriting and harmonies. Tracks like “Go Your Own Way” showcase a narrative intensity similar to that found in Adele’s lyrics, where listeners are invited to delve deep into the emotional landscape of relationships.

The impact ofThe Beatleson Adele's music is undeniable. Their innovative approach to melody and lyrics has inspired countless artists, including Adele. The combination of catchy melodies with profound lyrical content in songs such as “Hey Jude” resonates in Adele's work. The notion of storytelling through music, an essence found in both The Beatles and in Adele music, is a thread that ties generations of musicians together.

Exploring New Horizons: How Collaborations Shaped Her Sound

Throughout her career, collaborations have played a significant role in Adele’s musical evolution. Working with producers likeRick Rubinand songwriters such asJames Blakehas allowed her to experiment with different styles, expanding her sonic palette. These partnerships exemplify Adele’s willingness to grow while staying true to her roots, blending traditional soul influences with modern sounds.

Rick Rubin: Known for his expert production, Rick Rubin has helped Adele create a more stripped-back sound, emphasizing her vocals.
James Blake: A contemporary artist whose influence is evident in Adele's use of atmospheric textures and experimental elements.
Gregor Tresher: His electronic influences have introduced new rhythms and arrangements into her music.

These collaborations have not only spotlighted Adele's versatility but have also introduced her music to new audiences, keeping them engaged with the latest Adele news and transformations in her artistic journey. With each new project, Adele continues to breathe new life into her music, showcasing growth while honoring the artists who shaped her early sound.

Reflecting on the Impact: How Influences Define Artists

Adele's journey illustrates how influences shape one’s artistic identity. From classic labels in soul and jazz to the modern pop hits from contemporary artists, we see the evolution of a musician deeply connected to her roots while continually pushing forward. As Adele moves into new phases of her career, audiences eagerly anticipate her next Adele album, excited to see how her diverse influences will continue to color her evolving sound. Each note she sings carries echoes of those who came before her, creating a legacy that pays homage to its origins while striving to innovate.

So as we celebrate Adele's musical journey, let’s remember that every artist is a tapestry of voices and influences from the past and present, woven together to create something truly unique. We're left in eager anticipation of what Adele will craft next, as her career continues to inspire a new generation of artists, reminding us of the power of music to connect and heal.

FAQs

What artists influenced Adele's music?

Adele's music has been influenced by a diverse range of artists including Etta James, Aretha Franklin, the Spice Girls, Sam Cooke, Oasis, Radiohead, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Fleetwood Mac, and The Beatles.

How did Etta James and Aretha Franklin influence Adele?

Etta James influenced Adele with her deep emotional expression and rawness, while Aretha Franklin's dynamic voice and storytelling have inspired Adele's blend of vulnerability and strength.

What role did British pop icons play in Adele's musical development?

British pop icons like the Spice Girls introduced Adele to catchy melodies and self-expression, shaping her early musical ambitions.

How have collaborations impacted Adele's sound?

Collaborations with producers like Rick Rubin and songwriters like James Blake have allowed Adele to experiment with different styles, expanding her sonic palette while staying true to her roots.

What is the significance of Adele's influences on her artistic identity?

Adele's influences illustrate how an artist's identity is shaped by a mix of classic and modern inspirations, showcasing her evolution while honoring her musical roots.