Adele's '19' a solid, bluesy album

Of the second wave of British female soul singers to hit American airwaves (Estelle, Leona Lewis, Duffy), Adele is perhaps the purest torch singer. The bulk of the songs on her solid stateside debut, "19," features the Londoner mining the twisted emotions that spring from tainted love. In one instance, she yearns for affection ("Best for Last"), and then she admits to wavering feelings ("My First Love"). And on "Chasing Pavements," she sings of a crossroads of the heart: "Should I give up / Or should I just keep chasing pavements / even if it leads nowhere."

Featuring Adele's bold, clear-toned vocals -- part Norah Jones-earthiness, part Etta James-grit -- the disc is a bluesy-pop, ballad-heavy affair. However, the largely unadorned musical tracks make the effort sound a tad colorless. Thankfully on "Cold Shoulder," producer Mark Ronson ups the tempo, lending some of the similar 60s-soul vibe that made Amy Winehouse a superstar. And the fed-up woman anthem, "Tired," is built on a peppy yet subtle electro-groove.

Yet Adele's apparently most at ease backed by a piano or subtle organ chords. That approach highlights her songwriting chops, but makes for material more Lillith Fair-mopey than soul-diva assured.

CHECK OUT THIS TRACK: Built on a charming, jewelry-box melody, "First Love" sounds like sweet lullaby but is a deceptively cold break-up song.