With her record-breaking new album, Adele seems to be just about everywhere.”25″ was released on November 20th and the singer’s third album became an instant classic, topping the charts at number one for three weeks. The British singer has recently announced that due to the success of the album, she will be going on a massive 56-night North American tour. Adele was able to make the country fall in love with her all over again using her high notes and meaningful lyrics. However, her fame may also be due in part to science.
A major component of Adele’s songs is something known as an appoggiatura; a vocal note that mixes with a main instrumental melody. This note, when hit correctly, creates a sound that puts tension in the listener. Once the note fades out and the beat returns to normal, the listener is relieved. This process of going from anxious to comfortable leads to a good feeling, almost giving a sense of accomplishment. Goose bumps often arise during this process, as well as some tears. A series of appoggiaturas allow for a continuous cycle of tension and relief, which is even more emotional for the listener.
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A good few of Adele’s songs such as her hits “Hello,” “Someone Like You” and “Rolling In the Deep” contain many examples of appoggiatura in them. Starting off with a depressing and slow verse that leads into a heavy chorus can easily create these emotional cycles that people may unknowingly go through while listening to Adele. This emotional process can be addictive as well because the feel-good ending is a reward for going through the pain. That prize of happiness can make a listener want to go through it again and again.
Adele has found her way into our hearts once again through her relatable music. Whether it be the personal lyrics, graceful composition, or manipulative science, it all leads to one long emotional roller coaster ride. Thanks for reading today’s post on The Performer!
Sources:
http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203646004577213010291701378
Article by Natalie Levitt.
The Performer 