British singer-songwriter, Adele, released her second album, 21, today and instantly won me over. I wrestled with myself in terms of turning this into an album review rather than song of the day for longer than I’d like to admit…but settled with sticking to my goal of posting a new song each day. (Don’t be shocked if you see a full album review soon, though.  I’ve already listened to the album four times through.  Special thanks to Selissa for sending me a link to the album!)

Adele’s natural ease and original tone shines in Turning Tables.  The song allows her to explore her upper register without ignoring the lower, soulful sound she always seems able create.  Turning Tables also contains three elements that are musical drugs to me: piano, strings and Ryan Tedder.  Tedder, OneRepublic’s front man, co-wrote the harmonic ballad and delivered a beautiful piano line, as he so often does.  The song, third on 21, echoes the story of an individual in a relationship who is unhappy with the fighting and constant “turning tables.”  The result is an addicting ballad that is sure to be stuck in my head for days.

So I won’t let you close enough to hurt me,
No, I won’t ask you, you to just desert me,
I cant give you what you think you gave me,
It’s time to say goodbye to turning tables,
To turning tables

Fun fact: Though her voice makes her sound like a convincing, experienced musician, Adele is only 22-years-old.  CRAZY.