Adele

I usually don't pay attention to pop music, so I was late to loving Adele, who is truly something else. Her 2011 release, 21, is not so much your standard commercialized pop, but pop music in the true sense -- a popularly accessible vocalization on a well-worn human subject, in this case, heartbreak. She draws from soul, gospel, blues, R&B, pop, disco, and a large amount of diva(!), to sometimes thunderous, sometimes aching results. 21 is a jumping, jiving soulful hit from beginning to end -- nothing misses the mark! And it is just the thing to get your spirit moving and your mojo grooving.