Diehard Adele fans eagerly awaiting the British pop singer’s third record may want to lower their expectations. Blur frontman Damon Albarn, who worked with Adele for five songs on her upcoming album, said some of her new songs were “very middle of the road.” The record is set to come out in November, four years since the 11x platinum record 21 which featured hits like Rolling in the Deep, Someone Like You, and Rumour Has It.
The 47 year-old rocker explained to The Sun that while they recorded together, he’s not sure that any of the material they worked on will make it to her upcoming album. “Adele asked me to work with her and I took the time out for her,” said Albarn. “And I’m not a producer, so … I don’t know what is happening really. Will she use any of the stuff? I don’t think so. Let’s wait and see. The thing is, she’s very insecure. And she doesn’t need to be, she’s still so young.”
Expected to be called 25, Adele’s currently untitled record may feature collaborations with Danger Mouse, Pharrell, Max Martin, One Republic’s Ryan Tedder, and Canadian breakout singer/songwriter Tobias Jesso Jr. according to Billboard. Albarn made his “middle of the road” comment with regards to her work with DJ Danger Mouse, the producer who previously has worked with The Black Keys, Norah Jones and Gorillaz.
As Australian singer Sia has come out saying that a single she co-wrote with Adele was cut from the record, Albarn has cause to worry that his contributions may not see the light of day. Sia explained to radio station RTV Slovenija (via Newsweek) that the collaboration, which produced Sia’s single Alive, “was rejected at the last minute.” Sia decided to use the song, though, even though it’s about Adele’s life. “So I now sing a song from her perspective,” she said.
Regardless of whether any of Adele’s tracks with Albarn make the album, at least she remembered to call him. Phil Collins wasn’t so lucky. “She gave me a piece of music to finish,” said the former Genesis singer to Q Magazine (via NME). “And at first I didn’t know if I’d failed the audition as I didn’t hear back from her.” When Adele got in touch with the ‘80s star, she told him that she wasn’t working on anything new.
While Adele has sold 30 million records, it sounds like the young star may still be developing her business sense.
