Best of Pop Music

1. 21 Adele

Named for the age Adele was when she recorded it, this blockbuster marks the moment the perpetually brokenhearted singer reached the top of Britain's soul-revival scene. Full of gospel-tinged pain, remorse and longing, 21 is a nuanced breakup album to give solace to the lovelorn, whether you're the dumper or the dumpee.

2. Ceremonials Florence and the Machine

Florence Welch's signature ethereal folk-rock sound cemented itself on her 2009 album, Lungs; on Ceremonials, her ballads sweep to new levels of wild passion on the momentum of pounding drums, lush piano, harp and Welch's full-bodied wails. Her tales of...

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