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...