I hate to say it, but women and their heartbreak make such good music together, plus it’s a timeless topic, from Aimee Mann’s mid-80s angst and frustration in Til’ Tuesday’s “Voices Carry” to Adele’s newest, “Water Under the Bridge, an exciting, sultry, up-tempo plea from one lover to another—
If you’re gonna let me down,let me down gently
Don’t pretend that you don’t want me
Our love ain’t water under the bridge
Say that our love ain’t water under the bridge
Adel’s last three hits–“Hello,” “When We Were Young” and “Send My Love To Your New Lover”— were on the softer, down tempo side, but “Water Under The Bridge,” the 4th single from last year’s multi-million selling album “25”, is higher energy, with a a soulful gospel touch.
While her sound is unique and captivating the issues presented by love in “Water Under The Bridge” are the same issues as Aimee Mann’s 30 years ago– the power struggles and push-pull of love relationships.
Both Aimee Mann and Adele are exceptionally able to convey strong emotions –they have a lot of power and presence, yet they still show their vulnerability. Both songs have well thought out, smart lyrics.
All that aside, “Water Under the Bridge” just sounds so good. It’s got interesting instruments and arrangements and rhythms, and it catchy and original and demands attention.