Duffy vs Adele

[u/Melodic-Lavishness69]

The recent news about Duffy working on new material got me listening to her again. I was a big fan of hers as a kid but I don’t think I actually appreciate how brilliant she was, not just as a singer but as a song writer.

What’s interesting is that her and Adele released their debut albums in 2008. They’re also not miles apart in age. Anyway, Adele has had it all her own way really and it’s rare to find another female musician who has been able to hold a candle to her for the last 15/20 years. Don’t get me wrong, there are many talented singer/songwriters out there… but how many of them actually have something to say. Something that truly speaks to an audience. Even in the small plethora of work Duffy released that shone through.

People talk about MJ vs Prince, The Stones vs The Beetles, Oasis vs Blur.

Had Duffy not experienced what she did all those years ago… and continued to release music maybe we would be having that conversation about her and Adele… or with new music on the way from the Welsh songstress it could be that conversation is around the corner🤷‍♂️

Verdict?

[u/Tpmbyrne]

Duffy was being compared to Amy Whinehouse more when she first came out. And Adeles debut album was not that big compared to her other albums

[u/TechnicalTrash95 → u/Tpmbyrne]

I think Amy Winehouse would be the competition against a lot of female solo artists had she lived. Plus her music wasn't just ballad's

[u/RadiantTrade1446 → u/Tpmbyrne]

Exactly, I remember Duffy getting that Amy comparison much more back then. And yes, Adele’s debut was good, but her later albums really took her to another level.

[u/CodexMoronicus]

Her second album bombed before the ordeal.

[u/Fluid-Information907 → u/CodexMoronicus]

duffy had that raw, effortless thing that's hard to explain but you feel it instantly, mercy still hits like it did day one. adele's obviously a powerhouse but duffy's songwriting had this haunting quality, like she'd lived through every word. the what-if game is pointless though, the industry chewed her up and we're lucky she's even considering coming back

[u/JGorgon]

I remember Duffy vs Adele being a talking point at that time, though not one that moved a lot of newspapers like the big rivalries you mentioned.

[u/WildPotato0]

I think this specific archetype in British music became oversaturated, and they couldn't all stay on top. Hell, Siena Spiro is rehashing it again barely 10-15 years after its peak! I'm curious to see if she'll last, she's talented but it does feel derivative.

[u/switch8319]

For me Duffy has the better/more interesting tone but they both make really bland, safe music, Adele especially. Adeles first album was her most interesting, after that its been a big single from each album(written by a small army) usually a dreary ballad, thats carried it.

Duffys first album had the same formula, one ballad(Warwick Avenue) and an upbeat soul track(Mercy). Her second album flopped badly, she worked with multiple producers including Questlove and all the ingredients should have been there but sadly its lifeless.  

Give me Amy Winehouse over both of them, preferred her voice, writing style, performance and in general she's far more authentic.

Sad to hear what happened to Duffy, hope she enjoys her comeback 

[u/shaninegone]

I do think Duffy would have been quite big had that awful shit not have happened and she was able to release music more around that time.

Shed already broke the US

[u/Ok-Call-4805]

I honestly always thought Duffy was better than Adele. Adele has a big voice but that's it. Her actual songs are nothing particularly special.

[u/Funeral_Goat_1446]

Verdict? Both mediocre.

[u/Dennyisthepisslord → u/Funeral_Goat_1446]

Yeah will never understand how Adele is huge. They are all more or less average. Winehouse levels above and then there was loads of knock off versions.

[u/Funeral_Goat_1446 → u/Dennyisthepisslord]

Yes, Amy Winehouse was in an entirely different league..