Richard Russell, founder of Adele's record label, XL Recordings, has said in an interview with the Guardian that the sexualised image of some female artists is "boring, crass and unoriginal".
US pop artists like Rihanna have been criticised for adopting sexual themes in their song lyrics and onstage performances.
Earlier this month, Rihanna cavorted around the stage dressed in bondage gear at the Billboard Music Awards. She was singing her new song, S&M, which includes the lyrics: "Sticks and stones may break my bones but chains and whips excite me."
The dominance of sexualised female pop artists has given rise to concern about their influence on young girls.
What Russell likes about Adele is that she focuses on the music.
"The whole message with [Adele] is that it's just music, it's just really good music. There is nothing else. There are no gimmicks, no selling of sexuality.
"I think in the American market, particularly, they have come to the conclusion that is what you have to do."
Russell said the "faux porn" in some female artists' music videos had left him feeling "a bit queasy".
By stark contrast, Adele has built up a reputation for impressive vocal performances, meaningful songs, and a classic beauty.
Russell is hoping that the 23-year-old will be a positive influence on the music industry.
"Now you see that Adele is No 1. What a great thing, how amazing. Not only are young girls going to see that, but [also] the business people who are behind all those videos.
"It's going to make them rethink what they should be doing."
Russell said that with Adele it was "clearly about the music and the talent".
"And that's what it is meant to be about," he continued. "I think there has been a certain amount of confusion, and it's resulting in garbage being sold and marketing with little real value to it … Adele is a good thing to be happening."
Adele released her second album in January this year to critical acclaim. 21 debuted at number one in more than 10 countries, including the US and the UK, where it has been certified eight-times platinum.
She suggested in a recent interview with Q magazine that sexy routines did not fit her kind of music.
"Even if I had Rihanna's body, I'd still be making the music I make and that don't go together," she said.