At this point, it would be close to impossible to not know the name Adele. A multi-platinum selling artist whose last effort “21” served as the soundtrack to everyone’s last breakup. It’s hard to forget one of the best selling albums of the decade.
Well, as of now, Adele is pushing that aside to make room for her newest release “25.” Which is described as a “make-up album.”
The world was first introduced to Adele’s comeback with the No. 1 lead single “Hello,” which became the first single to sell over a million digital downloads in the timeframe of a week.
Already breaking records, it was no surprise that the album achieved more than expected. “25” sold over 3 million copies in its first week shattering the record previously held by NSYNC’s album “No Strings Attached.”
Now, it seems crazy that after years of absence, an artist can reappear and pull in such incredible numbers, but if you’ve been fortunate enough to hear the album, it’s understandable.
“25” begins with one simple word, “hello,” belonging to the previously mentioned lead single also titled “Hello.” The song serves as the perfect way for Adele to announce her comeback, as if she is telling the world that she is back.
Though also mentioned before was the idea of ‘25” being a “make-up album,” which is evident throughout. “Hello” wasn’t just a song about returning to the industry but about apologizing to a former lover for all of the pain caused.
“I Miss You” and “Million Years Ago” are both songs continuing the theme of making up. With “Miss” having Adele tell her lover that she misses him and feels worlds apart. “Million” goes a little deeper to say “I know I’m not the only one who regrets the things they’ve done.”
The overall feel of “25” is much lighter than the heart-wrenching “21” with less weight placed on ballads and more on expanding style. Obviously, the ballads are still present with “Remedy” and “When We Were Young” incorporating piano elements.
Standout “Water Under The Bridge” features one of the minimalistic style changes with a toe-tapping intro that leads to a radio-friendly chorus. “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” is another song with a more pop sound to it making it the best candidate for the next single if Adele chooses a more up-tempo approach.
As for the biggest moment on “25,” Adele lays it all on the table with “All I Ask” which showcases her strongest vocal performance on the album and ends with the earnest “It matters how this ends, ‘cause what if I never love again?”
“Sweetest Devotion” ends “25” perfectly without giving too emotional of a sendoff but still keeping that wholehearted feel. The album is quite strong musically and could potentially live up to the legacy of its predecessor but “21” definitely touched the hearts of many.
“25” is available now.