Adele, you sweet, sweet woman you, where have you been for four years? The world, myself included, has missed you and your soulful voice. Adele’s highly anticipated album 25 was released on Friday and it did not disappoint. While her album 21 is and will probably always be her best album, 25 definitely holds its own.
“Hello:” This song was the first single released by Adele. It whet our appetite for what was to come. It’s a heartbreaking ballad that shows the beautiful range of Adele’s voice. It was a perfect song choice to kick off the album. Best line: “They say time’s supposed to heal ya / but I ain’t done much healing.”
“Send My Love (To Your New Lover):” This song would be the one I think is most different than what Adele has done in the past. It’s an upbeat post-breakup song that basically tells your ex to screw off. The beat and the lyrics are relatable for anyone who’s gone through heartache and wants to tell their ex they’re better off without them. Best line: “Send my love to your new lover, treat her better / We’ve gotta let go of our ghost / We both know we ain’t kids anymore.”
“I Miss You:” When I think of Adele, I think of songs like this. It’s a power ballad about missing your ex. It reminds me of “Someone Like You” on her last album. Her voice is so powerful and this song is truly beautiful. Best line: “We play so dirty in the dark / Cause we are living worlds apart.”
“When We Were Young:” Adele is known for some of the most amazing ballads in the world and this song would be no different. I find a theme with the album already that it’s similar to 21 with a bit more maturity in the lyrics. This song would prove that point. Best line: “And I swear you moved overseas / That’s what you said when you left me.”
“Remedy:” This song is just Adele’s marvelous voice and a basic piano in the background. While I can’t say this is my favorite song on the album, it definitely holds its own as a decent track. It’s quite a cute little love song. Best line: “Just look and you will see / That I will be your remedy.”
“Water Under the Bridge:” I don’t know why, but I got a real Whitney Houston vibe from this song. It gives off a late 80s, early 90s pop song. It’s a more upbeat song on the album that again has great lyrics to go with it. I could see this being her next single from this album. Best line: “If you’re going to let me down, let me down gently / Don’t pretend that you don’t want me.”
“River Lea:” I would say this song has gospel written all over it. The lyrics wouldn’t be reflective of a gospel song but I can hear it in the music. Adele sings about her roots in this song. It’s another song on her album that has a faster tempo. Best line: “It’s in my roots, it’s in my veins / It’s in my blood and I stain every heart I use to heal the pain.”
“Love in the Dark:” Adele’s album 21 seemed as though it was mostly about being broken up with, but this theme of 25 seems to be more about being in an unhappy relationship. This song reflects the theme of heartbreak, but it’s Adele who’s breaking up with the other person. Anyone wanting to get out of a relationship will resonate with this song. Best line: “Take your eyes off of me so I can leave / I’m far too ashamed to do it with you watching me.”
“Million Years Ago:” Adele has said that she struggled with realizing she has had the amount of success that she’s been able to have over the last eight years. This song seems to talk about what it’s like to be famous and to go back home and seeing all the people you used to know. Best line: “They can’t look me in the eye / It’s like they’re scared of me.”
“All I Ask:” This song is fantastic. It’s again a typical Adele song, but the lyrics with the beautiful piano in the background make it another great addition to the album. Best line: “No one knows me like you do / And since you’re the only one who matters / Tell me who do I run too?”
“Sweetest Devotion:” And with this song, the album comes to an end. It was a great song for Adele to leave off on. It’s a true love song that she must have written for her son. Ending the album with this song makes you excited for the next one. Hopefully it won’t be four years till the next one. Best line: “The sweetest devotion / hit me like an explosion.”