It seems Adele's stratospheric rise with the release of her fantastic sophomore album 21 in 2011 was only the beginning. Her 2015 follow-up record, 25, was highly anticipated and continues to break records.
25 continues Adeleās honest exploration of relationships, those long ended and those that are just beginning. It has been influenced by the birth of her son and by being in a longer, more mature relationship. Adele has said that this album is also about her relationship with herselfāa conversation with her younger self, including the wisdom and experience she has gained since.
The mega-hit āHelloā expresses these dual meanings well: āHello, it's me/I was wondering if after all these years/Youād like to meet, to go over everything/They say that time's supposed to heal ya/But I ain't done much healing/Hello, can you hear me/Iām in California dreaming about who we used to be/When we were younger and free/Iāve forgotten how it felt before the world fell at our feet/Thereās such a difference between us.ā
Adele again relies on her raw vocal talent, moving beyond her teen pop counterparts musically and lyrically. She creates some nostalgia using classic gospel music influences. On āRiver Lea,ā she summons the symbolism of baptism while using a choir as background vocals.
, like all of Adeleās music, finds a way to get into your brain and remains long after you have heard the last notes. (Columbia)