Long piano riffs, soulful choruses and heartfelt lyrics: These are what the music industry expects of Adele. The 27-year-old singer’s albums have become a source of comfort because as pop changes, Adele remains a constant, delivering what she does best with her latest album, 25.
The album starts with “Hello,” welcoming not only listeners to her album but also herself back into the music industry. The song has more than 567 million views on YouTube, and deservingly so. Her soulful tone is clear as she reflects on a broken relationship. It starts the album dramatically, setting the bar high.
The transition to the next song is drastic. “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” experiments with pop beats and a notable acoustic guitar. The song is more upbeat, yet even with experimentation, Adele stays true to her classic themes in singing about an ex.
Other notable tracks include “I Miss You,” and “Water Under the Bridge” which showcase what Adele does best, which is being raw and emotional. She reminisces on old lovers, delivering what fans have come to love in her music.
The track “Remedy” is an understated gem. It is full of long riffs and moody lyrics which remind us of the power of love in art. We can feel the heartbreak with Adele, with lyrics like “When the pain cuts you deep/ And the night keeps you from sleeping.” However, her relief is evident by love when she sings “Come whatever I’ll be the shelter that won’t let the rain come through/ Your love, it is my truth.”
25 ends with “Sweetest Devotion,” which opens with the voice of Adele’s son. His voice and laughter start the track, which is appropriate as he was the song’s muse. The song is about birth, which may seem odd as a conclusion, but makes perfect sense as Adele is in the birth of a new chapter. Her music is not dead, but instead just getting started with a new level of maturity.
As a whole, the album is safe, but satisfying after such a long break. If you have missed Adele—just as I did— then this album is refreshing and gratifying in the age of repeated beats and lyrics. It is hard to follow up 21 which was electrifying and ground-breaking; pop music rarely sounds so emotional and soulful. But 25 does not disappoint, and listeners can take comfort in Adele’s familiar and passionate sound.