Rank: 5/5
“Hello, it’s me” — or so says superstar Adele after coming back to the music scene following a four-year break since her last album.
But a baby and long-term boyfriend haven’t stifled the creative flow of the Grammy Award-winning artist. The anticipation for her third album, “25,” was so great, it leaked two days before its Friday release.
“Hello,” the first single off the album, debuted to record-breaking numbers and millions of lovers reminiscing on heartbroken pasts.
The rest is history — or at least it will be.
The songstress is back with an even stronger voice than the one showcased on her sophomore album, “21.” Besides “Hello,” she takes advantage of her ability to belt it out in “When We Were Young.”
The second track, “Send My Love (To Your New Lover),” is arguably the most pop song on the album — and rightfully so as it was produced by Max Martin, the mastermind behind Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” and Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl.”
The track is a big “f— you” to the man behind the inspiration of “21,” and the overarching themes of growing older and growing up are more apparent in this song than any other on the album.
If you’re looking for a classic Adele tearjerker, look no further than “Remedy.” But unlike past tracks, this love song will have you crying happy tears. She croons, “But when the pain cuts you deep/when the night keeps you from sleeping/just look and you will see/that I will be your remedy,” which should make everyone want to find their soulmate immediately.
“All I Ask” is hands-down the best song on the album. Co-written with Bruno Mars, Adele sings like it’s the last song she’ll ever perform. Her vocal ability is unparalleled to any other song on the album, and when you learn it’s been written about her son Angelo, it makes the song even more emotional.
The only out of place song is “River Lea.” But if that’s the biggest criticism of “25,” it’s too insignificant to matter.
This album eclipses her last just barely because even in all it’s glory, “21” is a breakup album. Adele’s latest puts listeners on a rollercoaster ride through breakups, redemption, actualization and love. I predict when it officially releases on Friday, fans will flock to purchase the undisputed album of the year.