Adele captured the hearts of millions once again with the release of her third studio album ‘25’, a beautifully soul-stirring collection she affectionately termed a “make-up record.” Moving away from the heartbreak that defined her previous work, this album serves as a warm reflection on motherhood, nostalgia, and the bittersweet passage of time. The production introduced sweet electronic textures and 1980s R&B influences, creating a lush wall of sound that perfectly complemented her powerful vocal delivery. This project became a global phenomenon, selling over 17 million copies in its first year alone and earning a Diamond certification. Every note on this record feels like a gentle embrace, inviting listeners to find solace in their own memories and personal growth.
The legacy of ‘25’ is defined by its unprecedented commercial success and its ability to renew a widespread love for physical music formats. Debuting at number one in 32 countries, the album broke historical sales records, including moving a staggering 3.38 million copies in a single week in the United States. Beyond the numbers, the record earned prestigious accolades such as the Grammy Award for Album of the Year and the Brit Award for British Album of the Year. The accompanying world tour broke numerous attendance records, proving that her authentic storytelling resonates deeply across all borders. Witnessing the transition from the “young-fogey” sound of her past to this modernized, panoramic production is a joyful experience for any music lover.
The Six-Month Journey To Hello
The lead single “Hello” was written in Chiswick, London, and took an arduous six months to complete. After writing the first verse with producer Greg Kurstin, Adele took a long hiatus before returning to finish the track. Kurstin admitted he was unsure if she would ever return to complete the song, but the final result became a massive global hit that topped the charts in 30 countries and became the first song to sell a million digital copies in a week.
Scrapped Motherhood Material
During the initial writing sessions, Adele penned an entire album dedicated solely to the theme of being a mother. However, she ultimately decided to scrap the project because she felt the material was too boring and lacked the emotional depth her fans expected. This creative pivot led her back to the drawing board to create a more balanced record that explored a wider spectrum of nostalgia and personal reconciliation.
Inspired By Madonna’s Electronic Foray
A major sonic inspiration for the album’s new direction was Madonna’s 1998 masterpiece ‘Ray of Light’. Adele found deep resonance in how Madonna returned to her creative self after having her first child, specifically citing the track “Frozen” as a significant influence. This led to the incorporation of subtle electronic pulses and “microbeats” that modernized her traditional piano-ballad style.
Re-working A Thirteen Year Old Skeleton
The upbeat “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” originated from a guitar riff Adele wrote when she was only thirteen years old. She was inspired to revisit the old sketch after hearing Amy Winehouse’s ‘Frank’ and collaborated with pop masterminds Max Martin and Shellback to turn it into a rhythmic “happy you’re gone” anthem. The title was changed from “We Ain’t Kids No More” at the last minute to keep the album feeling fresh.
The Last Minute Addition Of Million Years Ago
The acoustic track “Million Years Ago” was almost left off the record entirely. It was written and recorded so late in the process that it was only added to the final tracklist three days before the album was set to be mixed at Electric Lady Studios in New York. The song features a minimalist arrangement with only a guitar and background hums, pining for the simple normality of her childhood.