25

A soulful meditation on growing up and the memories that define a life.

25 is the third studio album by British singer-songwriter Adele, marking a profound return to her signature soulful sound following a period of personal reflection and hiatus. Released in late 2015, the record serves as an emotional chronicle of the artist's journey through her mid-twenties, exploring themes of nostalgia, regret, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. It stands as a monumental work in modern pop history, bridging the gap between classic soul traditions and contemporary production.

Quick Facts

Artist

Adele

Released

20 November 2015

Recorded

2013–2015

Genre

Pop
soul
British pop

Length

48:24

Label

XL; Columbia

Facts from the source article.

Lore & Background

Musically, the work strips away the experimental elements found in some previous projects to return to a warmer, more organic sound centered around piano and strings. This sonic choice reinforces the lyrical content, which often deals with the pain of lost relationships and the inevitability of change. The album is widely regarded as a cohesive artistic statement that captures the universal feeling of wishing one could turn back time while accepting the lessons learned along the way.

Reader's Guide

The creation of this album began after a significant break from the public eye, during which the artist focused on personal growth and healing following a major life event. During these sessions, she collaborated with long-time producers to craft a sound that felt intimate and raw, prioritizing emotional authenticity over commercial trends. Thematically, the record is anchored by the concept of nostalgia, exploring how past experiences shape current identity. Tracks range from upbeat reflections on youth to haunting ballads about regret, creating a dynamic listening experience that feels both personal and universally relatable. Upon its release, the album was met with immediate critical acclaim for its songwriting depth and vocal performance. Critics praised its ability to evoke strong emotions while maintaining a timeless quality that transcends typical pop cycles. Commercially, it became one of the best-selling records in history, breaking numerous sales records across global markets. Its success revitalized interest in soul-influenced pop music and cemented the artist's legacy as a defining voice of her generation.

Track listing

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1	Hello	Adele Adkins, Greg Kurstin	4:55
2	Send My Love (To Your New Lover)	Adkins, Max Martin, Shellback	3:43
3	I Miss You	Adkins, Paul Epworth	5:48
4	When We Were Young	Adkins, Tobias Jesso Jr.	4:51
5	Remedy	Adkins, Ryan Tedder	4:05
6	Water Under the Bridge	Adkins, Kurstin	4:00
7	River Lea	Adkins, Brian Burton	3:45
8	Love in the Dark	Adkins, Samuel Dixon	4:46
9	Million Years Ago	Adkins, Kurstin	3:46
10	All I Ask	Adkins, Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Christopher Brody Brown	4:32
11	Sweetest Devotion	Adkins, Epworth	4:12
Total length			48:24

Track listing from the source article.

Did You Know?

The album title directly references the artist's age when she wrote the material, serving as a thematic anchor for the songs about growing up.
It became one of the fastest-selling albums in history upon its initial release, breaking multiple digital and physical sales records within days.
The record features a return to a more organic, piano-driven sound compared to some of the artist's previous productions.