Turning Tables

A defensive vow against a manipulative ex-lover, set to piano and strings.

Turning Tables is a soulful pop ballad recorded by English singer-songwriter Adele for her second studio album, 21 (2011). Conceived following an altercation with her former lover, the track was co-written by Adele and Ryan Tedder, with production helmed by Jim Abbiss. Instrumentation features piano, guitar, and 'Broadway-worthy' strings, creating a soundscape that mirrors a domestic dispute where the narrator assumes a defensive stance against a manipulative ex-lover. Released as the fifth single from 21 on 5 November 2011, it received critical acclaim for its lyrics and Adele's vocal performance, peaking at number 62 in the UK and number 63 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Quick Facts

Artist: Adele
Album: 21
Released: 5 November 2011
Studio: Sphere Studios (London); Germano Studios The Hit Factory (New York City)
Genre: Orchestral pop
Length: 4:10
Label: XL; Columbia
Writer: Adele Adkins; Ryan Tedder

Lore & Background

The song emerged from a turbulent period in April 2009 when Adele was navigating her first serious relationship with a man ten years her senior. After two weeks of unproductive studio sessions that yielded only one satisfactory track, 'Take It All', she cancelled remaining dates following a bitter argument with her boyfriend that ended their 18-month relationship. Heartbroken yet musically stimulated, she channeled these emotions into songs examining the failed relationship from various perspectives. When Adele approached Ryan Tedder in London for a collaboration, he arrived four hours early to familiarize himself with her work and composed the opening piano sequence. Coincidentally, Adele arrived moments after another altercation, denouncing her ex-lover's tendency to 'turn the tables' during arguments—an expression Tedder immediately incorporated into the lyrics.

Reader's Guide

Musically, 'Turning Tables' is set in C minor with common time at 78 beats per minute. The accompaniment utilizes Seventh and Ninth chords following specific progressions: Cm7(i7)-A♭M9(VI M9)-Fm9(iv9)-A♭(VI) for the main progression, and a bridge progression of A♭(VI)-Fm7(iv7)-A♭(VI)-B♭(VII). Neil Cowley plays the piano while Chris Elliot arranged the strings performed by fifteen musicians including Patrick Kernan and Stephen Morris. Adele's vocal range spans from G3 to C5, delivering a performance described as 'fragile' yet powerful enough to show her upper register without ignoring her lower soulful tones. Critics noted the cinematic strings serve as a fitting counterpoint to the 'heartbroken, hollowed-out lyrics,' with Bryan Boyd likening her delivery to 1980s rocker Bonnie Tyler in its mixture of anger, pain, and pathos.

Did You Know?

The song reached number two on the Belgium Ultratip singles chart in Wallonia and number four in Flanders.
Gwyneth Paltrow performed a cover of the single in the Glee episode titled 'A Night of Neglect'.
As of May 2015, 'Turning Tables' had sold 883,000 digital downloads in the US alone.