Review: Adele Proves That Even A Shattered Heart Is Sustainable In ‘25’

When Adele said 25 is a make-up record, she wasn’t lying. “I’m making up with myself,” she wrote in a letter penned prior to the release of the first single. Although at the same time, it’s a break-up album. I’m no relationship expert, but I think I’ve had a bit of experience to comment on the themes at hand. While every relationship and therefore break-up are different, there tend to be common phases throughout. To me, 21 came directly after Adele’s heart was broken, completely ripped to shreds. She, like many when that happens, was initially filled with anger (“Rolling In The Deep”), consumed by hurt (“Set Fire to the Rain”), disappointment (“Turning Tables”), frustration (“Don’t You Remember”), confusion (“He Won’t Go”), and even revenge (“Rumor Has It”). She was in this miserable fog, struggling to see the good in each day, let alone able to believe that she’ll truly love again. She tried to get there (“One and Only”) but struggled…a lot (“Someone Like You”). However, we were left with “I Found A Boy,” an eyebrow-raising ending that made it seem or rather sound like she had finally started to move on.

One can be in the midst of a break-up with a partner and be making up with their self. It often comes once or while you’re on the brink of accepting the relationship has ended. You’re somewhat at peace with it, perhaps reprioritizing your life, refocusing your energy, and ready (or at least trying) to be open to what’s next (which may or may not include someone new). Yet, perhaps, still struggling with walking away for good.

I think that’s where we find Adele in 25. She’s not fully there yet — hurt and sadness still linger, but the anger is long gone. It’s a process. She’s ready for closure and trying to achieve it (“Hello”). She’s had that aha although not definitive I must be moving on moment (“Send My Love (To Your New Lover”)). She wills herself to get over it all, but struggles (“I Miss You”). However, I believe you can move on from someone and still miss them at times. “When We Were Young” and “Remedy” makes me think she’s not fully there yet. The latter proves just how tight her grip and strong her fight for love, this love, is. She’s fed up with the back and forth, the indecisiveness, the games (“Water Under The Bridge”). She understands that moving on doesn’t mean forgetting, although that doesn’t make the process any easier (“River Lea”). Slowly but surely she builds up the courage to say a difficult but official goodbye (“Love In The Dark”). She’s not the same person anymore, she never will be (“A Million Years Ago”). She’s scared, terrified even, to move on (“All I Ask”). But, she’s not stricken by that fear. She gets there! She finally gets there (“Sweetest Devotion”), and you can’t help but be happy for her.

25 is a bittersweet gem, as expected. In it, Adele comes full circle (although I don’t think it’s going to top 21 on the charts). There aren’t as many breakout hits on this new album (but I do think “Send My Love,” “Remedy” and “Sweetest Devotion” will get the most radio time) and that’s okay. It’s more evolved. It flows seamlessly. It tells a story. Like matters of life and the heart, it’s a whirlwind, riddled with ups and downs. And, despite all of the pain and BS, much like in 21, Adele is hopeful. She still holds out for love, for life and all it brings. She has her moments of uncertainty, self-doubt, and regret, but never gives up. However, things are different this time around.

Both albums ended on a good note, but her peace, newfound happiness, outlook, excitement and preparedness for the future seems genuine. Her joy is palpable. This part of her story, so emotional and eloquently told through song, is visceral. But, it’s more than just appreciating and believing Adele’s journey. It’s about feeling and relating to it because sometimes we need to draw from others to merely envision how we can continue on our own. There’s so much beauty in vulnerability, and when combined music, there’s magic. 25 is just as humbling as it is hopeful. Adele’s confidence is contagious. Or, in the words of the singer, “25 is about getting to know who I’ve become without realizing.” I think she not only realizes but loves that person now, and that’s beautiful.

Thanks for the boost, Adele.

Okay, now for the fun part. Lord knows it’s hard to choose, like very hard, but I’ve tried. My top 5 from the album, not including bonuses (based solely on lyrics and instrumentals):

1. All I Ask
2. Water Under The Bridge
3. Sweetest Devotion
4. River Lea
5. When We Were Young