Following up the biggest-selling album of the decade is a challenge, but Adele proved that she won’t wither under that weight with 25. It turns out that Adele doesn’t need heartbreak to produce powerful, emotional ballads and that she surprisingly has a knack for producing livelier material.
The one-two punch of “Hello” and “When We Were Young” gave the impression that 25 would be as full of ballads as 21 was, but there are several songs that prove Adele can be poppier when she wants to. “Send My Love (To Your New Lover),” which features the singer on guitar and production from Max Martin & Shellback, has her mixing rather depressing lyrics with a toe-tapping backing. This one is begging for a single release.
“Water Under The Bridge” is also much better than its cliche title and “River Lea” is easily the stand-out from the album’s second half. Produced by Danger Mouse, “River Lea” has that sweeping, gospel feel that dominated 21 and might be one of the best songs on Adele’s three albums.
25 has a much more uplifting ending than 21 thanks to “Sweet Devotion,” which actually opens with the sounds of children playing. If it’s a tribute to her infant son, it’s a successful expression of that love.
There are also three bonus tracks if you pick up the album at Target. “Can’t Let Go,” “Lay Me Down” and “Why Do You Love Me” are the extras, with the last one being the best of them.
25 certainly turns down the doom and gloom that dominated 21, finding Adele returning to a bit of the optimism found on 19. While Adele is clearly not going to change her style - and never needs to - 25 shows how the artist has grown. She’s embraced the idea that sadness can sit right next to happiness on the same record.