The British-born singer Adele combines perhaps the two most important things when it comes to singing: power and grace. In one moment she is a volcano billowing over and covering all she touches in red-hot heat. In another, she is a forest of pear blossoms.
Here below, we wanted to explore three songs that demonstrate Adele’s supreme talent. There is a reason she is one of the most popular artists of her age, one who demands attention from Las Vegas to Sydney. Indeed, these are three Adele songs that will live on forever.
[RELATED: The Story Behind the Song: Adele, “Someone Like You”]
“Hello” from 25 (2015)
Not 1, not 2—this song has amassed 3 billion streams on YouTube alone. In a way, the track is like the Grand Canyon: massive and appealing. It’s one of those songs where, going into it for the first time, you know it’s going to be big. Your mind prepares you for its size and largesse. But then when you encounter it face-to-face, it’s even more grandiose than you could have conceived. A breakup song, the tune is about someone trying to reconnect some time after a split. The singer is sorry for what transpired, but there doesn’t seem to be any hope at reconnection. Sings Adele on the track, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100,
Hello, it’s me
I was wondering if after all these years you’d like to meet
To go over everything
They say that time’s supposed to heal ya, but I ain’t done much healing
Hello, can you hear me?
I’m in California dreaming about who we used to be
When we were younger and free
I’ve forgotten how it felt before the world fell at our feet
“Rolling in the Deep” from from 21 (2011)
Boasting 2.5 billion views on YouTube, this song is propulsive. The song, which also hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, is the sonic equivalent of a phoenix rising from the ashes. Written post-breakup, Adele wanted to make a statement that she wouldn’t be worse off without her ex. Instead, the fire is roiling, bubbling inside her, and she was going to prove to anyone she is capable of pushing on. Sings the stalwart artist,
There’s a fire starting in my heart
Reaching a fever pitch, it’s bringing me out the dark
Finally I can see you crystal clear
Go ‘head and sell me out and I’ll lay your s–t bare
See how I leave with every piece of you
Don’t underestimate the things that I will do
There’s a fire starting in my heart
Reaching a fever pitch
And it’s bringing me out the dark
“Someone Like You” from 21 (2011)
Add another 2.2 billion YouTube streams to Adele’s resume with this track. “Someone Like You” might just be the saddest song of all time. It’s about a breakup, which is nothing new for Adele or pop music. But the concept behind it—the idea the singer is so heartbroken she knows it’s over and has resigned herself to deep loss. But she loves the subject so much she knows she will have to settle for second best, a facsimile of the person—wow, gutting. On the song, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, she sings,
I heard that you’re settled down
That you found a girl and you’re married now
I heard that your dreams came true
Guess she gave you things, I didn’t give to you
Old friend, why are you so shy?
Ain’t like you to hold back or hide from the light
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Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Adele
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