Adele, cut by cut beyond Hello

Adele’s song Hello is not only a big hit. It is a chart sensation. It has single-handedly created a situation wherein the cliché taking the world by storm, holds exactly true. Everybody loves Hello. What I like best of all about it though, is that it is the type of song that encourages listeners to want more of the same. It is an excellent driver for album sales. And that is why Adele’s 25, her first album in four years, is that rarity of the times, an album that sells better than it streams.

Thankfully, Hello is not only the good thing about 25. It will not disappoint any buyer. This is the sort of album that simply oozes out with beautiful melodies to dream to and lots of stories to relate to in the lyrics.  It is one great cut after another that you can listen to again and again. And Adele’s singing, alternately sad, proud or sexy is something to marvel at. Here, beyond Hello are the rest of her songs.

Send My Love (To Your New Lover). This is a fun dig at a new love from the former girlfriend. Hey, treat her better. But she says it in a light-hearted way inviting hand claps and finger snapping.

I Miss You. The pronounced beat continues as Adele really gets into an avant-garde mood with this one. I can hear Sia in it. A bit syncopated, it does not invite singing. But the listener stays because you want to find out what this girl is up to.  I must say, very nice. 

When We Were Young. The video of this song is now out so it must be the second single. It is in the same conversational mood as Hello and has a very sweet, catchy chorus. It was just like a movie/ It was just like a song/ My God, this reminds me of when we were young/ let me photograph you in this light/ in case it is the last time.

Remedy. This is how Adele promises undying love, a simple piano and very light delivery like she is singing to herself. The use of the word remedy is also very interesting. It seems like this is the first time I’ve come across it in a song.

Water Under The Bridge. The lyrics tell of how past loves and hurts later become like water under the bridge but the music is as upbeat as one of those old inspirationals with a gospel chorus.

River Lea. The mood and the beat intensify with this track as though she is getting ready for the grand finale of her set. Beautiful showcase for her vocals.

Love In The Dark. I can’t love you in the dark/ it makes me feel we’re oceans apart. This a heart wrenching break-up song about honesty in a relationship. Vocally, this is Adele’s best in the album.

Million Years Ago. I hear this and I think of Yesterday When I Was Young. This is sad, introspective, a look at the past, sang with only a guitar and background singers.

All I Ask. It is very commercial and has the makings of a standard. It will sound good even with different arrangements. I can hear versions by Celine Dion, Mariah Carey or Kelly Clarkson. This one might just grow into a strong competition song.

Sweetest Devotion. Another great cut and a very good closer to the set.  This one has a playful country vibe that rocks. 

And now for a look at the Top 20 songs in Billboard’s Hot 100: Sorry by Justin Bieber; Hello by Adele; Love Yourself, also by Bieber; Stressed Out by twenty one pilots; Same Old Love by Selena Gomez; Here by Alessia Cara; Hotline Bling by Drake; Stitches by Shawn Mendez;  Like I’m Gonna Lose You by Meghan Trainor featuring John Legend; What Do You Mean, also by Bieber.

Roses by The Chainsmokers featuring ROZES; Jumpman by Drake & Future; Don’t by Bryson Teller; The Hills by The Weeknd; In The Night, also by The Weeknd; White Iverson by Post Malone; Antidote by Travi$ & Scott; 679 by Fetty Wap featuring Remy Boyz; Me, Myself & I by G-Eazy and Babe Rexha; and I Know What You Did Last Summer by Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello.

The leading 20 titles in the Top 200 albums are: Black Star by David Bowie; 25 by Adele; Purpose by Justin Bieber; Best Of Bowie by David Bowie; Blurryface by twenty one pilots; Beauty Behind the Madness by The Weeknd; Traveller by Chris Stapleton; TRAPSOIL by Bryson Teller; When It’s Dark Out by G-Eazy; Fetty Wap by Fetty Wap.

Revival by Selena Gomez; Made In The A.M. by One Direction; Handwritten by Shawn Mendes; Royalty by Chris Brown; 1989 by Taylor Swift; 2014 Forest Hills Drive by J.Cole; What A Time To Be Alive by Drake & Future; Wildfire by Rachel Platten; 21 by Adele; and Montevallo by Sam Hunt.