Mega-vocalist Adele released a brand-new album, “25”, last week on November 20, and I have to say it is stunning. From the opening song, Hello, which will have you responding with lyrics every time someone greets you, to the ending Sweetest Devotion, I found myself captivated by the bone-chilling mixture of lyrics and melody. Honestly, I would have this album played at every major event if I could.

The most memorable song on the album is Hello, which has spawned an internet-based trend of calling someone on the phone and simply reading the lyrics instead of having a conversation, but my favorite song on the album was River Lea. Adele’s lyrics and voice seemed to reach through my earbuds and whisper into my very being. The lyrics talk about a past that Adele seems to be trying to move on from but just can’t, as the past is “in her blood” and affects everyone around her. I found it best to listen to River Lea on a drive home in the dark, where there’s not much else to distract me from the haunting feeling Adele’s song gives off.

Another memorable song on the album is Send My Love (To Your New Lover), to which Adele starts off with saying that she’s only going to use guitar. The song made me want to smile and dance happily, and then I listened again to analyze the lyrics. SMYL(TYNL) is about a past relationship where the other person was the one bringing Adele down, and she got out of that relationship real quick. She goes on to say that she hopes that their future relationships go better and that they treat future partners better. This song is definitely one to listen to wherever you are, but best with your friends when you can sing along at the top of your lungs!

All in all, I give “25” a five star rating. It’s available in stores now on CD and vinyl as well as on Googly Play and iTunes now. Happy listening!