Hello to 25 (Ranking the songs of 25)

19 was her introduction, 21 was her breakthrough, and 25 is her validation that she is one of the most honest and breathtaking artists of our time. ADELE has a voice that can make anyone cry and lyrics that can make anyone feel. 25 may not be as emotionally vulnerable as 21 was, but collectively it is her most mature and cohesive. Here's my ranking of her songs from the deluxe edition.

14.) “Lay Me Down”

Pretty generic production from Mark Ronson and some very by-the-book lyrics, but still very pretty.

(The words don’t come out right when you’re right in front of me.) 7/10

13.) “Why Do You Love Me”

A very sweet love song with a very cute beat.

(There must be something in the water ‘cause baby I’m in deeper than I knew.) 7/10

12.) “Can’t Let Go”

A sad, romantic gesture yearning for a love she can’t let go. A beautiful contribution from Linda Perry.

(I gave you heaven on a platter baby.) 8/10

11.) “Love In The Dark”

Another dramatic song with a beautiful string arrangement.

(Maybe we’re already defeated.) 8/10

10.) “Remedy”

Once more, another piano ballad. At times it seems like it’s just another safe song, but when you listen to the lyrics and hear her riffs, it’s very delightful.

(No river is too wide or too deep for me to swim to you.) 8/10

9.) “I Miss You”

A very epic production from Paul Epworth that could fit very easily on 21, but it manages to stand on it’s own on this album.

(I miss you when the lights go out, it illuminates all of my doubts.) 8/10

8.) “Sweetest Devotion”

It’s hard not to smile when listening to this song. It’s a beautiful recollection of the love she has found with her son and boyfriend. It’s truly remarkable to hear the happiness and joy in her voice here.

(You will only be eternally the one that I belong to.) 8/10

7.) “River Lea”

With some stellar production from Danger Mouse, this song transports me to George Michael in the late 80’s/early 90’s (sounds a bit like “Freedom”). It’s very soulful and hip.

(Sometimes I feel lonely in the arms of your touch.) 9/10

6.) “Hello”

The simplicity in her voice right from the beginning makes this a real gem. It had been a while since we’d heard that voice, and to hear that simple “hello” made all of our hearts jump with anticipation for what’s to come.

(It’s no secret that the both of us are running out of time.) 9/10

5.) “Water Under The Bridge”

It’s a standout of the album that doesn’t stick to just piano and strings but something very upbeat and different. It’s refreshing and new all at once.

(If you’re gonna let me down, let me down gently.) 9/10

4.) “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)”

Leave it to the hit-maker producer Max Martin to bring out this pop gem from ADELE. It’s catchy and outstanding. It’s classic ADELE sass at it’s finest.

(We’ve gotta let go of all of our ghosts.) 9/10

3.) “Million Years Ago”

Everyone has had those moments when they are reminded of their childhood, thinking of what used to be and being reminded of where you are now in life. It’s scary how fast time flies, but this song is a beautiful reminder that captures all of those feelings perfectly. It’s hauntingly accurate.

(I know I’m not the only one who regrets the things they’ve done.) 10/10

2.) “All I Ask”

So many songs and artists come to mind when I hear this song. It’s “When I Was Your Man, Part 2”, “Someone Like You, the Sequel”, a long-lost Lionel Richie ballad, or an homage to Mariah Carey’s vocals in “Without You”. No matter where the influence comes from, what matters is that this song exists. It’s raw and beautiful from start to finish. And let us not forget that breathtaking key change and all of her heavenly riffs.

(Give me a memory I can use.) 10/10

1.) “When We Were Young”

Everyone can find themselves in ADELE’s lyrics or can relate to something she has to offer. For me, I can’t help but think about my grandparents. My grandpa recently passed away this October and I was told about how this song could easily translate to how my grandma felt. It’s a retrospect song, a time of reminiscing about the past, a moment of realization that the person you loved with all your heart has gone. Whether that be a break up or a passing away, it’s heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time.

(We were sad of getting old, it made us restless.) 10/10