25
by Adele
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1144 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 908 out of 1144
  2. Mixed: 88 out of 1144
  3. Negative: 148 out of 1144
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  1. MatRevo
    Nov 29, 2015
    8
    This album is phenomenal! Adele proved us that the hype for this album is well deserved. The lyrics, her vocals, it's all amazing. However, Adele might need reinvention for her next album before she starts to bore people. And I am also hoping for more depth in her music. She needs to get over her ex and start composing songs about other things.
  2. jakelindner
    Nov 22, 2015
    10
    Adele is back and better then ever with this iconic ballad-after-ballad album. Critics are saying this sounds like her old work but in a negative way for some reason. If it's not broken don't fix it. Adele has combined all of the superpower-megahits of 19&21 taken out the lesser acclaimed tracks and transformed them into the perfect masterpiece known as 25. Bravo. Don't listen to theAdele is back and better then ever with this iconic ballad-after-ballad album. Critics are saying this sounds like her old work but in a negative way for some reason. If it's not broken don't fix it. Adele has combined all of the superpower-megahits of 19&21 taken out the lesser acclaimed tracks and transformed them into the perfect masterpiece known as 25. Bravo. Don't listen to the critics that recommended against 25. A must buy!… Expand
  3. clauz11
    Dec 7, 2015
    3
    Adele's voice is captivating as ever, but the lyrical content is lacking too much to simply be ignored. Not quite reaching the emotional yet upbeat yet deep content that her album 21 had, I think that she settled a bit. She has an incredible voice, she could've done more.
  4. Diosa
    Apr 25, 2016
    0
    A horrible mess of an album. How does a music artist get away with releasing an album exactly the same as her last album? Strategic releasing and depressing music in winter, how tactical and pitiful can you get.

    Her vocals are awful, this album sounds like whale music. No matter how hard her PR team works with the media to spin 100 positive stories the album is a awful.
  5. Failout5
    Nov 20, 2015
    0
    What utter garbage! I could make better music slapping her in the face with my dick. Why does this genre exist? I know why, just to make us suffer. My advice, skip it.
  6. FrodoFraggins
    Nov 25, 2015
    7
    This album certainly doesn't live up to the standard of her first two albums. I guess the writers block really hit her hard as this album comes across as very safe and uninspired. 'Hello' is a very good song and there are a few other solid ones as well. but overall, this isn't a particularly memorable album.
  7. paulwilsonlogic
    May 6, 2016
    5
    In contrast what most people say, 25 is far away from what 21 was. After almost four years of absence, I was really expectant with Adele's third album. 21 changed my life and thanks to that record, I became a lover of soul music. I was so obsessed with that amazing golden soulful voice. But with a huge sadness in my heart, this is not what I was waiting for and I can guess why: Adele'sIn contrast what most people say, 25 is far away from what 21 was. After almost four years of absence, I was really expectant with Adele's third album. 21 changed my life and thanks to that record, I became a lover of soul music. I was so obsessed with that amazing golden soulful voice. But with a huge sadness in my heart, this is not what I was waiting for and I can guess why: Adele's lack of inspiration. 21 was a fruit of a an enormous break-up relationship and most of us could feel it in Adele's song lyrics. It seems that no song could overcome the inmortal "Someone Like You" and the raving amazing bluesy tone of "Rolling In The Deep". But the most regrettable thing is that Adele hid her soul in 25. Southern blues influence is not anymore. I can't even imagine that Adele's inspirations were Madonna and Taylor Swift for 25. Whaaat was that??. In conclusion, 25 is a simple forced-to-make pop record.… Expand
  8. 0987
    Dec 12, 2015
    10
    Such a perfect album! I can say it's the best album of 2015. My favorites are: Hello, When We Were Young, Remedy, Love In The Dark and Million Years Ago.
  9. wesleywalrus
    Dec 4, 2015
    9
    Adele Heads In The Right Direction With "25":

    Although incredibly successful, I did not care much for 21, but understood it's hype entirely. With 25, Adele showcases more of what she's about and more audible variety. "Hello" is mistaken for a song about an ex-lover whereas it's actually a song to her younger self. 25 is mature, yet fun and a highlight in 2015 pop music. BEST: Hello,    Adele Heads In The Right Direction With "25":

    Although incredibly successful, I did not care much for 21, but understood it's hype entirely. With 25, Adele showcases more of what she's about and more audible variety. "Hello" is mistaken for a song about an ex-lover whereas it's actually a song to her younger self. 25 is mature, yet fun and a highlight in 2015 pop music.

    BEST: Hello, All I Ask, Sweetest Devotion, Send My Love
    WORST: I Miss You (if I had to choose)    … Expand
  10. MasterPop
    Nov 26, 2015
    10
    Este é o melhor álbum da Adele, sem dúvidas. Não possui aquela carga negativa de rancor e ódio que o 21 possui [não que isso seja ruim para o álbum, esse é um grande ponto do 21], mas o 25, é um album que você pode escutar viajando, fazendo academia, correndo na praça, fazendo trabalhos, etc... Um verdadeiro álbum atemporal, creio que esse álbum será lembrado por décadas, junto ao seuEste é o melhor álbum da Adele, sem dúvidas. Não possui aquela carga negativa de rancor e ódio que o 21 possui [não que isso seja ruim para o álbum, esse é um grande ponto do 21], mas o 25, é um album que você pode escutar viajando, fazendo academia, correndo na praça, fazendo trabalhos, etc... Um verdadeiro álbum atemporal, creio que esse álbum será lembrado por décadas, junto ao seu antecessor, o 21.… Expand
  11. Jiano74
    Jan 24, 2016
    5
    I am really torn on this album it isn't something I normally listen to but I didn't hate it but at the same time I don't think it quite lived up to all the hype it got. Sorry this review won't be much help all I can say is give it a listen and judge for yourself.
  12. harven90
    Jan 4, 2016
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Saddening. I would put the album a 5 or 6 max, because the album was not good at all, but I put 1 because of a simple fact : She left from music for 4 years and let everyone expecting SO much of her return, and pretty much the success in her return was the consequence of she being long for a long time, but it was pure and plain overrating. The album does not deservers the sells it is making, the last album does deserves all these records, this album is only too overrated.

    So, she has ALOT of time to make an epic album, still she wasnt able to deliver one, thats why I put 0, because in those 4-5 years she could have made many, many more songs and better songs. There are artists out there who make albums every year not because they are all money hungry, but because their true passion is music, and thats ALL they want to do 24 hours a day 7 days a week, thats why they are able to deliver so many songs in a year and VERY good ones. If someone has music as a passion if someone truly loves music, and has the voice to make their music come true, not sure why someone has to waste 4-5 years to deliver 11 songs (is not even a full album, NORMALLY an artist makes 16 in a deluxe version) and none of them has a melody that amazes. I like all the songs from the album, I bought it myself before it even was officially launched, still I had to listen each song atleast 10 times to like it, I literally heard each song 10 times because I couldnt beelieve I could only like 3 songs from the album, I was like "no, this isnt happening, I was a fan of Adele and I expected alot from her, Im sure if I hear it more I will like it" and yes, I like it now, and I actually love some songs, but really, if you ask me, this is not at all the potential Adele has.

    These songs should be part of the "Leaked" list of songs of Adele, anyway Adele doesnt even has leaked songs because it seems she doesnt enjoy her passion as a musician too much, because if she did, she would have so many songs already that they would leak. My to fav artists have always been Adele, Lana del Rey and Jaymes Young, still Lana del Rey has showed so much passion to music since she is 20 years old, that she has around 230 songs, and only 15% of them are official, the rest are leaked. She even said in an interview she just doesnt care about them being leaked, is not like she wants every single penny out of people's pocket, she loves music and she delivers it. If someone is smart enough to stop criticizing her and deep themselves into her world, then good for them, if not, then keep on criticizing. Not sure why Adele doesnt have so many songs as Lana if she has the potential to make her dream songs come true.

    Really, if I was Adele I would be 24 hours a day 7 days a week thinking about "sounds" and making sounds with my voice to make a new song. Iw ould be the whole time getting ideas for deep writting and magic melodies. Im disappointed about Adele, hopefully she is just showing her lazy side and actually he made 2 albums and the next album will be launching soon.

    Adele is a greedy artist and sure, money is needed, but with all her success with just her last album, not sure why keep on being greedy with a second one, and still dont start to focus more on having fun with her voice and talent to make more songs for her, and stop STRICTLY ONLY launching Paid to listen songs.    … Expand
  13. longjetty7
    Jun 24, 2016
    5
    You'd think that Adele, after selling millions of albums and reaching superstardom, and taking 4 years to write her next album, would come up with something a little more interesting than this. It's all very safe, very dull, very forgettable, and ultimately, very disappointing. There are some good tracks on here (Hello, I Miss You, When We Were Young), but the album is heavily front-loadedYou'd think that Adele, after selling millions of albums and reaching superstardom, and taking 4 years to write her next album, would come up with something a little more interesting than this. It's all very safe, very dull, very forgettable, and ultimately, very disappointing. There are some good tracks on here (Hello, I Miss You, When We Were Young), but the album is heavily front-loaded and loses steam on the back half, which is essentially all ballads. Also, I know pretty much everyone thinks Adele is an amazing vocalist, and I don't necessarily disagree, but she has a tendency to wail, and hearing track after track of her just belting it out gets exhausting.… Expand
  14. spongeswift
    Nov 11, 2017
    6
    25 reminds us that you can't stick to the same sound and expect it to work. 25 is 21's younger more sloppy sister. It has a few good songs but it is just not her best record. It is average for a pop/soul album. A few slow songs that have meh lyrics that are masked with good long high notes and quicker songs that are more radio friendly. What I'm trying to say here is that Adele never lost25 reminds us that you can't stick to the same sound and expect it to work. 25 is 21's younger more sloppy sister. It has a few good songs but it is just not her best record. It is average for a pop/soul album. A few slow songs that have meh lyrics that are masked with good long high notes and quicker songs that are more radio friendly. What I'm trying to say here is that Adele never lost her magic though. She piggybacked off of the support from 21 and made an underwhelming sequel to it.… Expand
  15. Prospctiv_Writr
    Nov 28, 2015
    10
    Although her most bloated piece of work, 25 is still brilliant. In relation to her previous efforts, this is the most contemporary that Adele has sounded in her entire career. The production here is quite modern and her vocals are at their most matured and grand. Songs like "Hello," "When We Were Young," and "Million Years Ago" are produced to never go out of style, while others like "SendAlthough her most bloated piece of work, 25 is still brilliant. In relation to her previous efforts, this is the most contemporary that Adele has sounded in her entire career. The production here is quite modern and her vocals are at their most matured and grand. Songs like "Hello," "When We Were Young," and "Million Years Ago" are produced to never go out of style, while others like "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)," "I Miss You," and "Water Under the Bridge," adhere to a more modern pop production while remaining just as timeless.… Expand
  16. Matthew45
    Nov 26, 2015
    10
    The Best Album of Adele. Water Under The Bridge, When Were We Young, Send My Love, All I Ask and River Lea, best musics of 25. The album would be better if she didn't include "Love in the dark"
  17. jkealey99
    Dec 9, 2015
    10
    "25" is by far Adele's best album to date! It has such beautiful songs with similar themes, bringing together a beautiful mix of songs. Some of the best songs include smashing hit "Hello", "Water Under The Bridge", "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)", and "When We Were Young". These songs all connect with the message of a broken relationship, with Adele lingering on her emotions. In my"25" is by far Adele's best album to date! It has such beautiful songs with similar themes, bringing together a beautiful mix of songs. Some of the best songs include smashing hit "Hello", "Water Under The Bridge", "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)", and "When We Were Young". These songs all connect with the message of a broken relationship, with Adele lingering on her emotions. In my opinion, the one downfall track is "Million Years Ago" which is not as catchy as the rest. It is also strange how the final track "Sweetest Devotion" has such a different theme from the rest. Overall, fantastic album that deserves all the awards!… Expand
  18. ahmedimran
    Jun 5, 2016
    1
    Not gonna lie her work never seems to amaze me. This is one of the most boring albums I've heard. Does NOT qualify to be a pop album. But due to being over rated i expect this album to garner alot of awards including the Grammys. The only 2 songs which are bearable on the album are Hello and Water Under The Bridge. Her albums are always very depressing and it better NOT be nominated forNot gonna lie her work never seems to amaze me. This is one of the most boring albums I've heard. Does NOT qualify to be a pop album. But due to being over rated i expect this album to garner alot of awards including the Grammys. The only 2 songs which are bearable on the album are Hello and Water Under The Bridge. Her albums are always very depressing and it better NOT be nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album at the GRAMMYS!… Expand
  19. kmr66
    Nov 30, 2015
    10
    This album is a great album. I love every song on it. It's not 21 but I wasn't expecting it to be. For the people say it is not any different than 21, what are you listening to? I love it and I want everybody to hear it.
  20. wildheart
    Nov 27, 2015
    6
    On "25", Adele keeps the sounds that made the success of "21" but adds to it a certain modernity. "Hello" is a perfect heartbreaking radio ballad, the Max Martin-produced track "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)" and "Water Under The Bridge" (prod by the always suprising Ariel Reichtshaid) are the uplifting pop songs of the album, while "River Lea" and "I Miss You" are the dark soulfulOn "25", Adele keeps the sounds that made the success of "21" but adds to it a certain modernity. "Hello" is a perfect heartbreaking radio ballad, the Max Martin-produced track "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)" and "Water Under The Bridge" (prod by the always suprising Ariel Reichtshaid) are the uplifting pop songs of the album, while "River Lea" and "I Miss You" are the dark soulful melodies you'd expect from Adele, with a more complex production than on "21".
    Adele isn't trying to make a departure from her old music on her third album but just offers what made us fall in love with her and her music in the first place : an endless honesty and an emotional record.    … Expand
  21. willpat
    Nov 28, 2015
    10
    This album is a perfect follow up to '21'. It's already smashing records and for good reason. The most complete album of the year by far. 'Hello' is a strong lead single, and I can see significant success from 'When We Were Young', 'Send My Love (To Your New Lover)' and 'Water Under the Bridge' We may see a repeat of the 2012 Grammys in 2017 for Miss Adkins.
  22. andresito
    Nov 28, 2015
    10
    Excelent album. She keeps getting better with each song. Hello is already a classic song and When we where young is one of her signature songs. Really good lyrics and excellent producers.
  23. JESSICA1
    Dec 2, 2015
    10
    sin duda alguna lo mejor de adele, ritmos diferentes, las letras, su voz, lo mejor de adele hasta ahora. las once canciones mas las de version deluxe son extraordinarias, hermoso de principo a fin altamente recomendado
  24. valvesnunes
    Jan 29, 2016
    1
    Álbum muito depressivo o que deixa um pouco a desejar. 25 é mais um álbum de Adele mostrando que a própria cantora não tem personalidade de inovação. O álbum é muito sofrido e nada pop.
  25. timeless99
    Jan 31, 2016
    6
    The great song on the album is Hello and many send my love to your lover. The rest of the album is mee ..21 was clearly her peak. She will sell a lot of 25 because 21 but not because 25 is great album,..I hope her next album is little bit more innovative than this.
  26. Chovex
    Aug 19, 2016
    3
    Out of proportion, way too dull. So this super overrated album has something really good to it, which is Adele is a good vocalist. Notice, that she is not the top elite singers, according to critics she is "A-" level. But at least she has the dedication to sing and I appreciate, she makes decent music. There is some talent to do just that, but there is also a big lack of talent to not beOut of proportion, way too dull. So this super overrated album has something really good to it, which is Adele is a good vocalist. Notice, that she is not the top elite singers, according to critics she is "A-" level. But at least she has the dedication to sing and I appreciate, she makes decent music. There is some talent to do just that, but there is also a big lack of talent to not be able to do anything else with music. She is not the only artist in the world, for God's sake, people don't give anybody else a chance, they only buy Adele's album and all the rest of the artists almost feel embarrassed. Music don't have to be all gloomy. Couple of not completely sleeper tunes there but her creativity for music is so low. Like why would so many people have the same lame taste? People think only Adele's ballads are the only real music that's worth buying, at least is not the same case with her singles. I know the Grammy are ready to kiss her ass anyways. Her comeback was so ridiculously aggrandized, sometimes I appreciate her but also sometimes I get bored of her. Sometimes I want her to beat other songs, sometimes I would like other songs to beat hers. But at least is not complete trash that I can't stand, but the album as a whole is not a great outstanding work overall. Yeah, too boring.… Expand
  27. gabrielfobia
    Sep 10, 2016
    6
    I feel conflicted with this album, while it has some great different songs like River Lea and Send My Love (To Your New Lover), the rest is just that same-thing drama with the high notes.
  28. selinap
    Sep 4, 2016
    5
    The first Adele album I listened to was 21 and it was so good that I wanted to listen to all her other projects so I found 19. After listening to 19, I realized I like that much better than 21 because it just got to me in a way 21 could not. All that said, I was really looking forward to her new project and when 25 was announced I was so happy. Dont get me wrong, its a nice enough CD butThe first Adele album I listened to was 21 and it was so good that I wanted to listen to all her other projects so I found 19. After listening to 19, I realized I like that much better than 21 because it just got to me in a way 21 could not. All that said, I was really looking forward to her new project and when 25 was announced I was so happy. Dont get me wrong, its a nice enough CD but I feel like we are going backwards. 21 was way better than 25 and 19 was way better than 21. It should be the other way round but alas! its not.
    It could be because when she was 19, the story and heartbreak was still fresh so trying to tell the story twice more didnt have the same effect.    … Expand
  29. jevoo
    Oct 25, 2016
    10
    i think it is typical Adele's album but i love her voice her songwriting skills i dont like to listen music about love but even these songs can make me sad
  30. noahmanning14
    Nov 24, 2016
    10
    It may have been awhile but English vocalist and songwriter Adele makes an amazing and perfect comeback with 25. She does amazing at making another perfect album. 25 broke the record for the most albums sold in the first week of sales in tons of countries especially the U.S. and the U.K. It sold over 17.4 million copies in les than two months and eventually sold over 20 million copies andIt may have been awhile but English vocalist and songwriter Adele makes an amazing and perfect comeback with 25. She does amazing at making another perfect album. 25 broke the record for the most albums sold in the first week of sales in tons of countries especially the U.S. and the U.K. It sold over 17.4 million copies in les than two months and eventually sold over 20 million copies and like 21 was certified Diamond by the RIAA. Not only was it the best selling album of 2015 but also one of the best selling albums of all time. It spawned three U.S. Billboard Hot 100 top twenty hits including the smash hit Hello that debuted a top the chart, sold 12.3 copies, and the video is the most watched video in its first 24 hours it also broke the record for the shortest time to get a 100 million view and in only 88 days it broke the record for the shortest time to get a billion views. Thats why I love the album so much and why I feel it is the best album of 2015.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Most Discussed Album of 2015
9
#9 Most Shared Album of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. Exclaim
    Nov 18, 2016
    70
    Singles "Hello" and "When We Were Young" remain highlights on the record, but aforementioned tracks like "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)," "I Miss You" and "Water Under the Bridge," not to mention "River Lea," hear Adele taking a welcome detour from the orchestral piano-pop formula and moving towards more interesting, groove-driven patterns.
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  2. Under The Radar
    Dec 7, 2015
    80
    Throughout these towering production flourishes, Adele's vocals cast an even vaster shadow: swooping, swerving, blaring brassily and cooing tenderly, a full orchestra unto itself that's theatrical, unpredictable, and dynamic.
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  3. NOW Magazine
    Dec 2, 2015
    40
    The songs are not so much about love as the memory of love and, accordingly, there's a chasm between her aggressive vocal runs and the cautiously generalist lyrics, especially on the maudlin latter half.
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