2015 Oct 26
by Akansha Naraindas
The music scene is more than excited for Adele’s return, and what better way to say hello?
After three years of silence, she’s back and greater than ever.
The British sensation released “Hello” a song that the singer herself called a “massive breakthrough” in the creative process and her first new material since the 2012 Bond theme “Skyfall” — on Friday. Succesfully reminding us of how much we have truly missed her powerful voice and talent.
On first listen, one is truly blown away by the amazing vocal proficiency the artist seems to have. Her skillful ability to shape emotion in music is brought out moving one to tears.
The video already has more than 20 million views on YouTube as well as great support from celebrity icons like Kate Hudson and Katy Perry who seem genuinely moved by the intensity of the song.
But what really is “Hello” about?
Judging from Adele’s other work, the obvious answer would seem to be an ex-boyfriend. It does seem to fit the other iconic themes in songs like “Someone Like You” and “Rolling in the Deep” from 21, her second album. However, the song is far less literal than that. The meaning of “Hello” isn’t about reconnecting with an ex-boyfriend. “Hello” is about Adele reconnecting with herself.
in the opening lines of “Hello,” Adele greets someone. “Hello, it’s me/ I was wondering/ If after all these years/ You’d like to meet/ To go over everything,” she sings. Taking “Hello” as a song addressed to herself, these lines become about a woman looking to rediscover who she is after years of not knowing.
25
In a way, “Hello” ties in successfully with the proposed themes in Adele’s upcoming album “25”.
“Hello” is not a literal song. The “million miles” she says separates her from the person she’s addressing aren’t physical — they’re emotional. No one who’s been through what Adele has could possibly be in the same place psychologically. In four years, she’s grown leaps and bounds. “Hello,” and by extension 25, are an exploration of what it’s like to come together with yourself after such growth. With the release of this song, Adele seems to be saying she has met herself. Now, she’s ready to introduce this new Adele to us.” – Kevin O’Keeffe/ MIC
In an open letter to her fans about the themes of 25 she states:
“My last record was a break-up record and if I had to label this one, I would call it a make-up record. Making up for lost time. Making up for everything I ever did and never did. Turning 25 was a turning point for me, slap bang in the middle of my twenties. Teetering on the edge of being an old adolescent and a fully fledged adult.”
25 is said to be Adele’s last age-numbered album. She’s given us enough “slice of life” moments and plenty of material for us to understand and relate to, 25 is likely to be one of the most anticipated albums of 2015. Let’s just hope it won’t be another four years until her next project.
