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25
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25 Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1144 Ratings

  • Summary: The third full-length studio release for the British singer-songwriter features songs co-written with such artists as Brian Burton, Samuel Dixon, Paul Epworth, Tobias Jesso Jr., Greg Kurstin, Bruno Mars, Max Martin, Karl Johan Schuster, and Ryan Tedder.
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Top Track

Hello
Hello, it's me I was wondering if after all these years you'd like to meet To go over everything They say that time's supposed to heal ya But I ain't... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. Rolling Stone
    Nov 25, 2015
    100
    Whether she's holding notes with the strength of a suspension bridge or enjoying a rare lighthearted "whoo-hoo!" on "Sweetest Devotion," her incredible phrasing – the way she can infuse any line with nuance and power – is more proof that she's among the greatest interpreters of romantic lyrics.
  2. The 405
    Nov 19, 2015
    90
    Through 11 effortlessly sophisticated and deeply-layered torch songs, Adele's powerful vocals glide between thunderous roars and rib-cracking falsettos over large dramatic piano swells to fuzzy, warm lower-register rumblings. Ballads are bold and demanding.
  3. Complex
    Nov 20, 2015
    80
    Even as she's suffering the romantic disadvantage, Adele infuses the songs of 25 with a love-drunk cockiness, tossing wine by a loose wrist as she reconsiders these departed men.
  4. The New York Times
    Nov 18, 2015
    70
    25 manages to sound all of a piece, even as the songs veer from phenomenal to tepid. In places, everything comes together.
  5. AllMusic
    Dec 1, 2015
    70
    Make no mistake, all 11 songs are of a piece -- they're shaded by melancholy, gaining most of their power through performance -- but that cohesive sound only accentuates how Adele has definitively claimed this arena of dignified heartbreak as her own.
  6. musicOMH.com
    Nov 23, 2015
    60
    25 is very much Adele playing safe.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    Dec 1, 2015
    40
    Adele’s repetition is anchored further by some of the least dynamic work of her career. There’s nothing here to rival the playful malice of ‘Rumour Has It’ or the instant hit of ‘Rolling In The Deep’.

See all 35 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 177 out of 221
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 221
  3. Negative: 26 out of 221
  1. enderblaizer
    Nov 16, 2021
    10
    The album is perfect for her comeback especially with her first single Hello. Really in love with this album with more upbeat songs
  2. nfurino
    Nov 20, 2015
    10
    This is a very different Adele than we've heard in the past. This album surprised everyone, including me. I didn't think she could follow upThis is a very different Adele than we've heard in the past. This album surprised everyone, including me. I didn't think she could follow up 21, but she has. Great record!… Expand
  4. matt_15
    Nov 20, 2015
    10
    Some reviewers say it sounds too much like her previous material, but it really doesn't. She's offered up quite of a bit of variation in termsSome reviewers say it sounds too much like her previous material, but it really doesn't. She's offered up quite of a bit of variation in terms of sound and subject material. But as usual, some reviewers are trying to tag it as another break up album with the same subject material, when it's not at all.

    In my opinion, you can't really compare this to 21, because it comes from a much different place and is the perfect ending to her age themed albums. Hello, When We Were Young, Million Years Ago, and All I Ask are future classic potential. And it's very rare to say there are future classics on a modern pop album these days.

    Vocally, she sounds better than ever and she continues to prove why she's in another lane from everyone else. Anyone can make this type of music, but only she can sell it to you this way with her voice.    … Expand
  5. lucar1o
    Jan 16, 2016
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The problem with the album is that it succeeded '21'. Media and fans expectations were a little too high after the undeniable geniality and power of Adele's previous album. Its not bad at all, is pretty cohesive in the lyrics and rhythm; besides, of course, the godlike voice of the british singer. Its clear that in this 4 years Adele had a great maturation in her musical perception — bringing her more confidence and making '25' a great, great album. In its most is very bright, but it can't help to fall in some clichés like the drowsy, dull 'A Million Years Ago'. It doesn't disappoint, neither overwhelms anyone. It's a satisfying comeback.… Expand
  6. trolololama
    Nov 20, 2015
    8
    I really really really like this album. It's definitely one of my favourite albums of 2015. I haven't always been the biggest Adele fan;I really really really like this album. It's definitely one of my favourite albums of 2015. I haven't always been the biggest Adele fan; honestly, I thought her songs got boring quite after a while since they all sounded the same. It's not the case with this album. I really like most of the songs, and they're all pretty different, and each has a special element that distinguishes it from the other. I didn't like Send My Love upon the first listen but now it's among my favourites. Some of my other favourites are: Million Years Ago, All I Ask, When We Were Young and Love in the Dark. Overall, it's a great album, and one of the best releases of 2015.… Expand
  7. KTX05
    Nov 30, 2015
    7
    For all the reviews saying Adele is giving more of the same with this album, I both agree and disagree. While "Hello" and much of the album'sFor all the reviews saying Adele is giving more of the same with this album, I both agree and disagree. While "Hello" and much of the album's second half could be found on either 19 or 21, there are definitely some moments on here that make the album a surprising listen. You'd never hear "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)," "I Miss You," or "Sweetest Devotion" from Adele before 2015, and those songs are some of the best 25 has to offer.

    Of course though, Adele shines brightest when she is doing what she does best. "When We Were Young" finds the singer in her absolute vocal and songwriting prime, and is easily the album's finest moment. A future classic for Adele.

    While 25 isn't quite as candid as 19 or as emotionally raw and cohesive as 21, it makes for another fine outing from Adele and is welcome return for this once-in-a-generation talent.    … Expand
  8. Segundoleo26
    Nov 23, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "Adele’s repetition is anchored further by some of the least dynamic work of her career. There’s nothing here to rival the playful malice of ‘Rumour Has It’ or the instant hit of ‘Rolling In The Deep’." ...… Expand

See all 221 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

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