Essential Adele: The 10 songs you need to hear before 25 drops
The most magical day of the year is swiftly approaching. Are you ready for what that day will bring into your life? I know what you are thinking. What day do you mean? Thanksgiving? Christmas? New Years????
Wrong.
The day I am speaking of is November 20th! There have been many great things to happen on this day in history. For instance, Howard University was established on this day in 1866. In 1914 the US State Department started requiring photographs for passports. In 1975, Ronald Reagan announced his candidacy for Republican nomination for President. In 1984, McDonald’s made its 50 billionth hamburger. In 2002, that horrible Die Another Day film with Pierce Bad-Bond-Choice inhabited our theaters. Now in 2015, probably the most iconic singer of our time, Adele is releasing her 3rd studio album aptly titled 25.
Before you start to call up exes or break up with your current boo, I have put together an essential list of Adele songs that must be listened to before 25 drops. Let’s go on this magical ride down memory lane with Queen A steering the whole way.
1. Chasing Pavements - The first song on this list is the 3rd song off Adele’s debut album 19. This song is dear to my heart because it was the first Adele song I ever heard. The opening words are “I’ve made up my mind” and from that moment I was sure Adele was no ordinary singer. I came across this song early in college during my unsure/angst phase. I hated everyone and loved everything that was different. My emotions were all over the place back in 2008, but luckily I never got over Adele. Listening to this song will surely invoke you to make a decision about your life for the better.
2. Cold Shoulder - Okay! You’ve made a big decision and no one agrees with you, but it is the best thing for you. What do you do? The answer is simple, you revel in every snide remark and glaring face directed towards you. With this song, Adele wants you to acknowledge that not everyone will like the path you choose to take. However, you can definitely dance away your problems with this early hit and give them the cold shoulder right back.
3. Rolling In The Deep - Do I really need to tell anyone why this song is essential to Adele’s entire career? I’ll take that as a yes! This is the song the inspired millions of people to go out and buy the album. With the opening lyrics there’s a fire starting in my heart, you begin to understand why everyone is so hot for Ms. Adkins. She made it the first song you hear on her second album 21. Good choice!
4. Set Fire To The Rain - Doing what Adele is proposing in this song will surely cause some type of injury. However, the conviction put forth in her voice will send you into the stratosphere. You are now in the middle school stage of your Adele upbringing. If your middle school was anything like mine then there were some great moments, but you spent most of your time preparing for the next one. This song should be played before every sporting event foreshadowing good things to come. Wouldn’t it be a sight to see Kobe stroll onto the court to the sounds of Adele. Fingers crossed!
5. Turning Tables - Things start to get real when this song invades your ears. Remember that great thing that was about to happen in the last song, well this is it! I consider this song the turning point where my love of Adele turns into a full on obsession. Thank you Adele for being fed up and sticking it to your ex in this one.
6. One and Only - Half way through our Adeleson (Adele + Lesson), it is time for a bit of reflection. Did we make the right decision leaving Bobby Joe for his cousin Jimmy Joe? We just want a second chance in case this is the last chance. I love this song because 3 minutes and 43 seconds into the song you undoubtedly understand what it feels like to be in a relationship on the rocks. Will we be together tomorrow? Who knows. This journey is becoming harder with each song.
7. Someone Like You - I dare you to listen to this song and remain emotionally stable. Accompanied by a stellar video where Adele stalks a lost lover, the 11th and final song off of Adele’s mega hit 21 will have you rushing to hide your sudden emotional outpouring from prying eyes. Don’t listen to this one on a crowded bus unless you want to be the crazy person crying in the corner. How much more can you make us feel Adele!
8. He Won’t Go - Just when we finally think we’re over it, we remember how hard it is without that lost someone. In this song, Adele is like a phoenix rising from the ashes as her maturity grows with each line sung. Doubts always seem to flood back into your mind when your loneliness peaks, but don’t be afraid to take a risk just because your previous relationship didn’t work out. If the other person is up for it then you will have a hand to hold. You are right Adele. I won’t go too long before your songs start to play in my head. Did I mention this one is my favorite!?!?
9. Make You Feel My Love - You’ve finally found the one. After all of the ups and downs you’ve found the one! Do they know that they’re the Otterbox to your IPhone? Do they understand that there can really be no Lucy without Ricky? Ernie has found his Bert! Play this song loud and proud, so that special someone knows just how special they are to you. Trust me when I say they’ll definitely feel your love.
10. Hometown Glory - We’ve made it through all ten songs! Now it is time to bring it home. In this song, Adele hits you like a realization that you’ve longed for all your life. She literally doesn’t sing a word until a minute into the song. You are introduced to the last song on her debut album with a piano solo that cannot be ignored. This cheeky Brit wants you to love your mistakes, your triumphs, family, friends, lovers, and most of all yourself in the process. If you need a reminder on just how far you’ve come, take a trip back to your own hometown glory days.
This playlist is definitely a roller-coaster that you must ride at least once. Okay, maybe 5 times.
I may have selected my essential ten songs, but Adele has lots more to offer. Get together with a few friends, a few bottles of wine and let the wonder that is AA play in the background while you all reminisce about life and love. If you haven’t heard 25's first single Hello and the second When We Were Young then you have a lot to do before Friday.
Essential Adele - Track List
Chasing Pavements
Cold Shoulder
Rolling in the Deep
Set Fire to the Rain
Turning Tables
One and Only
Someone Like You
He won’t Go
Make You Feel My Love
Hometown Glory
You are now free to purchase and enjoy, which is sure to be another defining moment of an already great career, 25 on November 20th everywhere.
Another obsession confessed. Until next time.
*Thanks to Onthisday.com for schooling me on what has happened in history on any particular day. Give their website a look.