By Cecilia Leyva, Oct. 26, 2021
After a six-year musical hiatus, English singer-songwriter Adele released single, “Easy on Me” The song release serves as a preview of her latest project, her fourth-ever album “30” to be released on Nov. 19.
This long-awaited album came as a pleasant surprise to many fans. Though her music tends to drum up a strong emotional, sometimes melancholic, response among listeners, the release of an Adele album also brings listeners pure enthusiasm. The tease of her newest album is no exception. Her ability to connect with followers from various walks of life through her music appears effortless.
Along with her latest single, Adele also released the song’s music video. Her music videos are a gentle nod to life experiences that led to some of her greatest hits, with each of her albums being named after specific times in her life.
Fans were quick to pick up the subtle resemblances between her latest video and her videos from previous albums: “19,” “21” and “25.” Adele’s “Easy on Me” music video most closely resembles her 2015 hit music video “Hello.”
While the overarching message of the songs differs, many visual elements are similar.
Both music videos feature the 15-time Grammy winner sitting alone in an abandoned house. Each video begins in a colorless hue leaving viewers feeling gloomy. In the “Hello” music video, directed by Xavier Dolan, Adele approaches the home while on the phone. After complaining of poor cell phone reception, the singer walks into the home’s foyer.
Poor weather struck again in the “Easy on Me” video, also directed by Dolan. Though on the phone complaining of bad cell service again, Adele is now saying goodbye and walking away from the home. For listeners, a new album can be a new soundtrack for their own lives.
Though bearing a striking resemblance to each other, each video has its own distinct tie-in to Adele’s memories.
Her latest single is a reflection upon her woes as a recent divorcee. Some lyrics have a hint of self-reflection saying: “I was still a child. Didn’t get the chance to feel the world around me. Had no time to choose what I chose to do.” At its surface, the words sound like excuses, but at the root of the lyrics was a person making the best of their situation.
Other lyrics read more as a plea for understanding, “You can’t deny how hard I’ve tried, I changed who I was to put you both first, but now I give up.” Many people are not just drawn to Adele’s incredible vocal abilities but also her relatability. Audiences relate to her words and her pain over real-life situations.
The sorrowful and somber tone behind her song sent fans spinning. Adele, though known for her tear-jerking lyrics, never ceases to amaze listeners with the depths of passion behind every note. Her vocal range, when paired with her profound words, screams as yet another chart-topping release.
Despite the years in between each album release, it is the raw emotion demonstrated in each breath that draws fans in. After being released for just five hours, the single debuted on Billboard’s Hot 100 list at No.68. The musical artist is no stranger to popular hits. 13 of her songs have also made it to the Hot 100 list. Her songs: “Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone Like You,” “Set Fire to the Rain” and “Hello” reached No. 1 of that list. “Easy on Me” also broke Spotify records after being streamed 24 million times within the first 24 hours.
The remainder of her musical and emotional journey will be shared with fans Nov. 19 for the release of her album “30.”
Adele’s single “Easy on Me” is available for streaming on YouTube and Spotify.