Finally.
Adele has returned to the music scene with a new album after 4 years since releasing her album, 21, and fans like myself couldn’t be happier. Her new single, Hello, is already a record-breaking hit around the world. It was the most-viewed music video on the day of its release on Youtube, and debuted #1 on the Billboard charts. Here are my thoughts on the hot new single.
Many critics and people otherwise have described Hello as nostalgic or reminiscent. The lyrics are about reminiscing on a relationship and wishing to go back in time to fix what has been broken. Some of my favorite lines are:
They say that times supposed to heal ya, but I ain’t done much healing.
I’m in California dreaming about who we used to be, when we were younger and free, I’ve forgotten how it felt before the world felt at our feet.
There’s such a difference between us, and a million miles.
I hope that you’re well, did you ever make it out of that town where nothing ever happened?
The structure of the lyrics is well done in this song. There are so many implications about the past that is described, in a way that builds the story little by little as the song progresses. And when the chorus comes back each time, it adds to the reminiscent atmosphere, with the repeated reflections and apologies, each “hello” like a shout into the void. The nature of the melody in the chorus is very echo-like, which adds to the effect.
I’m very glad that Adele’s type of voice and music genre hasn’t changed after 4 years, since many artists change their style with almost every album. I’ve always loved her edgy R&B vocal color, and it was refreshing to see that she wasn’t affected by the increase of electronic and upbeat music in other recent hits. She didn’t try to follow the trend; she continued to use a slow R&B tempo in a way that portrays poignant emotion. I loved how soft, yet edgy, her voice was at the beginning of the song, in the verses, and how much power was behind her voice in the choruses.
The music video was also extremely well put together. The black and white filter gave it more of an antique feel, and the setting in which the music video was shot, with empty fields and landscapes, made it seem much more hollow and alone; which supported the meaning of the lyrics.
Adele made an amazing comeback with an amazing song, lyrics, and music video. Now, let’s just hope they don’t overplay it.
