Feature Photo: Kristopher Harris from Charlotte, NC, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Hailing from Tottenham, London, Adele Laurie Blue Adkins emerged as one of her generation’s most celebrated and influential artists, captivating the world with her rich voice and emotionally resonant songwriting. Born on May 5, 1988, her love for music deeply shaped Adele’s early years, particularly the works of Lauryn Hill, Mary J. Blige, and Etta James. After graduating from the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology in Croydon in 2006, Adele’s career took flight with a demo posted on MySpace that caught the attention of XL Recordings. This serendipitous discovery set the stage for an extraordinary career that would redefine modern music.
Adele’s discography comprises four critically acclaimed studio albums, each named after the age she was when she began working on them: 19 (2008), 21 (2011), 25 (2015), and 30 (2021). Her debut album, 19, introduced the world to her soulful voice and poignant songwriting, with singles such as “Chasing Pavements” and “Hometown Glory” earning her two Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The album’s success established her as a formidable presence in the music industry, paving the way for even greater achievements.
Her sophomore album, 21, marked a seismic shift in Adele’s career, cementing her status as a global phenomenon. Drawing inspiration from a tumultuous breakup, the album delivered chart-topping hits like “Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone Like You,” and “Set Fire to the Rain.” 21 became one of the best-selling albums of all time, earning Adele six Grammy Awards in one night, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. This unprecedented success solidified her position as one of the greatest vocalists and songwriters of her era.
Adele continued her streak of excellence with 25, which featured the record-breaking single “Hello.” Released in 2015, “Hello” debuted at number one in multiple countries and became the first song to sell over a million downloads in a week. The album itself broke sales records, becoming the fastest-selling album in U.S. history and earning Adele five more Grammy Awards, including another Album of the Year. Her ability to craft deeply personal yet universally relatable songs resonated with audiences worldwide, further enhancing her legacy.
In 2021, Adele returned after a six-year hiatus with 30, an album exploring themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and motherhood. Featuring the critically acclaimed single “Easy on Me,” 30 demonstrated Adele’s continued growth as an artist, blending her signature emotional depth with a more introspective and experimental approach. The album earned widespread acclaim and added to her collection of Grammy and BRIT Awards.
Adele’s impact extends far beyond her chart-topping hits and record-breaking sales. Her authenticity, humility, and unwavering commitment to her craft have endeared her to fans and critics alike. She has been recognized with numerous accolades, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for “Skyfall,” the James Bond theme song she co-wrote and performed. Her contributions to music have also earned her induction into prestigious institutions such as the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Beyond her music, Adele has used her platform for philanthropy and advocacy. She has supported numerous charitable causes, including education, mental health, and disaster relief. Her openness about her personal struggles, including her journey with body image and relationships, has inspired millions, fostering a deeper connection with her audience.
Adele’s ability to combine raw vulnerability with unparalleled vocal power has made her a timeless figure in the music industry. Her artistry continues to evolve, ensuring her place in history as one of the most beloved and influential artists of the 21st century.
Complete List of Adele Songs From A to Z (Alphabetical Order)
(A-D)
“All I Ask” – 25 (2015)
“All Night Parking” – 30 (2021)
“Be Divine” – Non-album single (2006)
“Best for Last” – 19 (2008)
“Can I Get It” – 30 (2021)
“Can’t Be Together” – 30 (Target deluxe edition, 2021)
“Can’t Let Go” – 25 (Target and Japanese edition, 2015)
“Chasing Pavements” – 19 (2008)
“Cold Shoulder” – 19 (2008)
“Crazy for You” – 19 (2008)
“Cry Your Heart Out” – 30 (2021)
“Daydreamer” – 19 (2008)
“Don’t You Remember” – 21 (2011)
(E-I)
“Easy on Me” – 30 (2021)
“Easy on Me” (feature version) – 30 (Target deluxe edition, 2021)
“Every Glance” – Everything Is New (2009)
“First Love” – 19 (2008)
“Fool That I Am” (cover) – iTunes Live from SoHo (2009)
“He Won’t Go” – 21 (2011)
“Hello” – 25 (2015)
“Hiding My Heart” (cover) – 21 (Limited edition, 2011)
“Hold On” – 30 (2021)
“Hometown Glory” – 19 (2008)
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” (cover) – iTunes Festival: London 2011 (2011)
“I Drink Wine” – 30 (2021)
“I Found a Boy” – 21 (Japanese edition, 2011)
“I Miss You” – 25 (2015)
“I’ll Be Waiting” – 21 (2011)
“If It Hadn’t Been For Love” (cover) – 21 (Limited edition, 2011)
(L-O)
“Lay Me Down” – 25 (Target and Japanese edition, 2015)
“Love in the Dark” – 25 (2015)
“Love Is a Game” – 30 (2021)
“Lovesong” (cover) – 21 (2011)
“Make You Feel My Love” (cover) – 19 (2008)
“Many Shades of Black” – Consolers of the Lonely (2008); 19 (Expanded edition, 2008)
“Melt My Heart to Stone” – 19 (2008)
“Million Years Ago” – 25 (2015)
“My Little Love” – 30 (2021)
“My Same” – 19 (2008)
“My Yvonne” – Matinée (2007)
“Need You Now” (cover) – 21 (Deluxe edition, 2011)
“Now and Then” – 19 (Japanese and New Zealanders edition, 2008)
“Oh My God” – 30 (2021)
“One and Only” – 21 (2011)
(P-S)
“Painting Pictures” – 19 (Japanese and New Zealanders edition, 2008)
“Remedy” – 25 (2015)
“Right as Rain” – 19 (2008)
“River Lea” – 25 (2015)
“Rolling in the Deep” – 21 (2010)
“Rumour Has It” – 21 (2011)
“Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” – 25 (2015)
“Set Fire to the Rain” – 21 (2011)
“Skyfall” – Non-album single (2012)
“Someone Like You” – 21 (2011)
“Strangers by Nature” – 30 (2021)
“Sweetest Devotion” – 25 (2015)
(T-Z)
“Take It All” – 21 (2011)
“That’s It, I Quit, I’m Moving On” (cover) – 19 (Japanese and New Zealanders edition, 2008)
“To Be Loved” – 30 (2021)
“Turning Tables” – 21 (2011)
“Water and a Flame” – Love & War (2009)
“Water Under the Bridge” – 25 (2015)
“When We Were Young” – 25 (2015)
“Why Do You Love Me” – 25 (Target and Japanese edition, 2015)
“Wild Wild West” – 30 (Target deluxe edition, 2021)
“Woman Like Me” – 30 (2021)
Check out our fantastic and entertaining Adele articles, detailing in-depth Adele’s albums, songs, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com
Real Meanings Behind The Songs On Adele’s 19 Album
Real Meanings Behind The Songs On Adele’s 21 Album
Real Meanings Behind The Songs On Adele’s 25 Album
Real Meanings Behind The Songs On Adele’s 30 Album
Top 10 Adele Songs
Top 10 Adele Love Songs
Complete List Of Adele Albums And Songs Discography
Adele’s One Night Only Concert Special Airs This Sunday On CBS
Adele & Taylor Swift Breaking Records & Dominating The Charts
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Adele
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