The third consecutive numerical album for Adele, 25 speaks to maturity in more ways than one. On an emotional level, the songs tell tales of a more centered woman — someone who has experienced trauma, learned from it, healed, and moved on. Even on a production level, though, we're getting an elevated new sound from Adele. The rhythmic undercurrent of 25 offers the Adele we've grown to love with a noted pop twist. The record features some of Adele's saddest, most emotional, and yes, even her most upbeat songs to date. It's guaranteed to be a chart-topper well into 2016, and probably beyond.
— Ryan Roschke, assistant celebrity editor
