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Adele announced that she would be taking a break from music after the conclusion of her residency in Las Vegas. The superstar disclosed this to fans at her Munich residency show on August 31, 2024. The Someone Like You hitmaker who has sixteen Grammy Awards under her belt said:
"I've really enjoyed performing … it's been three years now, which is the longest I've done and probably the longest I'll ever do. But I have 10 shows left after this, back in my Las Vegas residency … but after that, I will not see you for an incredibly long time and I will hold you dear in my heart for that whole length of my break."
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While many fans would be saddened by the news of Adele’s musical hiatus, they can still turn to her discography for comfort. The British singer’s sonorous vocals combined with lyrics that explore themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, have resonated with millions around the world. This article explores some of her most popular songs.
Most popular Adele songs to listen to in 2024
This list is ranked according to Spotify streams at the time of writing this article.
- Someone Like You
- Rolling in the Deep
- Easy On Me
- Set Fire to the Rain
- Hello
- When We Were Young
- Make You Feel My Love
1. Someone Like You
Released on January 24, 2011, Someone Like You is the eleventh track from Adele's sophomore studio album, 21. The piano ballad was co-written by the British singer herself, alongside Minnesota-born songwriter, Dan Wilson.
The song talks about how the singer is coming to terms with the reality of her ex-lover moving on with his life. The lyrics of the first verse capture the essence of this track:
"I heard that you're settled down/ That you found a girl and you're married now/ I heard that your dreams came true/ Guess she gave you things I didn't give to you/ Old friend, why are you so shy?/ Ain't like you to hold back or hide from the light"
The hit song got a Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance in 2012.
Someone Like You has garnered 2,011,715,353 streams on Spotify.
2. Rolling in the Deep
Rolling in the Deep is a cross-genre song that combines the softness that accompanies R&B with the melodic rhythm associated with soul music. It was released on November 29, 2010, and featured as the lead track from Adele's second album, 21. The chart-topping song is written by Adele and songwriter Paul Epworth.
The record is about a person who is getting over a toxic relationship and finally confronting their ex-lover:
"There's a fire starting in my heart/ Reaching a fever pitch and it's bringing me out the dark/ Finally, I can see you crystal clear/ Go ahead and sell me out and I'll lay your shi*t bare"
Rolling in the Deep won in three categories at the 54th Grammy Awards: Best Short Form Music Video, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.
It has 1,882,396,556 streams on Spotify.
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3. Easy On Me
Easy On Me is a heartbreak song released on November 15, 2021, as the lead single from Adele's critically acclaimed studio album, 30. The song was reportedly written when the singer was in the midst of her divorce from her husband Simon Konecki. The lyrics have themes of family, love, forgiveness, and abandonment. The first verse reads:
"There ain't no gold in this river/ That I've been washin' my hands in forever/ I know there is hope in these waters/ But I can't bring myself to swim/ When I am drowning in this silence/ Baby, let me in"
This torch song was written by Adele and nine-time Grammy-winning music producer, Gregory Kurtsin.
The ballad won a Grammy Award in the Best Pop Solo Performance category at the 65th Grammy Awards.
Easy On Me has amassed 1,822,312,623 streams on Spotify.
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4. Set Fire to the Rain
Set Fire to the Rain is a powerful ballad with elements of pop music. It was released on July 4, 2011. The track was written by 53-year-old songwriter Fraser T. Smith and Adele.
Set Fire to the Rain is an emotionally charged single that explores the pain and trauma involved in healing from a failed relationship. The chorus reads:
"But I set fire to the rain/ Watched it pour as I touched your face/ Well, it burned while I cried'/ Cause I heard it screamin' out your name"
The English vocalist won Best Pop Solo Performance for Set Fire to the Rain at the 55th Grammy Awards Ceremony held in February 2013.
Set Fire To The Rain has 1,693,617,532 streams on Spotify.
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5. Hello
Released on October 23, 2015, Hello is the first single from Adele's third music album, 25. The song was penned by Adele's frequent collaborator Greg Kurstin and herself. Hello is about remembering one's old friends, lovers, and family members who have drifted away. Its poignant lyrics say:
"They say that time's supposed to heal ya/ But I ain't done much healin'/ Hello, can you hear me?I'm in California dreaming about who we used to be/ When we were younger and free"
At the 2017 Grammy Awards, Adele took home the Best Pop Solo Performance award, Record of the Year award, and Song of the Year award for Hello.
Hello has amassed 1,583,644,366 streams on Spotify.
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6. When We Were Young
When We Were Young is a soul music track that reminisces the joys of young love and touches upon the fear of getting older. The first verse encapsulates these feelings:
"You look like a movie / You sound like a song / My God this reminds me, of when we were young"
When We Were Young was written by Adele and Canadian artist, Tobias Jesso Jr. The track was released as the fourth single from 2015 studio album, 25. The hit song has been certified platinum by RIAA.
When We Were Young has generated 1,328,378,040 streams on the platform.
7. Make You Feel My Love
Released on October 27, 2008, Make You Feel My Love by Adele is a cover of Bob Dylan's 1997 hit record from his thirtieth album, Time Out of Mind.
The song shares insights on the efficacy of companionship as a remedy for emotional and mental breakdown. The first two verses express this:
"When the rain is blowing in your face/ And the whole world is on your case/ I could offer you a warm embrace/ To make you feel my love/ When the evening shadows and the stars appear/ And there is no one there to dry your tears/ I could hold you for a million years/ To make you feel my love"
The single has 1,144,660,164 streams on Spotify.
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Adele is one of the most talented singer-songwriters out there. Her music has consistently gained commercial and critical success since her debut in 2008. In a rare achievement, songs from all of her albums have received Grammy nominations. Even today these songs generate billions of streams on Spotify.
