When thinking of defining artists of the 21st century, it doesn't take long for Adele to come to mind. Since her rise in the late 2000s, the London-born singer has captured the hearts of millions with her disarming wit and a powerful voice that is practically unmatched.
In the 15 years since her debut album, 19, introduced her to the world, Adele has reached heights few others ever achieve. She's one of the best-selling artists of all time, she has collected countless awards (including 16 GRAMMYS), and she has sold out arenas around the globe. Between the unabashed honesty of her lyrics and the gravity of her voice, Adele's music has earned her enduring adoration.
Adele's charm and cultural impact have most recently come to life through her sold-out Las Vegas residency, Weekends With Adele. The shows — which initially ran from November 2022 through this March — are a journey through many of the mega-hits fans love, and a celebration of her illustrious career so far. They've seen such acclaim and high demand that Adele added 34 more dates through Nov. 4, kicking off June 16.
As Adele begins the second leg of her Vegas residency, GRAMMY.com looks back at some of the defining songs from beloved superstar's discography.
"Hometown Glory," 19 (2007)
Technically the fourth single from 19, "Hometown Glory" is actually the first song Adele wrote. It was originally released as an introductory standalone single in 2007, giving a glimpse into Adele's relatable songwriting.
While there are elements that make it unique — like an extended piano intro before Adele begins to sing — it's still easy to pick up on the traits that would later make her a star. The vocal intensity is already there, as is her love for human connection. "The people I've met are the wonders of my world," she sings on the chorus, a sentiment that would carry on throughout her career.
"Chasing Pavements," 19 (2008)
The single that put Adele on the map, "Chasing Pavements" contains many of the elements that define 19. It leans more heavily into the singer/songwriter world than Adele's later work, with verses scored by mellow and understated guitar — a contrast to the big, powerful chorus that incorporates soulful melodies and jazz-like horns.
"Chasing Pavements" gave Adele early success and recognition, becoming her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 and her first Platinum single. It also snagged the singer her first GRAMMY (for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance) as well as nominations for Record and Song Of The Year.
"Rolling in the Deep," 21 (2010)
Adele cemented her staying power with her sophomore album, 21. The first offering from the LP, "Rolling in the Deep," perfectly introduced the more expansive sound and power of the new record. Driving, forceful production from Paul Epworth is matched by a more confident, determined Adele, as she lays into a terrible ex: "Think of me in the depths of your despair/ Make a home down there, as mine sure won't be shared."
Adele's assertiveness spoke to listeners: "Rolling in the Deep" became her first No. 1 single and helped her win the trifecta of Record, Song, and Album Of The Year at the 54th GRAMMY Awards.
"Rumour Has It," 21 (2011)
Coming right after "Rolling in the Deep" on 21, "Rumour Has It" arrives with a bang. Co-written and produced by Ryan Tedder, the track is all soul and blues, built on looping vocal harmonies and a funky guitar line.
More than anything, this track showcases Adele's writing range, proving that she can pen an uptempo pop pleaser alongside her slower ballads and heartstring tuggers. The rhythmic clapping, vocal flourishes on the bridge, and piano outro all helped Adele unleash her feisty side that audiences hadn't seen much of at that point.
"Someone Like You," 21 (2011)
The new musical elements introduced on 21 undoubtedly helped Adele reach new levels of success and artistry. Even so, one of its standout tracks is a reminder that she doesn't need a lot of help to shine.
"Someone Like You" is as simple as it comes — nothing else but Adele and a piano. The result is perhaps her most well-known ballad, which laments on the ending of a relationship with intense emotion. Its connection with listeners and massive success — another No. 1 spot on the Hot 100, a GRAMMY, and six-time platinum certification — on the heels of "Rolling in the Deep" were instrumental in propelling Adele's career forward.
"Skyfall" (2012)
Writing a theme song for a James Bond film is a big deal — and means you're a big deal. One of the most storied franchises in film history, the Bond movies have included themes written by stars like Paul McCartney and Madonna. Adele joined that list in 2012 with "Skyfall," the titular theme for Bond's 23rd adventure.
The track allows Adele to lean more into her theatrical side, with dramatic lyrics soundtracked by swelling strings and horns. It's a thrilling listen, and gave Adele an Oscar for Best Original Song — the first Bond theme to ever win the award.
"Hello," 25 (2015)
After the massive success of 21 and "Skyfall," Adele went on hiatus for three years. While rumors swirled about an album in early 2015, she didn't confirm her third record, 25, until a month before its November release. Along with confirmation came "Hello," an earth-shattering return that portended 25's acclaim and success.
The album's opening track, "Hello" finds Adele revisiting an old flame in signature fashion: a soaring chorus that puts her towering vocals on display, amplified by awe-inspiring percussion instrumentals from producer Greg Kurstin. The single remains one of her most successful, hitting the top spot on charts around the world, going seven times platinum, and earning her Record and Song Of The Year at the 59th GRAMMY Awards.
"Water Under the Bridge," 25 (2015)
By this point in Adele's career, it was clear that she could master any song or production you give her. While 21 expanded the number of genres she pulled from, 25 introduced maximalist pop production to embellish her bluesy tone.
"Water Under the Bridge" is a perfect example of one of Adele's sonically densest tracks. Another Adele/Kurstin collaboration — with help from another new collaborator and pop mastermind, Max Martin — the upbeat track features a chorus that fills the senses with piercing drums and layered backing vocals, all of which beg to be played at full volume.
"River Lea," 25 (2015)
Alongside pop delights and powerful ballads, Adele tapped into gospel on 25 with "River Lea.". While Adele dabbled with gospel influences before, it was never as openly as the haunting keys that comprise the main instrumental.
Production is provided by the multi-instrumental Danger Mouse, who sprinkles a hip-hop beat into the otherwise haunting track. The result is one of Adele's most arresting tracks, with a sound that's equal parts old-school dirge and pop hit.
"Easy on Me," 30 (2021)
In the six years between 25 and Adele's fourth album 30, her world fell apart. Besides the impact the pandemic had on the world, she and her longtime partner Simon Konecki divorced. Much of 30 finds Adele coming to terms with life after marriage. This includes lead single "Easy on Me," which sees her asking for grace as she figures out how to move on.
The piano-backed track is full of pain and sadness, with the hurt evident in her voice as sings lyrics like "I changed who I was to put you both first/ But now I give up." It set an early picture of Adele's emotional state, and offered poignant foreshadowing to 30's journey of healing and moving forward.
"My Little Love," 30 (2021)
Adele has never shied away from being vulnerable, but "My Little Love" may be the most open she's ever been on a track — and perhaps that has to do with the song's subject, her son Angelo. A slow burning, jazzy piano tune, "My Little Love" Adele continues to explore her feelings over how the divorce has impacted her child.
What really sets the song apart is the inclusion of voice notes that contain Adele's own musings in the immediate aftermath of her divorce, as well as snippets of conversation between her and Angelo. ("Mummy's been having a lot of big feelings recently," she tells Angelo on the bridge; "I feel a bit frightened that I might feel like this a lot," she admits at the song's close.) It's a stunningly raw look at Adele's personal life unlike anything she had delivered before.
"Can I Get It," 30 (2021)
Anyone who has watched an Adele interview or seen her live knows that, despite being known for singing sad tales, she has a charmingly funny personality. As clips of her Vegas show highlight, she loves to tell jokes, and has a bright, lively presence — and "Can I Get It" is a musical depiction of that.
In the middle of a rather heavy album, "Can I Get It" is straight fun, with a groovy production from Martin. It showcases Adele's jovial side, with some of her flirtiest lyrics ("You tease me with your control because I long to live under your spell.") It's one of many ways Adele has shown both her emotional range and musical versatility — a combo that has made her an incomparable pop legend.
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