Following up interplanetary success is no mean feat. Even when it is your third album. Even when you’ve sold millions of albums across the globe. And even when your name is Adele. After 19 and 21, say ‘hello’ to 25, released by the Londoner in her 27th year. From the single Hello, which she offered up as an appetizer several weeks before the release of the album, everyone quickly remembered how unique her voice was. Mesmerized, once again. But it is mainly in its ability to alternate moods – to whisper in one moment and then suddenly hit all possible heights with her lyrics and oh, that voice! For touching ballads like When We Were Young, co-written with Canadian Tobias Jesso Jr (author of the superb album Goon in March 2015), she provides a burst of pure soul. A standout third album effort, simply irresistible. © CM / Qobuz