The wait for Adele’s new album 25 has been one most of us could hardly handle. There are only so many times we can listen to “Hello” before falling to our knees and begging Adele for more, and we think we can safely say that we all hit that point after listening to the single on repeat for several straight hours the day it was released. Now, 25 is finally here and to say we are freaking out would be an understatement. Through her last album, 21, we ugly cried, sang our hearts out and even thought fondly of our first SOs from all the way back in middle school. Now, 25 is here to bring us on the same emotional rollercoaster in 9 distinct stages. Starting with…
1. Total Freak Out
Before we can even start the album we’re trying to compose ourselves for what’s to come. We call our BFF’s, scream into the phone, dance around the house. After our mutual freak out, we calm ourselves down enough to hit the play button.
2. “Hello, It’s Me…”
…the new contestant for American Idol because we have all these words memorized and are more than ready to belt it out.
3. Excitement
Adele is totally willing us to dance with the second track of the album, “Send My Love (To Your New Lover),” and we are up for the challenge. The lyrics are soul-wrenching in a way only Adele could write, but the tune is upbeat and we are ready to dance out our feelings (which there are already a lot of).
4. Preparation
The second the song, “I Miss You,” comes on and we all know this is about to become the song we belt in the car, whether it’s with our BFFs or alone on the way to pick up eight chocolate bars because this song has us singing with tears rolling down our faces. It’s reminiscent of “Rolling In The Deep” and it’s totally pulling at our heart strings. The only thing we can do at this point is buckle up and prepare for what’s ahead (which includes “River Lea,” another song to get emotional over).
5. Unleash the Floodgates
Be ready to go to Costco to buy a bulk package of tissues because the songs “When We Were Young” and “Remedy” have us sobbing. We may get a momentary reprieve, but just when we think we’re done crying Adele brings the tears right back with “Love In The Dark,” “Million Years Ago” and “All I Ask.”
6. We Can Do This
“Water Under The Bridge” has us feeling our own strength; it’s inspiring us to ask for what we want. We may still be in tears, but we are feeling powerful.
7. Feeling The Love
Whether you’re in a relationship or are on the lookout for one, “Sweetest Devotion” has us feeling the love. Adele leaves us believing that true love is real and that we too will find someone who will be our “sweetest devotion.”
8. Gratitude
After 25 ends, when our mascara is streaked down our cheeks and our voices hoarse from singing, all we feel is gratitude. If we could, we would hug Adele for a million years and tell her how much we adore her and how thankful we are for this masterpiece. But because that isn’t an option for most of us, we’ll just have to show our thanks by listening to this album on repeat until our roommates force us to stop.
9. Anticipation
We know it’s a lot to ask, but we already can’t wait for Adele’s next album. Let’s just hope it isn’t in another five years (but if it is, we totally support you Adele and we’ll be waiting).