The return of Adele

Rather than talk about the cry-inducing abilities of “Hello” or its magical power of planting an imaginary ex-love in your memory, I will endeavor to explain what is special about Adele’s sensationalized new single.

I think most of us fall in love with “Hello” because it touches the part of us that is human, beautiful and such a hot mess. Most of us have broken ties with someone, whether it be a friend, relative or old love. Regardless of the nature of your relationship with this person, they were someone who once held a meaningful place in your daily life, and now they are absent from it.

You may still see them in passing or scroll through their pictures on social media, but emotionally they are inaccessible. Adele talks about this notion of emotional separation through her call, “Hello from the other side." Many of us move on and get over the initial sense of loss, but the longing and memories pop up randomly, often when we least it expect it. It pinches a nerve, and if you’re like me, you sometimes want to reach out to the person, and then have to remind yourself you can’t anymore. Of course your friends are there to love you and hold you, but only you and this person fully understand the dynamics of your relationship.

The reality is, love rarely ends. Often as blossoming adults, we are encouraged to be strong, to keep moving and not look back. Especially in the cutthroat world we operate in, lingering or holding on to old loves is often construed as weakness or as a lack of self-discipline. Perhaps it is. However, “Hello” expresses a counterargument

Adele’s lyrics honor your emotional history by serving as an ode to something that once filled you and held real estate in your heart. “Hello” demonstrates the strength it takes to look back and appreciate. Essentially, the relationship you two created, now has a life and entity of it own.

The video splits its setting between the modern world and a breathtaking fairy tale landscape. The fairy tale world is dark but serene. There is a sense you are alone with the trees and the river, and it feels natural and familiar. Here, in nature, we are unafraid to be our raw selves.

In that world, some part of what Adele shared with this person lives on. Her love, our love, for people we once held close and let in, behind our tallest intimate castle walls, lives on—if only in this dream world.

Adele has done what few people are brave enough to do; she has shared her sanctuary with the world. Reflecting upon her new single and forthcoming album 25 to be released on Friday, Nov. 20, Adele referred to her album as a “make-up record.” As opposed to dealing with what other people think she should be feeling, saying, or acting, she’s showing her whole self, just as she is.