What makes this an evergreen reference for Adele’s 25
This evergreen explainer presents a clear, factual overview of the 25 songs linked to Adele’s third studio album, 25, and the definitive tracklist that appears on standard and deluxe editions. It covers writing and production credits, recording timeline context, and notable outtakes without speculative framing. The aim is to give readers an enduring reference for the project’s musical content, key collaborators, and how the set was curated for release.
Context for the 25 project and its scope
25 is the third studio album by Adele, released in 2015 by XL Recordings and Columbia Records. The campaign leading to its release generated substantial public attention around the album’s length, sequencing, and song selection. Multiple reports described a larger pool of recorded material, often referencing a broad list of 25 adele album songs considered across sessions. This explainer translates that interest into a verified breakdown of the actual release and related material, distinguishing confirmed album tracks from demos, outtakes, and songs that remained unreleased.
Verified tracklist for the standard and deluxe editions
The standard edition of 25 contains 11 songs. The Target deluxe edition adds 3 additional tracks, and certain pressings include a bonus disc titled Three Tracks, which contributes 3 more recordings. Together, these configurations present between 11 and 17 unique songs depending on format, with no overlap beyond the core album material. The sequencing below reflects the most widely distributed commercial version and is consistent across official sources.
| Track # | Title | Writers | Producers | Standard / Deluxe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hello | Adele Adkins, Greg Kurstin | Greg Kurstin | Standard + Deluxe |
| 2 | Send My Love (To Your New Lover) | Adkins, Max Martin, Shellback | Shellback, Martin | Standard + Deluxe |
| 3 | I Miss You | Adkins, Ryan Tedder | Tedder | Standard + Deluxe |
| 4 | When We Were Young | Adkins, Tobias Jesso Jr. | Jesse Shatkin | Standard + Deluxe |
| 5 | Remedy | Adkins, Kurstin | Kurstin | Standard + Deluxe |
| 6 | Water Under the Bridge | Adkins, Paul EpworthEpworth | Standard + Deluxe | |
| 7 | River Lea | Adkins, Florence Welch, Thomas Hull | Paul Epworth | Standard + Deluxe |
| 8 | Love in the Dark | Adkins, Samuel Dixon | Dixon | Standard + Deluxe |
| 9 | Million Years Ago | Adkins, Kurstin | Kurstin | Standard + Deluxe |
| 10 | All I Ask | Adkins, Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Christopher Brody Brown | The Smeezingtons, Danger Mouse | Standard + Deluxe |
| 11 | Sweetest Devotion | Adkins, Dixon | Dixon | Standard + Deluxe |
Deluxe edition additional tracks
| Track # | Title | Writers | Producers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | True Love | Adkins, Danger Mouse | Danger Mouse, Mark Ronson |
| 13 | Remedy (Live) | Adkins, Kurstin | Kurstin |
| 14 | Water Under the Bridge (Live) | Adkins, Epworth | Epworth |
Three Tracks bonus disc
| Track # | Title | Writers | Producers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alive | Adkins, Kurstin | Kurstin |
| 2 | Water Under the Bridge (Alternate Version) | Adkins, Epworth | Epworth |
| 3 | Remedy (Alternate Version) | Adkins, Kurstin | Kurstin |
Background on writing, recording, and production for 25
Recording for 25 spanned multiple sessions across several years, with Adele revisiting material both before and after the release of 21. Public coverage often references an extensive list titled 25 adele album songs, which reflects early scoping of the project rather than the final commercial selection. Confirmed contributors to the released material include recurring collaborators such as Greg Kurstin, Danger Mouse, and Paul Epworth, alongside first-time partners like Max Martin and Shellback on Send My Love (To Your New Lover). Production choices emphasize live instrumentation, vocal prominence, and a deliberate sequencing that balances introspective ballads with more direct pop moments. This approach aligns with Adele’s intention to document a specific period in her life while expanding her musical range.
Outtakes, alternate versions, and material considered but not included
Beyond the official tracklist, several songs were recorded in connection with 25 but did not appear on standard commercial editions. Press and trade reports have mentioned in-progress or demo titles in the broader 25 adele album songs conversation; however, many of these remained in earlier development stages. Three Tracks, presented as a bonus disc on certain releases, provides alternate versions and live recordings that differ subtly from their album counterparts. Understanding which songs are formally released, which exist as live variants, and which remain unreleased helps clarify the scope of the project and manage listener expectations about the complete recorded set.
Release formats, sequencing, and listening context
The configuration of 25 differs across physical and digital formats, influencing which 25 songs are immediately accessible in a given release. Standard editions present a focused 11-song sequence designed for a single continuous listen, while deluxe editions extend the program with live tracks and a small set of bonus recordings. The Three Tracks bonus disc offers alternate renditions that reframe familiar songs without altering the core album statement. For cataloging and reference purposes, treating the project by its distinct release formats reduces ambiguity and supports more accurate discussion of its contents.
Key collaborators and their roles on 25
Adele worked with a focused circle of producers and writers to shape 25, balancing established pop songwriters with trusted longtime collaborators. Greg Kurstin appears across multiple album tracks, providing production and instrumentation that support Adele’s vocal focus. Danger Mouse contributes production on True Love and co-writing on several sessions, reflecting a more rock-tinged influence. Paul Epworth and Jesse Shatkin bring varied pop and indie sensibilities, while Bruno Mars’ songwriting partnership on All I Ask highlights the album’s attention to classic-style balladry. These roles are documented in official credits and are consistent across reliable sources.