Adele’s ’25’ Receives Mixed Reactions Ahead Of Release

Adele’s highly anticipated new album, 25, has leaked just days before its official released. Since fans have been without the singer’s music for years, it’s obvious as to why it leaked online so early.

According to Billboard, Adele’s third studio album leaked online 72 hours before its official release on Friday, November 20. There are also rumors circulating that the album could have leaked from retail chain stores in the U.S. like Target. But British tabloid the Sun claimed that a London-based store released two-minute clips of the 11 songs from Adele’s new album but has removed them from their website.

The online leak has upset Adele, who previously told Radio 1 that she wanted to “surprise people” with her new album. However, Newsbeat is waiting for a response from Adele’s reps, who have denied claims that the album was leaked by U.S. retail chains. Her fans also took to Twitter to express their anger over the news of the leak.

Adele has been keeping the details of her new album a secret. So far, she has only released “Hello” as an official single and teased “When We Were Young” from her Australia’s 60 Minutes interview.

Now that Adele’s new album has leaked, music reviewers are already getting a taste for it. According to the Mirror, many newspapers have already given their praises to 25, with several critics predicting that the album will “save the music industry.” There’s no doubt that Adele’s new album is somewhat experimental since it includes the Max Martin-produced track “Send My Love (To Your New Lover),” which one reviewer called a “complete turkey.”

Don’t expect 25 to be a blown-out pop record, though. According to the New York Times, Adele’s last album, 21, had more contemporary pop tracks, while 25 lacks in that department. The only one that comes closest is “Send My Love (To Your New Lover),” which she gives some sass instead of her traditional soul.

The Daily Telegraph gave Adele’s new album five stars, concluding, “25 is crammed top to bottom with perfectly formed songs – elegantly flowing melodies, direct and truthful lyrics and richly textured production – all sung as if her life depends on it.”

Meanwhile, the Sun wasn’t as excited about her new album. The review claimed that Adele didn’t “scale the epic heights” that she reached with her last album, 21, but it’s not all bad.

“With an exception of a couple of duds, 25 is a collection of beautiful tracks that move her in a surprising but welcome direction,” the reviewer concluded.

A review on Cleveland.com says that Adele’s new album is kind of predictable, but that could be a good thing for the British crooner who’s set to break records this week.

“In the seven years since releasing her breakthrough album ’19’ and winning the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, Adele Adkins hasn’t changed all that much. ’25’ is as predictable as you might think. But when you’re last album sold 30 million copies and you can out sing anyone on the planet, who the heck cares?”

Adele has previously described 25 as her “make-up record” and her transition into adulthood as she lets go of all the hurt from her past.

“My last record was a break-up record. And if I had to label this one, I would call it a make-up record. Making up for lost time. Making up for everything I ever did and never did.”

The blue-eyed songstress may be a little concerned about her album leaking online, but she shouldn’t have to worry. Adele is still expected to sell 1.5 million copies during its first week of release. In fact, it could even sell more than that, which is impressive during a time where digital downloads and online streaming has taken precedence.

Although Adele’s 25 has leaked early, and although it’s already receiving mixed reactions, there’s no doubt that the singer is set to smash records and could change the music industry.

[Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images]