Rhiannon Hendricks
When We Were Young is a song by English singer-songwriter Adele, from her third studio album, 25 (2015). Adele described the song as having a very '70s singer-songwriter vibe, and it has been praised by critics for its emotional lyrics and production. The song explores themes of getting older and reconnecting with old acquaintances, prompting nostalgia and a desire to hold on to youth. With its piano instrumentation and focus on Adele's vocals, When We Were Young has become a popular choice for weddings, evoking sentiments of love, memory, and the passage of time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artist | Adele |
| Album | 25 |
| Year | 2015 |
| Genre | Soul ballad |
| Writers | Adele, Tobias Jesso Jr. |
| Producer | Ariel Rechtshaid |
| Instruments | Bass, drums, guitar, organ, glockenspiel, synthesizer, percussion, piano |
| Recording Location | Dean Street Studios, London |
| Mixing Location | Capitol Studios, Los Angeles; Electric Lady Studios, New York City |
| Piano Owner | Philip Glass |
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What You'll Learn
Adele's favourite track
Adele's music has grown with her as a person, seeing her through marriage, motherhood, divorce, and new love. While she doesn't believe in her talent, her fans and critics beg to differ, calling her latest album, "30", her most towering musical achievement yet.
Adele considers herself more of a "wailer" than a "singer", especially when comparing herself to her idols like Stevie Nicks, Bette Midler, and Beyoncé. Despite this, she has become one of the best-selling artists of all time, with 16 Grammys under her belt and sold-out arenas around the globe.
Adele's songs are known for their unabashed honesty and the gravity of her powerful, unmatched voice. One of her most beloved hits is "When We Were Young", a track from her third album, "25", released in 2015. The song is often used as a wedding song and has become a signature deep cut.
While Adele has not publicly stated that "When We Were Young" is her favourite track, its popularity and emotional resonance have made it a standout in her impressive catalogue of songs. The song speaks to the heart of her fans, showcasing her exceptional ability to capture the universal human experience of love, loss, and nostalgia in her music.
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The song's instrumentation
"When We Were Young" is a soul ballad by English singer Adele, from her third studio album, "25" (2015). The instrumentation of the song is primarily piano-based, with a focus on highlighting Adele's vocals. The piano used for the recording belonged to the iconic minimalist composer Philip Glass and was located in songwriter Tobias Jesso Jr.'s grandmother's house. Adele described the song as having a "'70s singer-songwriter vibe", with music critics drawing comparisons to the works of Elton John and Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were".
The song's producer, Ariel Rechtshaid, aimed to create a modern sound while preserving the "old soul vibe" of the track. He recalled the challenge of not making the song "over-the-top dramatic, kind of epic". Rechtshaid's production choices emphasised the emotional lyrics and Adele's vocal performance, which received acclaim from critics. The song explores universal themes of ageing, nostalgia, and the loss of youth, creating a sentimental atmosphere that resonates with listeners.
The instrumentation of "When We Were Young" plays a crucial role in evoking the emotions conveyed by the lyrics. The piano, being the prominent instrument, sets the sentimental tone of the song. The melody, combined with Adele's expressive vocals, effectively captures the feelings of reminiscence and wistfulness. The instrumentation creates a sense of intimacy, drawing listeners into the narrative of reconnecting with old acquaintances and revisiting memories of the past.
The song's arrangement and production choices contribute to its overall impact. The instrumentation builds at key moments, accentuating the emotional intensity of the lyrics. The piano melody, coupled with Adele's powerful vocals, creates a sense of vulnerability and nostalgia. The instrumentation also allows for dynamic variations, such as the middle eight, where Rechtshaid pushed Adele beyond her comfort zone to add a layer of emotional depth to the song.
Overall, the instrumentation of "When We Were Young" serves as a testament to the song's emotional depth and Adele's vocal prowess. The piano-centric arrangement, coupled with thoughtful production choices, captures the sentimentality and nostalgia at the heart of the song's theme. The instrumentation not only enhances the lyrical content but also showcases Adele's ability to convey complex emotions through her music.
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Critical acclaim
"When We Were Young" is a song by English singer Adele from her third studio album, "25" (2015). Adele has stated on numerous occasions that "When We Were Young" is her favourite song that she has written. The track was written by Adele with Tobias Jesso Jr. and produced by Ariel Rechtshaid. It is a soul ballad with piano instrumentation that places emphasis on Adele's vocals. The song explores the fear of getting older and the loss of one's youth.
Upon its release, "When We Were Young" received critical acclaim from music critics, who praised the song's lyrics and Adele's vocals. The track was named "Best New Track" by Gordon and Pitchfork, with Gordon praising how Adele was "capable of elevating maudlin sentiment into high art". Rob Garratt from The National was positive about Adele's writing skills, and praised her "fragilely affecting, but ultimately affirming" performance. Writing for Inquirer.net, Joseph R. Atilano remarked, "A single like this further showcases how lyrically intelligent she is as a composer as well as one of the greatest pure singers alive today."
Leah Greenblatt from Entertainment Weekly considered "When We Were Young" one of the three best tracks on the album, noting that Adele was sincere with the nostalgic theme. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic selected the song as one of the album's highlights, noting that she took a risk by enlisting Retchshaid to produce the track. Steven Arroyo of Consequence of Sound selected the song as one of the essential tracks on "25".
Several music critics have placed the song in their lists of Adele's best songs. Time named "When We Were Young" the seventh-best song of 2015. Rolling Stone listed it as Adele's fifth-best, and Larisha Paul elaborated that "she spins the existential crisis-inducing topics of time and aging into what feels like a snapshot of our own past, present, and future". Billboard's Chuck Arnold placed the song at number 11 in a ranking of her discography, and noted that it "gets you all up in your feelings" and "longing for 'someone [you] used to know". Parade and American Songwriter each ranked the song number two on their lists of Adele's greatest songs.
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The song's lyrics
"When We Were Young" is a song by English singer Adele, from her third studio album, "25" (2015). Adele described the song as having a "very '70s singer-songwriter vibe", and it has been compared to the work of Elton John and Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were" (1973). The song is a reflective soul ballad, with somber piano chords designed to showcase Adele's powerful vocals.
The lyrics of "When We Were Young" deal with the fear of getting older, a recurring theme on "25". The song is about reconnecting with old acquaintances and revisiting memories of adolescence, wishing to stop time and hold onto youth. In an interview, Adele described the setting of the song as a party where one encounters people from their past, including those they have fallen out with, loved, or never loved. This prompts a sense of nostalgia and a desire to recapture the past.
The song's verses highlight the appeal of the subject's presence, suggesting that they are well-loved and watched by everyone. The lyrics also express a desire to connect and create new memories before it's too late:
> "Everybody loves the things you do
> From the way you talk to the way you move
> Everybody here is watching you
> 'Cause you feel like home, you're like a dream come true
> But, if by chance, you're here alone
> Can I have a moment before I go?"
The chorus further emphasizes the theme of cherishing moments of youth and the fear of time passing:
> "Let me photograph you in this light
> In case it is the last time
> That we might
> See the sunlight
> So we keep it inside
> And I know that you're afraid
> Let's just try to stay awake
> And we'll go dancing slow
> And just enjoy the camera flash
> You know we're getting old
> And so let's just enjoy the camera flash."
"When We Were Young" received critical acclaim for its emotional lyrics and powerful vocals, with many praising its ability to evoke feelings of nostalgia and a connection to one's own past.
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Comparisons to other artists
"When We Were Young" is a song by Adele, released as the second single from her album '25' in 2015. The song is a reflective soul ballad, with somber piano chords and vocals that switch "between husky crackle to a soaring delivery".
Several music critics have likened the song to the works of other artists. Hattie Collins of i-D described it as a 70s styled shimmery disco ballad, while Brian Hiatt of Rolling Stone found it similar to the work of Elton John and Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were" (1973). Bruce Handy of Vanity Fair also compared the song to Streisand's work. The Fader's Owen Myers drew a comparison to Gladys Knight, and Jon Dolan of Rolling Stone labelled it a "torchy ballad".
Adele herself described the song as having "a very '70s singer-songwriter vibe". This is perhaps reflected in the lyrics, which deal with the fear of getting older and reminisce about the past. The song's theme of nostalgia and its soulful sound may evoke comparisons to other artists such as Etta James, whose song "At Last" is a popular choice for weddings.
While "When We Were Young" is not a typical wedding song, some couples may choose it for their first dance or as part of their wedding playlist. Other popular wedding songs include "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran, which has been described as a fun song that captures the sentiment of high school sweethearts. Taylor Swift's "Lover" was the most popular choice for the first dance in the UK in 2023, with its romantic lyrics and timeless, sentimental melody.
In conclusion, "When We Were Young" by Adele has been compared to the works of various artists, particularly those from the 1970s soul and disco genres. The song's nostalgic lyrics and soulful vocals may evoke comparisons to other classic wedding songs, such as those by Etta James and Barbra Streisand. While not a traditional choice, it could be a unique and meaningful addition to a wedding playlist, reflecting the couple's story and adding ambiance to their special day.
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Frequently asked questions
'When We Were Young' is a song by English singer-songwriter Adele from her third studio album, 25 (2015). Adele wrote the song with Tobias Jesso Jr., who also played the piano.
A:
The song is about reconnecting with an old acquaintance and revisiting memories of adolescence. It explores the fear of getting older and the loss of one's youth.
A:
'When We Were Young' is a reflective soul ballad with a 70s-style shimmery disco feel. It incorporates bass, drums, guitar, and piano in its instrumentation.
A:
The song reached the top 10 in 11 countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Scotland. It received a 6x Platinum certification in Canada and was met with critical acclaim.
