Adele's '25' Is More Than Just An Album

Adele in a screenshot from her “Hello” music video (courtesy of XL/YouTube).

Adele’s decision to withhold her new album 25 from streaming services (at least for the first week it’s out) is not the only thing that will have flocks of people heading to the stores to grab a copy in the coming week. There’s more at work here than that, and it’s much bigger than streaming.

25 isn’t just an album—it’s so much more than that. It’s the rare moment in pop culture that grabs the entire populous, and which forces everybody to pay attention. The release of the pop superstar’s follow up to the global phenomenon that was 21 is music’s equivalent to the series finale of TV’s most popular program, or opening weekend for the year’s biggest blockbuster movie: you’ll surely be chastised by family and friends in school or by the watercooler if you haven’t at least heard it. Not owning a copy of 25 is to be uninformed and out of the know, and she’s ensured that if you want to experience the album, you’re going to have to buy it.

Predictions suggest that Adele has a serious chance to break the all-time first week sales record, with some saying the album may shift upwards of two and a half million copies in the next seven days alone. The fact that she’s close to smashing a record is likely to make even more people buy a copy, as everybody loves being a part of history. If she does end up besting the current title-holder, those that did have a part in sending her to the top will have earned a bit of pride, and bragging rights over those who didn’t participate. People love having even the smallest connection to champions and titans, and with Adele it’s as easy as purchasing a copy.

Adele has been out of the spotlight for years, and so far she’s been welcomed back with open arms. Her single “Hello” debuted atop the Hot 100 and hasn’t vacated the position yet, and the praise has been pouring in ever since. The singer has witnessed some serious fan love in the past, but this coming week is sure to be something special for her—and for you, if you want to be a part of the moment.