Hello

The song's harmony is defined by its strict adherence to the F natural minor (Aeolian) scale. There are no major V chords (C major) or leading tones (E natural), which avoids traditional functional resolution and instead creates a modern, cinematic, and 'looped' atmosphere. The emotional weight is achieved not through harmonic complexity, but through the spacing of the piano chords and the strategic re-ordering of a standard four-chord loop between the verse and chorus to differentiate the narrative 'telling' from the emotional 'outburst'.

Adele wrote 'Hello' with producer Greg Kurstin. The writing process was slow, taking about six months to complete as Adele was struggling with writer's block. The song began with the opening line 'Hello, it's me' and was eventually finished in Los Angeles after initial sessions in London. It serves as a bridge between her younger self and the woman she had become.

Released in 2015 as the lead single for '25', 'Hello' solidified Adele's status as a global icon by breaking numerous sales and streaming records. The song serves as a 'make-up record' where the artist confronts her past and seeks closure with her former self.