For her first new song in six years, Adele deviates from the expected show-stopping lead single — goodbye, “Hello.” Instead, the determinedly straightforward and achingly honest “Easy On Me” is a slow burn. Produced by frequent collaborator Greg Kurstin, Adele’s return single finds the British singer-songwriter acknowledging internal demons and the damage they’ve inflicted. It’s not a heartbreak anthem as much as a tentatively hopeful ballad from a woman emerging from an emotionally marooned period. Rough with feeling, Adele’s pliant vibrato stretches before leaping over an intense piano progression. “Easy On Me” is a plea: a reminder to oneself and a loved ones that giving up isn’t necessarily a failure and that even in our missteps, we’re worthy of tender patience. 30, Adele’s fourth studio album, will be released on Nov. 19.
