Titled as a reflection of her life and frame of mind at 25 years old, 25 is a 'make-up record.' The album's lyrical content features themes of Adele 'yearning for her old self, her nostalgia,' and 'melancholia about the passage of time,' according to an interview with Adele by Rolling Stone, as well as themes of motherhood and regret. According to the singer, the album's title is a reflection of her when she was 25 and the frame of mind she was in during that age. In 2013, Adele had a breakthrough and the material that eventually became 25 manifested, with writing and recording continuing through to 2015.

During her sabbatical, she suffered with writer's block and rescheduled the album's studio sessions fearing she had lost her ability to write songs. However, Adele decided to take a hiatus instead and raise her son. Following the release and international success of Adele's second studio album 21 (2011), she had considered quitting the music industry and going out on a positive note. It was released on Novemthrough XL Recordings. 25 is the third studio album recorded by Adele.

Adele 25 target deluxe edition cover