Adele returns to the charts with a TikTok hit almost a decade later

In early December 2024, Adele made headlines as her 2016 single 'Send My Love (To Your New Lover)' debuted on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart, coming in at No. 22. This marked a significant moment in her career, doubling her total number of hits on this particular chart. Prior to this, Adele's only other entry on the TikTok-focused tally was 'When We Were Young', which had reached No. 8 earlier in the same year, demonstrating her continued relevance in the music industry. The success of 'Send My Love (To Your New Lover)' is particularly interesting considering the song was originally released as a single from her album '25', which came out in late 2015. Despite the song being several years old, it has managed to resonate with a new generation of listeners, indicative of the evolving nature of music consumption in the digital age. This development also highlights the power of social media platforms like TikTok in reviving and popularizing older tracks, showing that music can take on new meanings as audiences change over time. Adele's inclusion on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 coincided with the conclusion of her Weekends with Adele residency in Las Vegas, which had been a significant event for both her and her many fans. The residency ran from 2022 until late November 2024, drawing thousands of attendees and showcasing her exceptional talent live. Following this run, Adele announced she would be taking an extended break to focus on her personal life, suggesting that while fans may not hear new music from her for a while, her existing catalog will continue to thrive. Interestingly, while Adele has released four albums in her career, her only hits on the TikTok chart have been from '25'. This album has proven to be a cornerstone of her success, with numerous classics such as 'Hello', 'Someone Like You', and 'Rolling in the Deep' not making it onto this specific chart. This trend suggests that artists' older works can be revitalized by social media, allowing for a fresh engagement with music that might have faded from the mainstream spotlight. With 21 new songs debuting on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 this week alone, it is evident that the platform is a significant player in reshaping how music is discovered and consumed today.