When We Were Young (Adele song)

"When We Were Young"
Single by Adele
from the album 25
Released	22 January 2016
Studio	Dean Street (London)
Genre	Soul
Length	4:50
Label	XL
Songwriter(s)	Adele Adkins Tobias Jesso Jr.
Producer(s)	Ariel Rechtshaid
Adele singles chronology
"Hello" (2015) "When We Were Young" (2016) "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)" (2016)

"When We Were Young" is a song by English singer Adele from her third studio album, 25 (2015). Adele and Tobias Jesso Jr. wrote the song, and Ariel Rechtshaid produced it. The song was written within three days in Los Angeles, after Adele struggled with writer's block during unfruitful early sessions for the album. XL Recordings released it as the album's second single on 22 January 2016. A soul ballad, the song has piano instrumentation that places emphasis on Adele's vocals. Inspired by the vision of meeting acquaintances at a party at an older age, it explores the fear of getting older and the loss of one's youth.

"When We Were Young" received acclaim from music critics, with praise directed towards its production and emotional lyrics. The song reached the top 10 in 11 countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Scotland. It received a 5× Platinum certification in Canada, a 3× Platinum certification in the UK, and a 2× Platinum certification in Denmark and Norway. A performance filmed at The Church Studios in London was released on Vevo. Adele performed the song during her television specials, and at Saturday Night Live, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and the Brit Awards 2016.