Adele new album: is a surprise release on the way? What we know so far

Is Adele about to come back? Reports in the British press this weekend claim the Tottenham-born singer has quietly finished her fifth studio album and could release it with little or no warning – possibly as soon as this month.

A senior music industry source was quoted as saying “I hear that it is done”. The same reports suggest the record could be called 39 and deal with fame and her relationship with London. None of this has been confirmed: Adele has not announced an album, and her management has denied reports that she has been recording in London with long-time collaborator Paul Epworth.

Why November?

The timing has fans paying attention: 30 came out in November 2021, and 19 November 2026 marks its fifth anniversary. Adele’s albums have historically landed in the run-up to Christmas, when record sales are at their highest – 25 arrived in November 2015.

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A London return?

Adele last played London in 2022, when she headlined two nights at BST Hyde Park in front of around 65,000 people a night. Reports say she is considering a small number of major UK concerts next summer, which would be her first home shows in five years.

This story is based on unconfirmed reports. We’ll update it as soon as Adele or her label says anything official.