Abel Tesfaye, known as The Weeknd, delivers a monumental 84-minute conclusion in his sixth studio album, ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow.’ This album serves as the final installment of his second trilogy and brings a poignant narrative centered on a deep yearning for peace.
The Weeknd has been in the limelight for over a decade, but how much does constant attention begin to dim one's inner light? This struggle appears to have been a significant challenge for him over the years. Now, he reveals the shadows that have followed him throughout his career and how profound that darkness can be. The crucial question is, where does he go from this point? With 22 tracks, ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ begins to shape that narrative and suggests that the persona familiar to the world may not persist.
As the album opens with "Wake Me Up," The Weeknd declares, "All I have is my legacy." Accompanied by haunting synth beats and echoing vocals, listeners feel as though they’ve been drawn into the depths of The Weeknd’s Wonderland. "Wake me up, come find me / It feels like I’m dying," his words resonate strikingly. Within moments, he captures the audience, compelling them to experience the entire album.
The transition into "Cry for Me" sends euphoric chills down the spine. The initial tracks create a strong grip on the listener, affirming that The Weeknd has crafted yet another profound work of art. In "Cry for Me," he reaches out for someone to pick up the phone, signaling the beginning of a long confession cloaked in the guise of a love narrative. The theme of death also weaves from the first track into this one, marking it as an important thread to follow.
The third track, "I Can’t F*ing Sing," cements that this narrative is deeply personal. Though just 12 seconds long, it carries immense intensity. The song references a Los Angeles performance he had to cut short due to losing his voice. "I saw my doctor the next day, and he said, ‘There’s nothing wrong with you — your vocal cords are inflamed, but nothing out of the ordinary,’" The Weeknd told Variety. This insight reveals that the cause of his struggles was largely mental, stemming from the pressure he had placed upon himself.
This album also highlights more than just The Weeknd’s journey. With a smooth shift, "São Paulo (feat. Anitta)" introduces a different tone and style compared to earlier tracks, yet it fits seamlessly within the album. This moment showcases The Weeknd’s ongoing evolution in sound and production as he has consistently done in previous works.
Following "Until We’re Skin & Bones," a brief 22-second techno track, The Weeknd’s creativity shines, presenting a new era of sound. This blend of past influences with fresh ideas reveals a narrative authenticity.
The sixth track, "Baptized in Fear," encapsulates the essence of the album. By this stage, listeners have a grasp of what to anticipate for the remainder of the record. Throughout his career, The Weeknd has excelled at creating intense yet emotionally resonant art that lingers with the audience. "Baptized in Fear" stands out as a significant track, illuminating the project’s underlying themes of hope and forgiveness.
The lyrics reflect an acknowledgment of the fear that has held him captive, as he speaks of trying to cleanse his soul of sin. By the time listeners reach "Open Hearts," The Weeknd feels fully visible. This upbeat track emanates an '80s vibe, enveloping listeners in a disco atmosphere, yet the lyrics paint a different picture, presenting a contrast between the joy of falling in love and the anxiety of potential heartbreak.
As the album progresses, it signals The Weeknd's transition into a new chapter. "Opening Night" alludes to his return after the LA show, featuring collaborations with artists like Travis Scott and Florence + The Machine. While “Reflections Laughing” explores a warped reality, “Enjoy the Show” confronts the darker aspects of fame.
The tracks that follow slow down the pace, encapsulating feelings of defeat and exhaustion which culminate in "Given Up on Me," where he states, “I’ve given up on me,” but finishes with a plea for others not to abandon him, revisiting the theme of hope.
As songs like "I Can’t Wait To Get There," "Timeless (feat. Playboi Carti)," and "Niagara Falls" further the narrative, there are hints of positivity emerging. However, "Take Me Back To LA" shifts the energy to a more uplifting tone, as he finds the courage to confront the city that has caused him distress.
This courage is echoed in "Big Sleep (feat. Giorgio Moroder)" and "Give Me Mercy," where he grapples with feelings of wasted time and seeks forgiveness from a higher power, expressing a desire for peace
An electrifying and uplifting anthem of hope and revival, "I See You in the Dark" rises with elegance and enthusiasm as DD Allen discovers closure in his past and potential in his future.
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Abel Tesfaye, known as The Weeknd, delivers a monumental 84-minute conclusion with his sixth studio album ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow.’ This marks the final installment of his second trilogy and wraps up a poignant narrative centered on a deep yearning for tranquility.