It is absolute nonsense that this will be the last album by the Weeknd. He has hinted that he might “kill” his alter ego and start again as Abel Tesfaye. He has also hinted that he might retire from music altogether, and I simply ain’t buying it despite what it says on the opening track ‘Wake Me Up’ on the intro. The album is the trilogy’s final part that includes “After Hours” and “Dawn FM”, both of which I have previously reviewed. Once again, the record is full of synthesisers and nods to that 80s retro sound, a style that has been a defining feature of his music of late. The only plausible reason this might be the final album is that he lost his voice onstage during a concert in 2022. He believes that it was some sign to tell him to stop while he was at his peak.
Abel went into acting in 2023 when he starred in The Idol, which could be another reason he wants to leave music behind. However, after hearing about the drama, it appears he should stick to music. Of course, on his previous album, “Dawn FM,” which was about a radio station in the afterlife, he talked about the end of his alter ego, but this time, he does appear to be hinting at leaving music.
His latest instalment, “Hurry up Tomorrow”, kind of acts as a film as it lasts 88 minutes. He has the legendary Giorgio Moroder on ‘Big Sleep’, which features the score from Scarface, and there is a nod to the film Eraserhead. I heard Abel also wrote a film to accompany the record. It is not your usual short film for an artist, but a full-length film starring him. There are several covers for the sleeve, and the used for streaming platforms looks like a film poster. Again, with these two things alone, Abel is hinting that his heart now belongs on screen.
Unlike his previous albums, where his alter ego’s malevolent nature was a dominant theme, this album presents a more nuanced perspective. The evil side of his alter ego is a rare occurrence, adding an element of intrigue and curiosity for the audience.
While the production is mostly enjoyable, the lyrics and subject matter fall short. If this is the artist’s final work, it’s a departure that lacks his usual style. The constant lamenting about wealth and fame becomes tiresome. Is it a great shame that this is how he has chosen to exit the music scene? The title track that concludes the record holds a surprise-a hidden track featuring a section of his legendary ‘The Hills’. This hidden gem serves as a reminder of the artist’s legacy, but it’s a bittersweet note to end on.
Song recommendations: ‘Big Sleep’, ‘Wake me up’, ‘Hurry up Tomorrow”
7/10
Honest Opinions 