With 121.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, it’s safe to say The Weeknd has made his mark on the music industry.
When The Weeknd first made his debut in 2013 with his album “Kiss Land,” many had no idea what his approach was. However, it didn’t take long for people to come across his unique sound and raw talent. Over the past years, his growth has expanded, showing listeners the different styles he can work with and continuously making everyone fall in love with his music.
On Jan. 31, he released his final album, under the stage-name of The Weeknd, “Hurry Up Tomorrow.”
5. Red Terror: Track 20 – 3:51
When I first listened to this song, I thought it was nothing special, but the more I listened, the more I liked it. The song opens with an unsettling sound, and it progressively gets better and better. The song represents The Weeknd’s growth from a reckless lifestyle to a more grounded future. The chorus draws you in, and his vocals, like always, are amazing. Though this song might not reach billboards like some of the others, it’s more personal and touching.
4. I Can’t Wait To Get There: Track 12 – 3:08
Once again, a bit of a different song compared to the rest of the album; his vocals are sound great, and the background vocals tie everything together. The beat is catchy, and I can’t stop listening to this song. The song is about how he can’t wait to leave “The Weeknd,” persona behind and be himself instead. Although this is sad to hear, the presentation of the song makes the idea of him growing not such an upsetting thought.
3. Niagara Falls: Track 14 – 4:37
This song is unique from the others on the album, and I love it. His vocals, the beat, the lyrics, it all just works. It reminds me of 2010s Drake with the fun, upbeat instrumental. The ending is beautiful, and the transition into “Take Me Back To LA” is clean. Every time I play this song, it grows on me more and more, and I think it’s one of the more timeless songs on the album.
2. Enjoy The Show (feat. Future): Track 10 – 5:01
This song could’ve been my favorite as well. Once again, this song reminds me of The Weeknd’s earlier sound, and even piggybacks on some of his old lyrics. It reminds me of “Tell Your Friends” from the album “Beauty Behind Madness” with the more smooth R&B sound. The delivery of Future‘s feature was fitting for the song; even though it’s different than what he typically does. The toxicity we know from The Weeknd was very clear in this song, and it deserves more recognition.
1. Baptized in Fear: Track 6 – 3:52
Out of the 22 songs on the album, I knew instantly knew Baptized in Fear would be my favorite. This song is perfect to me, and I would even say this could be one of my favorite songs by him. As a fan of The Weeknd’s earlier discography, such as Trilogy and My Dear Melancholy, this song stood out to me. The deep lyrics and catchy melody definitely resemble the heartbreak and toxicity in his older sound.
Overall, this album has done nothing but impress me. I’ve always been a fan of The Weeknd, so knowing that this is his final album going by “The Weeknd” is bittersweet. However, the way he went back to his older vibe with some of the songs was a great way to close his career, and I will be listening to this album on repeat.
As his final goodbye, The Weeknd is going on his 2025 stadium tour, “After Hours Til Dawn Tour,” with Playboi Carti. If you’ve enjoyed this new album and his whole discography, check out the tickets.
