The Weeknd’s album “Hurry Up Tomorrow” was released on Jan. 31, following “After Hours” and “Dawn FM” as the final installment in his narrative arc trilogy. The album features collaborations with several notable artists from diverse genres including Future, Playboi Carti and Lana Del Rey.
The album does a stunning job delving into complex themes of The Weeknd’s burdens of fame, family conflicts and internal turmoils through a diverse range of sounds. Characterized by synth-heavy production as well as dark and thematic lyrics, “Hurry Up Tomorrow” may remind listeners of his original albums, such as “House of Balloons” and “Kiss Land” with its moody atmosphere. However, many songs, such as “Open Hearts” fall slightly short in bringing variety in progression and many tracks blend together without distincts shifts in structure as they lack the dynamic sounds of “After Hours” and “Dawn FM.”
“Baptized in Fear”
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” begins with “Baptized in Fear,” a moody opener featuring repetitive verses that sets the tone for the album’s deep themes highlighting The Weeknd’s own experiences. Despite its mediocre progression, the dark synth in the background brings back listeners to The Weeknd’s old tracks, which are both nostalgic and exciting.
“Timeless”
The energy gradually builds with “Timeless,” which was previously released as a single and is characterized by a faster and more exciting rhythm. As the most listened to song in the album, “Timeless” does not disappoint listeners with its elements of electric pop and synthwave sounds.
“São Paulo” and “Hurry Up Tomorrow”
The album reaches its peak with “São Paulo,” a track driven by a strong bass, dynamic melody and the feel of a concert-ready song. As the intensity fades, the album winds down in “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” a lyrical ballad with very emotional and genuine lyrics about love and facing the uncertain future.
A psychological thriller musical film adaptation of the album, sharing its title and directed by Trey Edward Shults, is set for theatrical release on May 16. Starring the Weeknd, Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan, the narrative centers a struggling musician plagued by insomnia who embarks on a journey with a mysterious stranger, leading to both self-discovery as well as self-destruction. The film is predicted to add to the narrative arc of the album and marks The Weeknd further expanding into a script-writer and actor, according to W Magazine.
The Weeknd’s “Hurry Up Tomorrow” serves as a farewell to the persona that Abel Tesfaye has built for his career in the past to become a more diverse artist, according to Stay Free Radio. Containing a diverse range of genres, the album does not disappoint fans and listeners alike.
