The Weeknd’s Emotional Farewell: Hurry Up Tomorrow Album Review

Hurry Up Tomorrow: An emotional goodbye

In September 2022, during the After Hours Till Dawn tour, The Weeknd lost his voice in front of a stadium full of more than 80,000 people in the SoFi Stadium who were waiting for him to come out and give a performance. This incident shapes a lot of this album and his career from this point onwards. ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ is The Weeknd’s 6th studio album and marks the end of his ongoing trilogy that started with the 2020 album ‘After Hours’ followed by the 2022 album ‘Dawn FM’. This album also marks the end of Abel Tesfaye’s stint as The Weeknd character, which makes the stakes for this album much higher. ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ is a fitting farewell to a beloved character with 22 songs and a length spanning over an hour, the record is an emotional goodbye to The Weeknd. The record is an operatic enigma that serves as the ultimate climax to his 2020s album trilogy and The Weeknd character. With maybe some of Abel’s best singing to date and thematic themes that are a fitting end to the artist’s quirky career, it showcases even more sonic exploration than before. Abel assembles the dream team of producers to lay out the foundation of this album with the likes of Mike Dean, Metro Boomin, Justice, Oneotrix Point Never, Max Martin, Pharell Williams and even the legendary Georgio Moroder who deliver their best performance to increase the cinematic value of the album. The production on the album is so good that the album never feels long or boring even with its staggering length. On the lyrical side, the album explores themes of regret, remorse, denial, and ultimately belief. ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ sees Abel at some of his most vulnerable and personal moments, something we have seen him do a lot of times but not with this intensity.

Let’s take a deep dive into the album and see how it sounds:

• Wake Me Up: On the opener, we see The Weeknd in a dazed and confused state as he sings “No afterlife, no other side I’m all alone when it fades to black”. The song starts of cinematically with Abel’s voice echoing over synths that transform into a “Thriller” inspired synth-pop banger creatively interpolating the main theme from “Scarface”. Co-produced by French electronic duo Justice, Oneohtrix Point Never, and MIKE DEAN this intro cut is one of the strongest openers we have seen from The Weeknd. He embraces his vulnerability with lines like “Are you real or are you an illusion?, ‘Cause I fear your love’s my delusion.”. The blurred lines between real and illusion truly start this album off on the perfect note. 

• Cry For Me: The second track switches up the vibe with The Weeknd’s take on a distorted house beat which transforms into a booming trap beat thanks to Metro Boomin. The Weeknd can be seen lamenting over the struggles of being on the road and the troubles that it makes him face in his relationship (“Every time I hit the road, it takes a little piece of me Kills me slowly”). His powerful and emotionally charged delivery puts his pain forward. The melancholic tone and haunting vocals gives me the impression that he indirectly addresses his fans by personifying them as a woman he is in a relationship with. 

• I Can’t F*** Sing: The skit “I Can’t Fucking Sing” is a direct reference to an occasion in which Abel’s voice cracked during “Alone Again” as he was opening one of the biggest concerts of his entire career at SoFi Stadium, forcing him to end the performance entirely. This incident becomes an important part of this album and his career as The Weeknd. In a video from the concert, you can see Abel tearing up while apologizing to his fans, as some of the attendees booed him for canceling the show. This skit seamlessly transitions into the next song, something that we will see a lot on this album. 

• Sao Paulo: The Weeknd and Mike Dean making a Brazilian Funk banger along with Anitta was not something I was expecting to hear and certainly not something that I hoped would enhance the sonic scape of the album when I heard it as a single. The track begins the two-faced narrative of ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ as you can hear The Weeknd face off for the first time. The Weeknd talks about how he enjoys the perks he gets from fame and success, while Abel tries to escape this toxic cycle he has been in. The growling synths and drums add a dramatic effect while Anitta’s chorus brings the Brazilian vibe to the entire track. Sao Paulo is a club banger for ages. 

• Until We’re Skin & Bones: The song, produced by OPN, The Weeknd, and Mike Dean is a fast-paced, synth-filled instrumental track that ties the previous song ‘Sao Paulo’ into ‘Baptized by Fire’. The later part of the song transports us into the next track with SiFIesque synths sounding very similar to being transported into a portal. 

• Baptized by Fear: In “Baptized in Fear,” The Weeknd delves into the intense emotions of guilt and regret. He finds himself ensnared in a state of both physical and emotional stillness, representing the heavy burden of his past errors which he symbolizes by showing him drowning in a bathtub. Confronting his inner turmoil, the song examines how fear and self-reflection can take over one’s life. “Baptized in Fear” vividly portrays the battle to break free from the shadows that linger inside. The track is a slow jam produced by OPN, The Weeknd and Mike Dean which hits a crescendo at the end with The Weend’s voice soaring as he sings “Voices will tell me that i should carry on”,

• Open Hearts: The transition from ‘Baptized by Fear’ to ‘Open Hearts’ is the best transition I have ever heard. ‘Open Hearts’, produced by pop juggernauts Max Martin and Oscar Halter along with The Weeknd, is a massive synth-pop banger, cut from the same cloth as “Blinding Lights”, “Save Your Tears”, or anything from Dawn FM but The Weeknd’s sorrowful singing makes it even more grandiose. The cut explores themes of healing from heartbreak and learning to love again as he rediscovers himself with the help of his guiding angel who he personifies as his newfound love interest.

• Opening Night: Opening Night acts as a gentle prelude to the subsequent song, Reflections Laughing. Produced by The Weeknd, OPN, and Mike Dean, the opening segment of the track presents a dreamy, fragmented rendition of a phone error message, establishing a phone call theme that connects these two tracks. The lyrics convey one side of a dialogue, reflecting the anxious emotions The Weeknd experiences leading up to a significant opening night. As the song concludes, a ringing tone emerges, smoothly guiding us into the next piece.

• Reflections Laughing: The acoustic-laden “Reflections Laughing” echoes the guitars of “Rolling Stone” but with an anthemic tone with the help of choir-like vocals. In “Reflections Laughing,” The Weeknd collaborates with Travis Scott and Florence + the Machine to delve into the complexities of fame, introspection, and vulnerability. This track takes listeners on an emotional journey through the highs and lows of stardom, presenting a haunting yet reflective perspective on the challenges that accompany success. The Weeknd’s signature, emotive vocals convey a sense of sadness and uncertainty, while his thoughtful lyrics reveal the more troubling aspects of fame, where moments of joy often collide with feelings of loneliness. Additionally, halfway through the song, The Weeknd receives a call from Chxrry22, directly linking back to their earlier conversation in “Opening Night”. In this moment, she voices her worries about his state of mind, but her voice gradually fades as he continues to sip from his glass, symbolizing the internal battles and emotional detachment that permeate the track. This is followed by Travis Scott in a deep voice echoing the voice of The Weeknd as he takes over Abel. 

• Enjoy The Show: ‘Enjoy the Show’ takes us into the trance-like state that The Weeknd enters in the previous song after Abel lets him take over him. Abel delivers a heartfelt exploration of his tumultuous relationship with drugs, diving into the allure of substance use and the toll it takes on his body and mind. This theme resonates deeply with the music of Future as well. He frames his struggle with addiction as a complex relationship, recognizing the detrimental impact it has on his health and prompting him to confront his own mortality. Despite this, he encourages listeners to simply “enjoy the show” while they can. 

• Given Up On Me:  You see Abel at his vulnerable best on ‘Given Up On Me’ as he croons about his toxic relationship with The Weeknd character and the toxicity that it brings along with it. As the track approaches it’s grim crescendo, the beat switches to a very somber piano piece where Abel finally sees the better part of life in the form of sunshine. His vocal delivery is at his vulnerable best when he is on the precipice of a better tomorrow. Interestingly, The first part of the song is produced by Metro Boomin and was featured in a beatmaking tutorial he posted on his youtube channel in 2023. 

• I Can’t Wait To Get There: On this glittery RnB cut, Abel reminisces about the achievements and accolades he has collected over the years and the toxicity that comes with him associating with The Weeknd. This song shares thematic similarities to “Snowchild” from After Hours and “Here We Go Again” from Dawn FM as the braggadocious rnb cut from each album of the trilogy. 

• Timeless: You know when Pharell is credited on a track, it is gonna go incredibly hard. Timeless is the Trap banger from the record, where both The Weeknd and Playboi Carti give great performances. This new track delves into the complexities of self-identity, the allure of fame, and the fleeting nature of relationships in the glitzy yet often superficial realm of celebrity culture. The artists perfectly complement the vibrant, trap-infused production crafted by Pharrell Williams, Ojivolta, MIKE DEAN, and Twisco. As a single, it felt difficult to place this track in the context of the album but it is perfectly placed in the story. With lines like “XO Tatted all over her body”, this is bound to go down as a fan favorite. 

• Niagara Falls: The song opens up with a chipmunk sample of “Someone to Love” by Jon B and Babyface and progresses into a futuristic synth-based Rnb crooner with Mike Dean going absolutely crazy on the bass guitar. Set against the stunning scenery of  Niagara Falls, a site that embodies romance and fleeting experiences, the song delves into the intricacies of a lost relationship, emphasizing themes of love, remorse, and introspection. With striking imagery, The Weeknd shares his emotional odyssey, traversing the gap between who he once was and the person he has evolved into. The juxtaposition of the song’s two parts reflects the emotional journey within the lyrics—shifting from reminiscing to recognizing transformation and personal development. 

• Take Me Back to LA: In March 2022, shortly after the release of After Hours, The Weeknd came live on instagram to preview a few songs, one of which was Take Me Back to LA and fans have since been waiting to get to hear this track. The cut goes deep into The Weeknd’s love/hate relationship with LA and how the place takes his essence away yet he still yearns to go back. The production by Mike Dean and The Weeknd invokes nostalgia in the minds of the listeners with some of the most beautiful synths on the entire project. All I can say is the wait to hear this cut was worth it. 

• Big Sleep: “Big Sleep” starts off with the snippet, which fans have been calling “I love it when you’re angry”, previewed in the announcement post for the ‘After Hours Till Dawn’ tour in 2021 and progresses into one of the most cinematic songs The Weeknd has ever made. The grand synths by Geiorgio Moroder have movie soundtrack written all over them as Abel shouts his way back to life from the shackles to The Weeknd. The song showcases Abel in a deeply reflective state, contemplating his life decisions and the achievements he’s made as The Weeknd, which he surprisingly views as insignificant. He expresses a sense of having squandered his “borrowed” existence, feeling trapped in a cycle of indulgence and excess.

• Give Me Mercy: As the tracklist comes into its final leg we hear triumphant synths open ‘Give Me Mercy’ as the fight between The Weeknd and Abel finally comes to an end, and good prevails over bad. The Weeknd, OPN, Max Martin ,and Oscar Halter give this track a heavenly gospel soundscape as Abel begs the lord for mercy from his sins. This track represents a genuine moment of spiritual awakening for Abel, as he seeks divine forgiveness for his past actions while striving to become a better individual in the future.

• Drive: Another OPN and The Weeknd production, this slick and stylish cut shows Abel thinking about his life forward in a more optimistic tone. Abel talks about shedding his former self calling fame and its byproduct a disease. He sees the light in the future and is excited to take that journey. 

• The Abyss: ‘The Abyss’ is grand and beautiful. The Weeknd, OPN, and Mike Dean create a world in the song that goes perfectly with the lyrics of remorse and regret of a lost connection. As the drums grow louder the voice of Abel echoes his pains most poignantly and grandly possible. It sounds like the world is erruputing into flames as Abel sings about his lost love interest. Abel is lamenting the loss of someone who is very close to him and Lana Del Ray’s guest vocals add a huskiness that plays well off The Weeknd’s croons. Just like all their previous collaborations, this one stands out as well. 

• Red Terror: The Red Terror was the official Bolshevik policy of extreme violence aimed at crushing all political opposition during the Civil War, hailing from Ethiopia himself, the term hold significant importance in the life of Abel and his family. With ‘Red Terror’, the album explores the electro-pop genre with OPN’s and The Weeknd’s production soaring while Abel sings from the perspective of his mother trying to protect her child from the frightening world. The lyrics tell a story of separated parental guidance, while the singer guarantees their return despite the distance. The song ends with an outro inspired by a poem from called “Death is Nothing At All” by Henry Scott-Holland, reminiscent of the Dawn FM skit “Every Angel Is Terrifying”.

• Without A Warning: Without A Warning is a triumphant moment of vulnerability from Abel, which acts as a love letter to his fans. The production is insane, as it starts off very slowly but goes into these insane trap drums. This track features one of the most powerful choruses by The Weeknd in his entire career, as he sings “Even if the world wants me to fail, The crowd will scream, the crowd will scream my name” you can hear his eagerness to see tomorrow while he puts his faith in his fans and his supporters who have held his back even in the toughest times. 

• Hurry Up Tomorrow: The Weeknd and titular tracks have always delivered and here it does the same. “Hurry Up Tomorrow” closes the album with Abel’s longing for heaven and his desire for forgiveness. He strips the production back to the basic and lets his somber delivery do most of the talking. The grand ballad concludes the album, marking Abel’s transition into the light of Heaven and bidding farewell to The Weeknd for good. He longs to escape the suffering and remorse that have haunted him since 2010 (“I want heaven when I die, I wanna change. I want the pain no more, no more, no more.”) 

On the 10th track, “Enjoy The Show”, The Weeknd sings “I don’t want to make it past 34” and on the day of his birthday, he posted a picture on Instagram with the caption “It is finally tomorrow”, signifying the end of The Weeknd and the birth of Abel. I can’t say enough good things about Hurry Up Tomorrow. This album was a fantastic experience from beginning to end, and it’s one of the rare 20+ track albums that kept me engaged the whole time. The diverse production styles added an exciting twist, enabling both the producers and Abel to explore new sonic territories. The overall arrangement, collaborations, and vocal performances were all top-notch. Moreover, the lyrics and themes resonated perfectly, especially considering this might be The Weeknd’s final bow. As a fan of The Weeknd since the beginning, I couldn’t have asked for anything else from him. Whatever the future holds in store for us, this trilogy will go down as one of the best 3 album runs in history and will solidify The Weeknd as the greatest of his generation. 

Thank you for the music and the memories.