The Weeknd’s ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ Review: A Glimpse into the Darker Side of the Multi-Talented Superstar
In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary R&B, few artists have captivated audiences as profoundly as The Weeknd. With a career spanning over a decade, Abel Tesfaye has consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre, exploring the depths of darkness, desire, and despair. His latest project, ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’, is a sonic tapestry woven from the threads of his signature atmospheric soundscapes and introspective lyrics. Set to premiere on The Michigan Daily, this review delves into the intricacies of The Weeknd’s latest offering, a testament to his unwavering commitment to artistic innovation and unflinching self-discovery.
Orchestral Instrumentals and Dynamic Beats
Examining the album’s musical style and Justice’s production on “Wake Me Up” – The Michigan Daily
The album opens with “Wake Me Up” featuring Justice, a classic example of Tesfaye’s usual fusion of orchestral instrumentals and anchored yet dynamic beats. While preceding albums such as After Hours and Dawn FM also touch on similar themes of escapism and loneliness following a relationship, the vulnerability presented in Hurry Up Tomorrow – first introduced by this opening track – takes the album to a level of individuality and expression rarely experienced by fans before.
Conversations on death, rebirth and battling with oneself are prevalent throughout the first track. Peppered with lyrics like “I been losing my memory / No afterlife, no other side,” these themes of feeling lost and void of a purpose prevail throughout the album.
Cinematic and Epic Feel
Discussing the album’s ability to weave songs together like a movie
Tracks “I Can’t Fucking Sing,” “Until We’re Skin & Bones” and “Opening Night” serve as the answer, giving listeners a breather in the early stages of the album without straying from the central themes. “I Can’t Fucking Sing,” a skit preceding “São Paulo,” seems to reference the SoFi Stadium incident, a concert that ended prematurely after Tesfaye lost his voice, leaving fans confused and hurt to the point some began to jeer as he retired from the stage.
The 12-second interlude provides a rare vulnerable insight into Tesfaye’s persistent guilt over disappointing his fans. These moments truly transform the album – gradually blooming from just a collection of songs into a reflective window revealing Tesfaye’s life and enlightenment.
Unique Collaborations and Features
Analyzing the contributions of Anitta, Travis Scott, and Florence + The Machine
“Reflections Laughing” is like being inside of the movie. By far the most narratively rich song of the entire song, it is so immersive and words cannot describe the atmosphere this song has. The features of the song also fit in perfectly and once you pick up on the story it’s truly captivating.
Another notable collaboration is “Sãu Paulo” featuring Anitta. Taking heavy inspiration from Brazilian funk and collaborating with famous singer Anitta, this is one of the most unique songs in Tesfaye’s catalog. It’s one of those songs that makes you tilt your head a little the first time you listen to it, but after a listen or two you start to get it.
The Weeknd’s Storytelling and Vulnerability
A Window into Tesfaye’s Life and Enlightenment
Exploring the album’s narrative and biblical allusions
Hurry Up Tomorrow sprinkles biblical allusions throughout, strengthening the album’s narrative and accompanying Tesfaye’s anecdotal experiences. Titles such as “Baptized in Fear” and “Give Me Mercy” incorporate religious vocabulary. Intertwined with these references are darker moments, detailing Tesfaye’s struggles with mental health and addiction within his journey as a flourishing artist.
Vulnerability and Relatability
Discussing the album’s ability to make listeners feel connected to Tesfaye’s experiences
The listener witnesses his turn to a higher power in an attempt to understand the darkness and heaviness in his life. The chorale-like verses play as an answer from a divine power itself, both lyrically sparse while meaningfully ambiguous, allowing the listener to determine the message for themself.
A Swan Song of Regrets, Lessons, and Fears
Analyzing the album’s conclusion, “Hurry Up Tomorrow”
The album concludes with “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” a beautifully heartbreaking and vulnerable swan song which Tesfaye pours all his regrets, lessons, fears and hopes into. The simple crisp vocals and orchestral instrumentals almost make
Conclusion
As we conclude our review of The Weeknd’s ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ in The Michigan Daily, it’s clear that this album is a scathing critique of the superficiality and decay of modern society. The Weeknd masterfully weaves a narrative of longing, desperation, and disillusionment, drawing listeners into a world of dark nostalgia and eerie intimacy. Throughout the album, he tackles themes of love, addiction, and the search for authenticity, all while maintaining a sense of sonic cohesion and emotional depth.
The significance of ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ lies in its unflinching portrayal of the darker aspects of human nature, and the ways in which societal pressures can lead to emotional numbness and disconnection. The Weeknd’s music serves as a powerful commentary on the consequences of chasing fleeting pleasures and ignoring the consequences of our actions. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ invites us to confront the shadows within ourselves and to question the values that drive our society.
As we move forward into an uncertain future, it’s essential that we take heed of The Weeknd’s warnings and reflections. In a world where the lines between reality and illusion are increasingly blurred, ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ stands as a haunting reminder of the importance of empathy, vulnerability, and authenticity. As The Weeknd so hauntingly puts it, “the future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: we’re all just trying to find our way through the darkness.”
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