The Weeknd has officially released his long-awaited studio album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, through XO / Republic Records, marking the culmination of his critically acclaimed "After Hours" trilogy. Dropping on January 31, 2025, the album arrives after significant anticipation, especially following The Weeknd's record-breaking achievement of becoming the first artist to have 27 songs surpassing 1 billion streams on Spotify during 2024.
This new project, which serves as the third and final chapter of the series following After Hours (2020) and Dawn FM (2022), features contributions from notable artists including Lana Del Rey, Travis Scott, Future, Florence + the Machine, Giorgio Moroder, Playboi Carti, and Anitta, among others. The full track list spans 22 songs, totaling nearly 90 minutes, showcasing The Weeknd's artistic evolution and personal expression.
While Hurry Up Tomorrow was initially slated for release on January 24, the launch was postponed out of respect for those impacted by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. The Weeknd's charity efforts include donating proceeds from the album’s track "Take Me Back To LA" to the LA Regional Food Bank, which provides emergency food assistance to wildfire victims. "Proceeds from the album track 'Take Me Back To LA' will be donated to the LA Regional Food Bank," reported Variety.
Notably, The Weeknd chose to cancel his planned album release concert at Pasadena's Rose Bowl, redirecting his efforts to aid organizations like the LAFD Foundation and GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Fund, due to the crisis. His decision to donate $1 million reflected his commitment to helping affected communities.
The Weeknd also engaged fans through promotional activities surrounding the album's release. His appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! featured the performance of the new single "Open Hearts," which is already generating buzz as the next standout track from the album. The Weeknd has been known for his powerful performances, and this one was no different, drawing attention to the personal themes within his new music.
Fans can also look forward to the "Hurry Up Tomorrow Pop-Up Experience" set to occur from January 31 to February 2, 2025, taking place in New York City. This interactive art installation will not only transport fans through The Weeknd’s creative vision but will also feature exclusive merchandise, including leather jackets and album-related apparel. Interested fans can check for more details about the schedule and product offerings through major retailers.
Adding to the excitement, the album has left fans mesmerized with tracks such as "Reflections Laughing," featuring Travis Scott. Even though his guest vocals remain uncredited, fans quickly recognized Scott's voice on the popular track, heightening the anticipation surrounding the album. The Weeknd's lyrics often reflect themes of introspection and vulnerability, making his music relatable to many listeners.
Meanwhile, The Weeknd's announcement of starring alongside Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan in the upcoming film also titled Hurry Up Tomorrow has fans eagerly anticipating its release. Directed by Trey Edward Schults and set to debut exclusively in theaters on May 16, 2025, the film is reported to encapsulate the essence of The Weeknd's musical narrative and features new songs penned by the artist.
Reflecting on his artistic growth, The Weeknd hinted at significant changes for his future, stating, "Hurry Up Tomorrow is the final and most personal chapter of the trilogy." This suggests he may transition away from the Weeknd persona, reinforcing the notion of concluding one chapter as he opens up to new creative directions.
With the release of Hurry Up Tomorrow, The Weeknd continues to solidify his place as one of the most innovative artists of his generation, pushing boundaries and exploring new territories within the music industry. The integration of visual elements and personal storytelling ensures his work remains engaging, thought-provoking, and immensely impactful. Fans eagerly await what lies next for The Weeknd as he navigates this transformative period.