The Weeknd's sixth studio album, "Hurry Up Tomorrow," has officially dropped, bringing excitement and expectation from fans eager to see what the Canadian superstar has to offer. Released on January 31, 2025, the album is filled with 22 tracks stretching over 84 minutes, marking the conclusion of what has become known as his trilogy since 2020’s "After Hours" and 2022’s "Dawn FM."
Much like the titular phrase, the album feels like a significant closure, exploring themes of mortality, fame, and love, all wrapped up within the producer's distinctive sound—an intersection of dark R&B and synth-heavy pop.
The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, hinted earlier this year at this possibly being his last project under the alias “The Weeknd.” The release followed several delays initially slated for January 24, 2025, but postponed out of respect for victims of California wildfires, during which he expressed goodwill by donating $1 million to relief efforts and committing all proceeds from his song, "Take Me Back to L.A.," to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
Musically, "Hurry Up Tomorrow" brings back quintessential characteristics of The Weeknd's previous work, straddling high-energy and reflective moments. The first track, "Wake Me Up," sets the tone with somber discussions of mortality, encapsulated within synth-driven melodies. An early standout, "Cry For Me," reminiscent of his hit "The Hills," promising potential radio success with its intoxicative dark synth layers and haunting lyrics.
Tracks like "Baptized in Fear" and "Open Hearts" showcase the artist's knack for melding introspective lyrical themes with engaging pop instrumentation. Collaborators like Max Martin, known for his work on hits like "Can’t Feel My Face" and "Save Your Tears," add to the album’s allure, with features from hip-hop icons like Travis Scott, Future, and even Lana Del Rey illuminating the project's diverse sound palette.
Despite the explorations of varied styles, some listeners may feel parts of the album, such as "Timeless" featuring Playboi Carti, feel disjointed. Critics have noted weaknesses surrounding lyrical content—some expressed sentimentality resorts to being slightly cliché, as seen in tracks like "Niagara Falls," which fails to confront the artist's aspirations with substantial success.
Yet, the record concludes with compelling tracks. The title track, "Hurry Up Tomorrow," offers haunting reflections on Tesfaye's legacy and the potential closure of his time as The Weeknd. The emotional weight of the final song resonates as he sings, “I have no more fights left to win,” fueling speculation surrounding his potential retirement from this iconic persona.
The stirring finale feels like the curtain dropping after 14 storied years, leaving fans with plenty of sentiments to unpack over the coming months. Album reviews reflect mixed receptions, with critics acknowledging its ambition set against various missteps. "Hurry Up Tomorrow" may not achieve the brilliance of his previous projects like "Dawn FM," regarded as his career-best, yet its heart offers insight and retrospection for listeners.
For now, The Weeknd appears ready to leave behind his populist persona, possibly for other artistic endeavors, including his planned feature film inspired by this new album, slated for release on May 16, 2025. Is "Hurry Up Tomorrow" truly the finale of The Weeknd? Only time will tell, but its arrival marks the end of one of the most compelling narratives of modern pop music, encapsulating both euphoria and the inevitable comedown.
Whether this chapter closes the artistic evolution of The Weeknd or simply marks the beginning of something new, fans worldwide will continue to embrace the complex emotions embodied within the enduring tracks of "Hurry Up Tomorrow."