The Weeknd's 'Hurry Up Tomorrow': A 90-Minute Sonic Journey

The Weeknd's highly anticipated album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, the final installment of his After Hours trilogy, has finally arrived. Clocking in at a hefty 22 tracks and nearly 90 minutes, this release is not for the faint of heart. It boasts a star-studded lineup of collaborators, including Lana Del Rey, Travis Scott, Future, Florence + the Machine, Giorgio Moroder, Playboi Carti, and Anitta, among others, creating a sonic tapestry as diverse as it is ambitious.

A Cinematic Soundscape

This isn't just an album; it's a cinematic experience. Tesfaye, a noted cinephile, consistently weaves film influences into his work, and Hurry Up Tomorrow is the culmination of this approach. The album unfolds like a movie, with distinct characters (the collaborators), props (sounds like ringing telephones and clinking ice), and a narrative arc that paints Tesfaye as his signature brooding anti-hero. The upcoming film adaptation, starring Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan, scheduled for a May 16th release, further solidifies this cinematic ambition. The album’s themes of fame, love, and self-destruction are explored with a depth that is both fascinating and emotionally resonant. Songs like "Wake Me Up," produced by Justice, sets a dark, ominous tone which is present throughout the album.

The weight of fame and legacy

The album delves into the complexities of fame and its impact on Tesfaye’s personal life. Lyrics throughout the album hint at his struggles with fame and the pressure to maintain a certain image. He grapples with themes of self-doubt and the weight of expectations. He sings: "All I have is my legacy," setting the stage for an introspective journey. Many songs explore the duality of fame—the allure and the inherent darkness—this is exemplified by the contrast between the explosive energy of songs like “São Paulo” and the melancholic reflection found in tracks like “Take Me Back To LA.”

An Eclectic Mix of Genres

Hurry Up Tomorrow is a remarkable display of genre-bending. From the synth-driven energy of tracks like "Until We’re Skin & Bones" to the soulful R&B vibes of "Drive," the album seamlessly blends various sounds. The inclusion of collaborators from diverse musical backgrounds further adds to the album's eclectic nature. The collaboration with Giorgio Moroder on "Big Sleep" and the inclusion of Florence + The Machine and Travis Scott on "Reflections Laughing" demonstrates The Weeknd’s breadth of musicality and creativity. The use of samples, like the prominent Nina Simone sample on “Given Up On Me”, adds another layer of richness and complexity to the album’s already intricate soundscape.

Unexpected Collaborations

One of the most surprising aspects of the album is the unexpected presence of Lana Del Rey on “The Abyss”. The two artists previously joined forces for "Lust For Life" and The Weeknd’s “Prisoner,” but this collaboration elevates the album with Lana’s hauntingly beautiful vocals. The album’s collaborations extend beyond Lana Del Rey. The inclusion of artists like Anitta, Playboi Carti and Future inject different styles into the album, creating a dynamic mix of sounds.

A Fitting Finale or an Indulgent Sprawl?

With its extended runtime and vast array of collaborators, Hurry Up Tomorrow raises the question: is it a fitting finale to a celebrated trilogy, or simply an indulgent sprawl? While the album’s ambition is undeniable, its length might prove overwhelming for some listeners. While some tracks such as “Take Me Back To LA” are particularly poignant and reflective, others could be interpreted as filler, detracting from the overall cohesion. The album, however, is nothing short of ambitious and provides a deep dive into the complexities of the artist, Abel Tesfaye. The inclusion of the song “I Can’t Fucking Sing” highlights the artist’s self-awareness and vulnerability.

The Legacy of The Weeknd

The album is an exploration of self-identity, grappling with questions of fame, love, and mortality. Tesfaye’s closing statement, hinting at a potential retirement of the Weeknd persona, is emotionally weighty and adds to the already powerful narrative. The cyclical nature of the album, beginning with “Wake Me Up” and ending with an interpolation of "High For This" from his early mixtape, House of Balloons, adds a compelling narrative arc. It is certainly a defining album that displays The Weeknd's growth and evolution as an artist.

The album's release was delayed due to the Los Angeles wildfires, with proceeds from "Take Me Back To LA" going to the LA Regional Food Bank. The Weeknd donated $1 million to various relief funds and cancelled a concert.

Ultimately, Hurry Up Tomorrow is an experience that demands multiple listens to fully appreciate its nuances. It is a complex and ambitious album which is likely to elicit mixed reactions, but its rich tapestry of sound and deeply personal lyrics leaves a lasting impression. Its blend of experimental sounds, reflective lyrics, and unexpected collaborations cements The Weeknd’s standing as one of the most innovative and influential artists of our time.