From teases of a third chapter in his tale, just five years after the release of “After Hours” and three years since “Dawn FM,” comes the final album of The Weeknd’s last trilogy, “Hurry Up Tomorrow.”
The official announcement of the album title was posted on Instagram on Sept. 4, 2024, eight months after the hint of a trilogy in the making. However, due to the LA fires, the initial release date was pushed back to Jan. 31.
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” is a 22-tracklist album featuring artists such as the electronic duo Justice, Anitta, Travis Scott, Florence and the Machine, Future, Playboi Carti, Giorgio Moroder and pop icon Lana Del Rey.
The record also features production from industry giants Metro Boomin and Mike Dean.
Leading up to the album release, “Sāo Paulo” (ft. Anitta), and “Timeless” (ft. Playboi Carti), were the first singles; followed by the release of the single “Dancing In The Flame,” through Apple’s iPhone 16 promotional event. However, the single didn’t make it on the final tracklist.
The new album will accompany a feature film of the same name starring The Weeknd–real name Abel Tesfaye–Barry Keoghan and Jenna Ortega. The film follows Tesfaye as he portrays an exaggerated version of himself as he combats insomnia and is thrown into a psychological bender of self-revelation and existentialism. It is set for a May 16, release date.
Dating back to his first compilation album “Trilogy,” The Weeknd’s music shifted from an R&B composure to an emphasis on synth-pop, while still maintaining a dark tone to his lyrics. The Weeknd portrayed a world of heartbreak surrounded by drug abuse, illicit relationships and conflicted emotions captured through his music.
Our favorite Aspects of The Weeknd:
One thing we love about The Weeknd is that some of his album tracks are sequenced together smoothly. As a whole, it makes his albums become one, tying into the storytelling elements and building upon each song. This is important because the last track on this album, titled “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” seamlessly transitions to “High For This,” which is the first song on his debut album. It’s a full-circle moment, considering he had announced this would be the last album under “The Weeknd” persona.
This project isn’t only the culmination of the After Hours trilogy, but the end of The Weeknd as we know him. The artist plans to release all new music moving forward under his real name, Abel Tesfaye. Because of this, we get an almost out-of-body perspective for “Hurry Up Tomorrow.” While some dislike his decision to shed his alter ego, we think Tesfaye’s willingness to know when something should end speaks volumes of his storytelling instincts.
Anyah’s Picks
“Wake Me Up” was the perfect introduction to the album. The beginning of the song had an orchestral feel as he explains that there’s nothing left for him once he’s gone, the only thing he would leave behind is this legacy (aka his persona). Halfway through the song it turns into an 80s upbeat tempo as he pleads to be found by his love and get rid of this illusion. The second half reminded me of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”.
“Cry For Me” takes us back to the emotional pain of heartbreak. During the second verse, he emphasizes regret and wanting compassion from his past love knowing that his life is coming to an end. The beat appears to be very influenced by Brazilian funk, especially in the beginning just like “Sāo Paulo.”
“Baptized In Fear” focuses on becoming paralyzed by anxiety due to his regrets and sins. Repeating the lyric, “Voices’ll tell me that I should carry on” inflicts this inner conflict over whether he could overcome this fear that is consuming his body.
“I Can’t Wait To Get There” pushes the idea of reaching this goal of getting to a place in his life where all the trauma ends. It’s an awakening, and what helps this theme is the dream-like vocals playing in the background.
“Timeless” is an honorable mention because The Weeknd and Playboi Carti’s voices blend so well in this song. Pharrell Williams, one of the composers of the song explains the beautiful masterpiece. Also, seeing this song live at Camp Flog Gnaw back in November 2024 was an unbelievable experience!
Oscar’s Picks
“Reflections Laughing” is a self-reflective track in which Tesfaye ponders the isolation brought upon him by drugs, alcohol and empty relationships. Done in the style of a voicemail, a seductive voice is grilling him with these questions before she asks if he’s still in the city. Tesfaye suggests that the girls he’s encountered only care about the fame and mystique he carries, not his actual well-being. The back end of the song features pitched-down vocals from Travis Scott whose voice draws us back into the dream-like narrative.
“Enjoy The Show (feat. Future)” is Tesfaye recognizing that his struggles with addiction and lust were viewed as entertainment for the public. He’s not as young and reckless as he used to be, but these issues still linger for him. His decision-making isn’t always where it should be and Future serves as The Weeknd’s voice that eggs him on to fall deeper into the madness.
“Given Up On Me” sees Tesfaye up against dark temptations. He feels consumed by his own darkness, and can’t understand how someone could be involved with him knowing that. He also relents that he wouldn’t be able to live without them. It sounds like he’s talking about a girl but I think he could also be referring to his addictive tendencies; ones that have haunted him but he can’t seem to live without.
“Niagara Falls” samples “Someone to Love” by Jon. B and Babyface. The track is Tesfaye reminiscing of older memories with a lost love. This track uses its sample to create a smooth R&B/pop beat and is easily one of the catchiest tunes on the record.
“Take Me Back To LA” is another track that reflects on past love and stardom. Tesfaye mentions missing Los Angeles, the city where a large part of his smash album “Starboy” was created. This album not only launched The Weeknd into the mainstream, but it made him a household name. There was less pressure at that time. Tesfaye had been trying to make it in music for a while and the record’s success brought relief and endless possibilities for what could lay ahead. The track is a callback to “Escape From LA” which featured on his trilogy-opening “After Hours” record.
Our Overall Thoughts:
There’s something so beautiful about the way The Weeknd can create such a sinister yet melodic fantasy through his lyrics. Some may view it as too dark, but this persona creates an allure that keeps listeners addicted. This album was the perfect conclusion to his last trilogy. The last track ending in the opening notes of the beginning throws us in a loop perfectly showcasing The Weeknd’s journey making him able to create a new path for Tesfaye.
The Weeknd has been a staple in our playlists for over a decade and his music has served as the soundtrack to some of the key moments of our lives. Tesfaye’s growth, both personal and artistic, is apparent as you look through his discography. Through it all he’s stayed true to his own voice and storytelling, the evolution of which has remained an inspiration for us as artists.
