Abel Makkonen Tesfaye—more commonly known as The Weeknd—released his sixth studio album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, on January 31, 2025. With this project, Tesfaye is using this album as a “farewell” to his 15-year career. It is unclear if this is his final album; however, fans are speculating that he’ll notably release more music just under a different name or his real name, marking a dark, reflective journey.
The 22-track album, spanning under 85 minutes, is the final installment of the trilogy that consists of “After Hours,” released in 2020, and “Dawn FM,” released in 2022. Additionally, there are features such as Justice, Anitta, Travis Scott, Florence + the Machine, Future, Playboi Carti, Giorgio Moroder, and Lana Del Rey.
This Canadian R&B artist is no stranger to global success; landing his fifth No.1 Album on the Billboard 200 on February 15, 2025. However, he has also had seven number-one hits on the Billboard 100; “Blinding Lights,” “Save Your Tears,” “Die For You,” “The Hills,” “Can’t Feel My Face,” “Starboy,” and “Heartless.” All the while winning a total of 176 awards throughout his career. Those include four Grammys, twenty-two Juno awards, and twenty Billboard music awards.
The album’s Opening Track, “Wake Me Up,” dives into the reality of loneliness and death with its dark lyricism. The song is split into two sections. The beginning with a slower, darker sound, especially when he sings, “All I have is my legacy / I have been losing my memory / No afterlife, no other side / I’m all alone when it fades to black.” Then, there’s a seamless transition to upbeat and melodic closing.
Hurry Up Tomorrow consists of many genres and has a more varied production compared to his previous albums, which all contain the same sounds and themes. Sensual, sexual, and and a longing for women’s attention. There are a handful of songs on this new album that covey a similar feel, but they also have a unique beat. For example, “Cry For Me” has the same sensual undertones while having a Brazilian funk sound to it.
This album undoubtedly showcases Tesfaye’s talent and versatility, however, as the album progresses, it sounds like a cry for help and forgiveness. In his song, “Give Me Mercy,” he says, “Hoping that it’s worth all the bleeding / When I’m Defeated / Give me mercy as you do / and forgive me like you do / Hope that you see me (Hope that you see me) when I’m depleted.”
As a whole, this album is a peaceful way to finish out The Weeknd’s career. Hurry Up Tomorrow will go down in history with a variety of styles and relatable themes spread throughout.
7/10
Ranking of So Close To What Tracks
This list is curated based on originality, creativity, and the overall enjoyment each song delivers.
- Cry For Me
- Hurry Up Tomorrow
- Wake Me Up
- The Abyss
- Reflections Laughing
- Open Hearts
- Sao Paulo
- Timeless
- Red Terror
- Drive
- Give Me Mercy
- I Can’t F–ing Sing
- Baptized In Fear
- Niagara Falls
- Take Me Back To LA
- Given Up On Me
- I Can’t Wait To Get There
- Big Sleep
- Opening Night
- Without a Warning
- Enjoy The Show
- Until We’re Skin & Bones
