Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, is retiring his famous moniker with “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” the third and final chapter of his 2020s trilogy composed of “After Hours” and “Dawn FM.” Released on Jan. 31, this 22-track album serves as the cinematic farewell to the persona that has defined his career to date.
The album opens with “Wake Me Up,” immediately setting the introspective theme across the album, sounding like an interpolation of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” in its ominous build-up and tonal shifts. The Weeknd delivers an emotional performance as he questions his struggles with fame and self-doubt.
Lyrically, “Hurry Up Tomorrow” is deeply reflective. The Weeknd grapples with existential questions, pondering his mortality and his personal demons. Songs, like “Reflections Laughing” and “Baptized in Fear,” express his struggles with identity and fame, while “Give Me Mercy” and “Drive” focus on religious redemption and acceptance.
Sonically, the album explores a wide range of styles over its 84-minute runtime. “Given Up On Me” starts with a smooth trap beat swiftly transforming into a classical piano ballad. “São Paulo” is directly inspired by Brazilian funk. “I Can’t Wait to Get There” channels an old-school R&B sound, adding a nostalgic touch. Meanwhile, synth-heavy tracks, like “Open Hearts,” showcase the versatility The Weeknd has to offer.
In this trilogy, “After Hours” embodied self-destruction and sin, followed by the purgatorial state explored in “Dawn FM.” The title track, “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” symbolizes the end of The Weeknd persona as he bids farewell to the character with an emotional plea for freedom from his past pain. This final track marks the turning point, allowing The Weeknd to emerge as someone new.
Despite the album’s towering tracklist of 22 songs, the quality remains cohesive throughout. The songs’ smooth transitions, innovative production and mature lyricism make “Hurry Up Tomorrow” a fitting conclusion to both The Weeknd’s trilogy and the character. It is a farewell message encapsulating who The Weeknd has become while hinting at what the rebirth of Abel Tesfaye may entail.
