“Hurry Up Tomorrow” A Powerful Farewell That Marks the End of The Weeknd’s Journey

Abel Tesfaye lays The Weeknd to rest in his sixth studio album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, released on January 31, 2025. As the final chapter of the After Hours trilogy, this album marks the end of his era as The Weeknd. It also serves as the conclusion of his second trilogy, cementing his legacy in music history.

With iconic features from Travis Scott, Lana Del Rey, and more, alongside his signature synths and pop sound, Tesfaye delivers a stunning farewell to the persona that defined him for over a decade.

Killing The Weeknd: A Long-Awaited Goodbye

Tesfaye has long hinted at the end of The Weeknd. In a 2023 interview with W Magazine, he revealed:

“It’s getting to a place and time where I’m getting ready to close the Weeknd chapter… I’ll still make music, maybe as Abel, maybe as The Weeknd. But I still want to kill The Weeknd. And I will.”

Hurry Up Tomorrow is the culmination of those words—an album filled with introspection, religious themes, and a desperate search for redemption.

“Wake Me Up”: A Haunting Introduction

The album opens with “Wake Me Up,” a two-part track that blends ominous synths with a groovy transition, sampling Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

Here, Tesfaye questions God’s existence and pleads to be woken up—possibly from the self-destructive lifestyle he has lived as The Weeknd. This spiritual quest is a fresh theme in his discography, setting the tone for the album’s deeply personal nature.

A Shift in The Weeknd’s Spiritual Journey

Unlike his previous works—where he expressed skepticism or indifference toward spirituality—this album sees him yearning for a relationship with God.

A stark contrast to songs like “Faith” from After Hours, Hurry Up Tomorrow dives into Tesfaye’s struggles with addiction, self-doubt, and internal battles, hinting at a new desire to break free.

“I Can’t F-ing Sing”—A” Painful Reflection

Among the 22 tracks, one unexpected moment stands out: the 12-second skit, “I Can’t F-ing Sing.”

It references his 2022 Los Angeles concert, where he lost his voice mid-show, forcing him to cancel. In the skit, Tesfaye laments:

“I can’t sing… I can’t f— sing.”

This raw moment highlights the emotional toll of his career, reinforcing the album’s introspective and farewell-driven nature.

“Cry For” Me”—The Burden of Fame

Another standout track, “Cry For Me,” showcases Tesfaye’s exhaustion with touring life.

He sings:

“‘Cause this stage took a toll, been faded on the floor.”

The relentless cycle of performing, partying, and numbing the pain through substances is a recurring struggle he openly addresses.

“Baptized in Fear”: A Drug-Induced Nightmare

Tesfaye doesn’t shy away from his battle with addiction.

On “Baptized in Fear,” he vividly describes a drug-induced sleep paralysis, layered over haunting instrumentals that capture the sheer anxiety and regret of his past lifestyle.

“Enjoy The Show”: The Highs and Lows of Fame

The Future-assisted track, “Enjoy The Show,” further explores Tesfaye’s toxic relationship with drugs and music.

In the final verse, he sings:

“Take another hit, or my music, they won’t feel it.”

This chilling confession reveals how he felt pressure to stay under the influence just to maintain the artistry of The Weeknd.

“Big Sleep”: The Death of The Weeknd

The album reaches a powerful climax with “Big Sleep”—a cinematic masterpiece symbolizing death.

Laced with low-pitched vocals and eerie synths, the lyrics:

“Now I lay me down to sleep / Pray the Lord my soul to keep,”

confirm that The Weeknd’s story is coming to an end.

“Give Me Mercy”—A” Plea for Redemption

Right after “Big Sleep,” the feel-good anthem “Give Me Mercy” shifts the tone.

Here, Tesfaye begs for God’s forgiveness as he prepares to be reborn into a new identity—marking the end of The Weeknd and the beginning of Abel Tesfaye’s next chapter.

A Funeral for The Weeknd’s Past

The latter half of the album feels like a eulogy for Tesfaye’s journey as The Weeknd.

Songs like “Red Terror” pay tribute to his mother, while others reflect on his successes, failures, and regrets.

Through it all, he acknowledges:

“The Weeknd was a part of me… but I have to let him go.”

The Grand Finale: “Hurry Up Tomorrow”

The title track serves as the perfect farewell.

With lyrics like:

“I hope my confession is enough,”

Tesfaye bares his soul, seeking absolution from his fans and himself.

As the final notes fade out, the album seamlessly transitions into his very first song—“High For This”—from his debut mixtape, House of Balloons.

This full-circle moment leaves The Weeknd’s legacy in an eternal loop as Tesfaye steps into the unknown future.

A Masterpiece of Vulnerability and Storytelling

Hurry Up Tomorrow is a raw, emotional, and cinematically crafted album—The Weeknd’s final goodbye.

Despite being his longest album at 22 songs and over 90 minutes, it never drags. The narrative of death, rebirth, and redemption is cohesive, making it one of his most personal and powerful projects yet.

Vocally, Tesfaye delivers flawlessly—his silky falsetto, smooth crooning, and deep, emotive storytelling elevate each track to perfection.

The Perfect Conclusion to The Weeknd’s Saga

Hurry Up Tomorrow isn’t just an album—it’s a farewell letter to the persona that defined a generation.

By blending elements from all his previous eras—the dark R&B of House of Balloons, the pop shine of Starboy, and the retro synths of Dawn FM—Tesfaye creates a sonic masterpiece that ties up his career with a perfect bow.

This album will undoubtedly be remembered as one of The Weeknd’s greatest works—a bittersweet yet hopeful end to an unforgettable legacy.