The Weeknd’s Grand Finale An End of an Era for R&B

The anticipation for Hurry Up Tomorrow was sky-high long before its official release. More than just the final chapter of the trilogy that began with After Hours and Dawn FM, this album marks the end of The Weeknd as we know him. From this point forward, no more music will be released under the moniker “The Weeknd.”. Given the weight of this moment, it’s no surprise that Hurry Up Tomorrow is a grand finale, boasting an expansive 22-song tracklist and an ambitious 90-minute runtime. Fans are left with plenty to savor before Abel Tesfaye embarks on his next artistic journey.

The Singles: A Rocky Start?

With the massive success of After Hours and Dawn FM, expectations for the trilogy’s final act were sky-high. However, the release of the first two singles, “Timeless” and “São Paulo,” received mixed reactions. Personally, I found “São Paulo” irritatingly repetitive and “Timeless” forgettable, despite the addition of Playboi Carti. These lukewarm singles had me worried, but thankfully, the full album made up for a shaky start.

A Stunning Opening: “Wake Me Up” Sets the Tone

Right from the first track, “Wake Me Up,” The Weeknd proves that this album isn’t one to be dismissed. The ethereal intro gradually builds into an electrifying groove, courtesy of French electronic duo Justice. It’s an electrifying way to kick off the album and immediately restores excitement for what’s to come.

The Album’s True Gem: “Open Hearts”

One track that stands out as a potential smash hit is “Open Hearts.”. Strangely, it wasn’t chosen as a lead single, despite its addictive 80s sound that seamlessly bridges The Weeknd’s previous eras with his future musical evolution. This track is undeniably catchy, making it one of the most accessible songs for both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

Where the Album Falters: Filler Tracks & Unnecessary Features

While the album’s ambitious length is understandable for a farewell project, some tracks fail to justify their inclusion. The mid-section drags, with songs like “Give Me Mercy” and “Reflections Laughing” feeling particularly underwhelming. The former lacks any standout qualities, and the latter is weighed down by a misplaced feature from Travis Scott.

Speaking of Travis Scott, his appearance on “Reflections Laughing” is one of the album’s biggest missteps. The track is meant to explore The Weeknd’s mental state following his infamous voice-loss incident at SoFi Stadium, yet Travis derails the theme entirely, choosing instead to rap about his lavish lifestyle. This disconnect is jarring and ultimately diminishes the song’s emotional impact.

Weak Features: A Missed Opportunity

The issue with guest appearances extends beyond just Travis Scott. Other collaborations, such as Playboi Carti on “Timeless,” Future on “Enjoy The Snow,” and Lana Del Rey on “The Abyss,” fail to add significant depth to their respective tracks. Instead of elevating the album, these features feel like filler in an already bloated runtime.

The Album’s Redemption: A Strong Finish

Despite its flaws, Hurry Up Tomorrow manages to end on a high note. “Without a Warning” serves as a phenomenal penultimate track, blending smooth production with haunting melodies that embody The Weeknd’s signature style. Moreover, the seamless transitions between songs give the album a sense of cohesion, even when some individual tracks feel lackluster.

Final Verdict: A Flawed Yet Fitting Farewell

While Hurry Up Tomorrow isn’t The Weeknd’s best work, it still delivers enough highs to make it a worthy send-off. The bold concept, grand production, and emotional depth are undeniably impressive. However, the unnecessary filler tracks and lackluster guest appearances prevent it from reaching the legendary status of its predecessors.