The Weeknd’s latest release, Hurry Up Tomorrow, is an ambitious album that marks both an evolution and a farewell for Abel Tesfaye’s persona. As the rumored conclusion to the trilogy that began with After Hours and Dawn FM, this record is packed with cinematic production, introspective lyrics, and a broader landscape than ever before. It’s a testament to The Weeknd’s reputation as a boundary-pushing artist who has never had an album perform while also hinting at a potential departure from the persona that has defined his career.
From the moment the album opens, it’s clear that Hurry Up Tomorrow is a grand statement that the Weeknd will be going out on his own terms. The Weeknd has shown throughout his career he will not bend to the production, which is top-notch, with contributions from Oneohtrix Point Never, Mike Dean, and Metro Boomin. Synth-heavy beats define the album alongside creating a dreamlike, eerie, and atmospheric soundscape. Despite this unique sound, the transition between genres is flawless like when he ventures into Brazilian funk like on “São Paulo” featuring Anitta.
Lyrically, The Weeknd remains fixated on the themes that have long defined his music fame, excess, heartbreak, and existential longing. His voice, still one of the most distinctive in contemporary R&B, conveys both vulnerability and detachment, making his narratives feel deeply personal yet universal. One of the most striking moments on the album is his reflection on losing his voice during a 2022 concert, a rare moment of artistic insecurity that adds an emotional depth not always present in his music.
A standout track on Hurry Up Tomorrow is “Niagara Falls,” a collaboration with Metro Boomin. This song perfectly encapsulates everything The Weeknd does best: haunting melodies, moody production, and lyrics that balance self-indulgence with regret. The instrumental is hypnotic, with an eerie synth line that lingers long after the song ends. His vocals glide effortlessly over the beat, drawing the listener into a world of late-night escapades and emotional turmoil. “Niagara Falls” is a reminder of why The Weeknd remains one of the most compelling artists of his generation, it’s dark, intoxicating, and beautifully produced.
A minor detail that truly elevates the album and demonstrates the attention to detail includes the transitions from song to song. Certain songs build off of each other creating smooth transitions that make it seem like you are listening to one song when truly might have been two or three. The perfect example is “Niagara Falls” to “Take Me Back To LA”. Another example is at the start of the album with “Wake Me Up” with its Thriller-like atmosphere in the beginning haunting listeners. The song itself is a transition from his last album Dawn FM which was known for its darker tone. By the end of the song it has a near-perfect transition with “Cry For Me”.
Commercially, the album has already shattered records. Within 24 hours of its release, Hurry Up Tomorrow had the highest debut of any album in 2025, racking up over 58 million streams on Spotify and topping Apple Music charts in 95 countries. The top song from the album is the Playboy Carti collaboration “Timeless” which as of February 2025 has 539 million streams. This success proves that even as The Weeknd teases the end of his alter ego, his cultural influence remains undeniable.
Of course, the album is not without its flaws. While it delivers moments of brilliance, its length and occasional thematic redundancy may alienate some listeners. At 22 tracks running for 1 hour and 25 minutes, the album risks overstaying its welcome. While its ambition is commendable, some songs could have been cut to make for a tighter, more impactful experience. Songs like “The Abyss” and “Given Up On Me” tread familiar lyrical territory, making them feel less essential. The feature from Travis Scott on reflections laughing also feels out of place and was a bad use of Scott’s talent. Still, when Hurry Up Tomorrow hits its stride as it does on “Niagara Falls”, “Timeless” and “Wake Me Up”; it’s clear that The Weeknd is ascending to a new level in his art.
If this truly is the final chapter of The Weeknd’s current persona, he’s going out like only he can: ambitious, reflective, and as adventurous as ever. Whether he reinvents himself entirely or takes a break from music, Hurry Up Tomorrow is a powerful statement and a fitting swan song for an era that has defined modern R&B and pop music.
