The Weeknd has long been one of the most captivating figures in contemporary music. Known for his haunting falsetto, immersive soundscapes, and deeply personal lyrics, his creative journey has continually evolved. With the release of his highly anticipated album Hurry Up Tomorrow on January 31, the Canadian artist—whose real name is Abel Tesfaye—has once again reinvented himself, pushing boundaries and solidifying his place as one of the defining artists of this era.
Hurry Up Tomorrow is an ambitious 22-track album that sees The Weeknd collaborating with an eclectic mix of artists, including Lana Del Rey, Future, Travis Scott, Anitta, Playboi Carti, and the legendary Giorgio Moroder. Speaking to Complex, The album’s wide-ranging influences—from pop and R&B to disco, funk, and electronic music—reflect the multifaceted nature of The Weeknd’s artistry and the increasingly genreless future of music. The album’s bold, experimental sound marks a new chapter in The Weeknd’s career, blending nostalgia with a forward-thinking approach to music-making.
The Rise of Abel Tesfaye: From Underground Talent to Global Icon
The Weeknd’s rise to fame was anything but conventional. Starting his career with anonymous uploads on YouTube, Tesfaye quickly garnered attention with his unique style, which combined moody, atmospheric production with raw, confessional lyrics. His music resonated with listeners who craved authenticity and emotional depth in an era of manufactured pop stars. By 2012, The Weeknd had become a household name, with the release of his critically acclaimed mixtapes House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence, followed by his breakthrough studio albums Starboy (2016) and After Hours (2020). With Hurry Up Tomorrow, The Weeknd has once again shown that he is more than just a pop star—he is a visionary artist unafraid to push the boundaries of both his music and his persona.
The new album marks a moment of transition for Tesfaye, who has hinted that he may be stepping away from the The Weeknd persona in favor of returning to his birth name, Abel Tesfaye. “I’ve been getting weary of my alter ego,” he said in an interview. “I feel like I’ve outgrown him.” This desire for change reflects the growing tension between Tesfaye’s public image as The Weeknd—an enigmatic figure shrouded in mystery and allure—and his more personal, introspective side.
A Sonic Depth Charge: Hurry Up Tomorrow and the Power of the Algorithm
Hurry Up Tomorrow arrives as an aural and emotional depth charge, with the album’s first-week sales reaching an impressive 490,500 units—marking the biggest opening of The Weeknd’s career. This success reflects not just his enduring popularity but also the evolution of the music industry in the age of streaming. The album’s opening single, “Timeless,” which features Playboi Carti, is a perfect example of the way The Weeknd continues to play with genre and style, merging his signature sound with Carti’s innovative approach to trap music.
With Hurry Up Tomorrow, The Weeknd has solidified his role in shaping the sound of the digital age. The album’s expansive, genre-blending approach mirrors the way algorithms shape our listening habits, with songs flowing seamlessly from one to the next, creating a cohesive experience that transcends traditional genre boundaries. From the haunting melancholy of “One of the Girls” (which features Jennie Kim and Lily-Rose Depp) to the cinematic intensity of “Playboi Carti,” The Weeknd masterfully curates a soundscape that feels at once futuristic and deeply rooted in the past.
As Tesfaye himself explained, “In Hurry Up Tomorrow, I’m speaking from the perspective of my soul, but the meaning can differ depending on the listener. There are no wrong answers.” This openness to interpretation is a key aspect of The Weeknd’s artistry, and it speaks to his ability to connect with fans on a deeply personal level while still maintaining an air of mystery.
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Collaborations and Influences: From Moroder to Carti
Throughout his career, The Weeknd has collaborated with some of the most influential figures in music, from producers like Mike Dean and Max Martin to artists like Lana Del Rey and Daft Punk. With Hurry Up Tomorrow, The Weeknd takes his collaborations to new heights, working with a diverse range of artists to create a sound that reflects the many facets of his creative vision.
One of the most exciting collaborations on the album is with Giorgio Moroder, the legendary producer and composer whose work in the disco and electronic music scenes has influenced generations of artists. “I don’t think any producer has ever been able to balance pop music and film composing quite like Giorgio Moroder,” The Weeknd said. “He’s always been THE bar.” Moroder’s influence can be heard throughout the album, particularly in tracks that combine lush synths and infectious melodies with cinematic flourishes, evoking the golden age of disco and film scores.
Another standout collaboration on the album is with Playboi Carti, whose experimental approach to trap music complements The Weeknd’s soaring falsetto and dark, atmospheric production. The track “Timeless” is a perfect example of the synergy between the two artists, blending Carti’s unique vocal style with The Weeknd’s signature sound.
Addressing ‘The Idol’ and The Future of Filmmaking
In addition to his music, The Weeknd has recently ventured into the world of filmmaking. His role in The Idol, a television series he co-created, has drawn both praise and criticism, with some questioning the provocative nature of the show’s content. When asked about the criticism, Tesfaye responded, “I believe criticism can be highly constructive, but when you don’t understand what you’re being criticized for, it can be a little confusing. When deciding to play a despicable character you face the challenge of negative perception.”
Despite the controversies surrounding The Idol, Tesfaye’s foray into filmmaking speaks to his desire to push the boundaries of his artistry. Hurry Up Tomorrow was even inspired by his work in film, with the album serving as a platform for exploring themes of love, loss, and existential angst through a cinematic lens. “The film actually inspired the album,” Tesfaye explained. “It offered me a chance to express a lot that I needed to release, with cinema serving as the ideal medium for exploration.”
As The Weeknd continues to evolve as an artist, his ability to blend different creative mediums—music, film, and fashion—has allowed him to remain at the forefront of popular culture. From his early days as an anonymous YouTube artist to his current status as a global superstar, The Weeknd has never been afraid to take risks and challenge conventional norms. With Hurry Up Tomorrow, he has once again proven that he is one of the most innovative and influential artists of his generation.
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Despite his massive success, Tesfaye remains grounded, constantly searching for new ways to express himself. “I’ve been fond of taking naps recently,” he joked in an interview. “Astronaut naps. 26 minutes. Turn the whole world off. Turn all the lights off and put your alarm to 26 minutes exactly. No more or less. Works like magic.” This playful yet introspective approach to life and creativity is what makes The Weeknd’s music so compelling—it is both deeply personal and universally relatable, tapping into the emotional undercurrents of modern life.
