by Rachel Themistokleous ‘26

The Weeknd, also known as Abel Tesfaye, dropped his new album Hurry Up Tomorrow on January 31, along with announcing a corresponding tour. The album title was officially announced last September and has since been supported by singles “Dancing in the Flames,” “Timeless,” and “São Paulo.” This album is the final installment in his musical trilogy, following albums After Hours and Dawn FM, and rumored to be The Weeknd’s final album under his Weeknd persona.

On billboards and social media across the world, The Weeknd has made many mentions about “closing this chapter” and how “The End Is Near.” In an interview with Variety, after asked what he was referring to as ending, The Weeknd simply responded, “I would say my existence as The Weeknd.”

As The Weeknd rose to success with his earlier albums, his emotional and mental states took a turn for the worse. This trilogy demonstrates his healing process, and talks about the different stages he went through to get to where he is now. After Hours is the first chapter in this journey, and touches on The Weeknd’s darkest times, with common themes of addiction and depression present in the songs. The second album in the trilogy, Dawn FM, marks the start of The Weeknd’s reflection and healing passage, and how he overcame multiple obstacles. Hurry Up Tomorrow represents The Weeknd’s release of his past and closure of this chapter in his life.

Hurry Up Tomorrow consists of 22 tracks that explore various different genres of music, along with featured artists such as Travis Scott, Lana Del Ray, and Playboi Carti. The album begins with the song “Wake Me Up,” a conversation with God, where The Weeknd wonders if he is real or an illusion and how he wishes to be forgiven for sins alluded to in After Hours. Following this, “Cry For Me,” as well as “Open Hearts,” refers to the heartbreak and dark times The Weeknd faced as a result of his breakup with Selena Gomez. Both these songs are incredible, with hypnotizing instrumentals that back up The Weeknd’s impressive vocal range and striking voice. Another honorable mention is “Take Me Back to LA,” which references The Weeknd’s previous song, “Escape From LA,” where he talks about escaping from the place that began his cycle of self-hatred. This new song portrays how it has now become his home again and a positive place for him to reflect and prosper.

The rest of the tracks represent The Weeknd’s acknowledgment of his past mistakes and relationships, and the growth he experienced. He ends his journey with a song titled “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” which finishes off with notes that reflect The Weeknd’s very first song of his career, “High For This.” Hurry Up Tomorrow is a crowning achievement, with deeper meanings behind every single song presented. The album is a great way to end Abel Tesfaye’s phase as The Weeknd.

Grade: A