Hurry Up Tomorrow is the highly anticipated sixth studio album by The Weeknd, released on January 31, 2025. This album signifies the conclusion of his modern trilogy, which began with the revolutionary After Hours in 2020 and continued with the innovative Dawn FM in 2022. Known by his real name, Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, The Weeknd has solidified his position as one of the leading R&B pop artists of the 21st century, delivering massive hit singles like “Starboy”, “The Hills”, “Wicked Games”, and “Call Out My Name”, which have resonated with audiences worldwide.
Tesfaye is not only a musician but also a talented actor, having played himself in the critically acclaimed film Uncut Gems (2019) directed by the Safdie Brothers, and starred in the controversial HBO series The Idol alongside Nosferatu’s Lily-Rose Depp. Additionally, he contributed to the Grammy-winning soundtrack for Black Panther, produced by Kendrick Lamar and Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith. The Weeknd boasts four Grammy Awards, with his most recent victory for his collaboration on Kanye West’s “Hurricane,” winning Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2022. Currently, he is nominated for the same category for his powerful track ?We Still Don?t Trust You,? featuring Future and Metro Boomin.
The Weeknd has hinted that Hurry Up Tomorrow is not merely the conclusion of a trilogy but a definitive farewell to both the artist and his alter ego. Following his remarkable performance at the Super Bowl in 2021?a moment that many felt recognized After Hours as having been overlooked at that year’s Grammys?it seems hard to imagine that Tesfaye would step away from the limelight for good. His latest album encapsulates themes of heartbreak and personal turmoil, weaving a narrative around the struggles of a self-loathing celebrity grappling with despair. The Weeknd’s character feels ensnared in the harsh realities of fame, likening his experience to a prison from which he cannot escape.
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Experience The Raw Emotion of ?I Can’t F*g Sing?
Short but Impactful Track 3 ? 0:12
This brief, 12-second interlude captures Abel’s candid frustration, expressing that he can’t sing between the tracks “Cry For Me” and “S?o Paulo.” This moment likely references the time The Weeknd lost his voice, preventing him from performing at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA, during the final leg of his 2022 tour. Although it plays a crucial role in the narrative of Hurry Up Tomorrow, as a standalone piece, it serves more as a poignant skit rather than a fully developed song.
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Discover the Ethereal Sounds of ?Until We’re Skin & Bones?
Transitioning Track 5 ? 0:22
In the first half of the album, listeners encounter another brief transitional piece that bridges the end of “S?o Paulo” to a surreal soundscape leading into “Baptized In Fear.” The production evokes a sci-fi atmosphere, enhanced by an orchestration of synths that transports listeners to an otherworldly realm, setting the stage for the tracks that follow.
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Dive Into the Psychedelic Experience of ?Big Sleep?
Track 16 ? 3:45
“Big Sleep” stands out as one of the most sonically rich compositions on the album. Its initial minute is reminiscent of psychedelic sounds, akin to Mac Miller’s Balloonerism. This hauntingly slow track creates an eerie ambiance, reminiscent of music you might hear while traversing the gates of Hell. With top-notch production and captivating vocals, it crafts an unsettling soundscape that feels as though something otherworldly is awakening.
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Experience the Fusion of Styles in ?S?o Paulo (feat. Anitta)?
Track 4 ? 5:02
This track sparked a division among fans when it was initially released as a single, and it still somewhat feels out of place on Hurry Up Tomorrow, despite its energetic vibe featuring Brazilian superstar Anitta. The right ambiance and context could elevate this track to become a fan favorite, which is likely why it remains a part of the album. It serves as a contrasting escape from the darker and more nightmarish themes prevalent in other songs.
18
Feel the Freedom with ?Drive?
Track 18 ? 3:09
“Drive” encapsulates a sense of longing and desire for escape as life crumbles around you. The Weeknd expresses a yearning for the exhilarating liberation that comes with hitting the open road, devoid of any particular destination. The song paints a picture of bliss found in the company of a partner, mirroring the iconic duo of Bonnie and Clyde, as they embark on a journey together.
17
Uncover Unique Sounds in ?Give Me Mercy?
Track 17 ? 3:36
While the overall production quality of Hurry Up Tomorrow is exceptional and immersive, “Give Me Mercy” features one of the most distinctive and experimental beats on the album. Evoking the style of a hidden track from a 1980s Toto or Phil Collins album, “Give Me Mercy” exemplifies The Weeknd’s ability to merge an upbeat tempo with emotionally charged lyrics, showcasing his artistry and creativity.
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Experience the Atmospheric Vibe in ?Enjoy The Show (feat. Future)?
Track 10 ? 5:01
Among the numerous collaborations between The Weeknd and Future, “Enjoy the Show” presents a strong offering, although it doesn?t quite reach the heights of their best tracks like “Low Life” or “Coming Out Strong.” Future confidently matches The Weeknd’s energy, delivering vocals with minimal autotune before showcasing his signature rap style. The track conveys a more atmospheric and subdued vibe than one might typically expect from a collaboration between these two artists.
15
Reflect on Nostalgia in ?Take Me Back To LA?
Track 15 ? 4:14
In what appears to be a response to After Hours’ “Escape from LA,” The Weeknd revisits a past relationship in “Take Me Back To LA,” concluding that solitude is preferable. This deeply nostalgic track serves as a moment of self-discovery, where Abel acknowledges his desires and boundaries. Most importantly, he yearns to reconnect with his soul, a recurring theme throughout the songs on Hurry Up Tomorrow.
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Engage with the Unique Sound of ?Cry For Me?
Track 2 ? 3:44
The production quality of “Cry For Me” is intriguingly unconventional, establishing itself as one of the standout tracks early in the album. Its volatility only intensifies over the course of its 85-minute runtime. The song is remarkably replayable, with a compelling build-up that culminates in a satisfying release. Overall, “Cry For Me” immerses listeners into the captivating world of Hurry Up Tomorrow, leaving them eager for more.
13
Enjoy the Easy Listening of ?I Can’t Wait To Get There?
Track 12 ? 3:09
In “I Can’t Wait To Get There,” The Weeknd channels his inner Bruno Mars over a beat reminiscent of Tyler, the Creator, creating one of the most accessible tracks on the album. Serving as the opening piece to the second half of Hurry Up Tomorrow, just before “Timeless,” this song is a must-listen, especially for those summertime drives, offering a melodic escape that listeners will want to revisit.
12
Explore the Haunting Soundscape of ?Red Terror?
Track 20 ? 3:52
As part of a gripping four-track finale, “Red Terror” embodies its title with a sound that is as unsettling as it is captivating. Opening with an unusual arrangement of dissonant synths, The Weeknd sings to an unnamed child, as if bidding a permanent farewell. The outro features a haunting instrumental that echoes the sentiment of his lyrics, assuring that “Death is nothing at all; it does not count,” leaving listeners with a chilling reflection.
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Experience the Atmospheric Sound of ?Opening Night?
Track 8 ? 1:36
If “Opening Night” were just a bit longer, it could easily rank among the top five tracks on Hurry Up Tomorrow. The heavy reverb on The Weeknd’s vocals draws parallels to Tame Impala, complemented by the ringing tones of a telephone that evoke memories of the synth-heavy “Past Life” on Currents. It’s regrettable that “Opening Night” is shorter than desired, but it transitions seamlessly into “Reflections Laughing.”
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Navigate the Emotion in ?Given Up On Me?
Track 11 ? 5:55
Clocking in at nearly six minutes, “Given Up On Me” boasts one of the most unexpected beat changes on the album. Its initial moments are some of the most compelling, as Abel articulates feelings of insecurity and self-doubt. Produced by Mike Dean and Metro Boomin, the track stands out for its emotional depth, even if the beat switch feels somewhat abrupt and disjointed.
9
Immerse Yourself in the Cinematic Experience of ?Reflections Laughing (feat. Florence + The Machine & Travis Scott)?
Track 9 ? 4:51
Travis Scott contributes his vocal prowess and production flair to the haunting “Reflections Laughing,” which opens with an acoustic guitar that carries a Western vibe. This track stands out as one of the most cinematic experiences on Hurry Up Tomorrow, with Travis’s verses delivered at a lower octave, enhancing the song’s trippy and mystical ambiance throughout.
8
Discover the Melodic Charm of ?Niagara Falls?
Track 14 ? 4:37
“Niagara Falls” grows on listeners after the initial listen, eventually becoming one of the most revisitable tracks on the album. With a sound reminiscent of 2010s Drake instrumentals, “Niagara Falls” stands out as one of the more accessible songs on the album, with a heartfelt low-key love theme at its core.
7
Experience the Climactic Build in ?Without a Warning?
Track 21 ? 4:58
The build-up in “Without a Warning” encapsulates The Weeknd’s essence, making it feel like the true culmination of the album, even though it is the penultimate track. No other song in Hurry Up Tomorrow captures the essence of the “tragic celebrity” persona as effectively as “Without a Warning,” resonating with the overarching themes of the project in its final moments as the curtains begin to close.
6
Explore the Intensity of ?Baptized In Fear?
Track 6 ? 3:52
“Baptized in Fear” features one of the most striking lyrics on Hurry Up Tomorrow, following a dark, industrial introduction reminiscent of the Blade Runner universe. The line “Voices’ll tell me that I should carry on” resonates throughout the track, accompanied by some of the most confessional and deeply personal lyrics on the album, inviting listeners into The Weeknd?s inner turmoil.
5
Experience the Seamless Transition of ?Open Hearts?
Track 7 ? 3:55
It feels almost wrong to not place “Open Hearts” immediately after “Baptized in Fear,” as the two tracks offer one of the most satisfying transitions on Hurry Up Tomorrow. Skipping from “Baptized in Fear” to “Open Hearts” feels like a missed opportunity. As one of the pop-leaning singles, “Open Hearts” is a reliable choice for any party or club playlist, showcasing The Weeknd’s versatility.
4
Revel in the Title Track ?Hurry Up Tomorrow?
Track 22 ? 4:51
The title track allows The Weeknd to seek absolution, moving beyond the past transgressions referenced throughout the album and the entire After Hours trilogy. This song takes the form of a traditional ballad, providing Abel the opportunity to showcase his extraordinary vocal talent while closing out the album, the trilogy, and potentially his journey as The Weeknd, as he steps towards a transcendental conclusion.
3
Experience the Addictiveness of ?Timeless?
Track 13 ? 4:16
The Pharrell-produced “Timeless” remains just as captivating as it was upon its initial release as a single months prior to Hurry Up Tomorrow. As expected, Playboy Carti steals the spotlight with a feature that showcases a plethora of new vocal styles and cadences. True to its title, the song embodies a sense of being “timeless,” resonating with listeners long after its conclusion.
