The Weeknd returns with new album “Dawn FM”

Abel Tesfaye, AKA The Weeknd, returns with his fifth studio album, “Dawn FM”, a direct sequel to his 2020 album, “After Hours”, the second act in a trilogy.

The massive popularity of the singles “Blinding Lights” and “Save Your Tears” from the “After Hours” album sets a high bar for Tesfaye to clear with this latest album. “Dawn FM” fully embraces rolling synths and instrumentals reminiscent of the New Wave and electronic groups of the 1980s, but the result is a pleasing retro-yet-futuristic sound.

The Weeknd was heavily inspired by Michael Jackson’s “Off the Wall” and “Thriller” albums released in 1979 and 1982, respectively.

Over the years, many have suggested that The Weeknd’s songs sound similar to Jackson’s without acknowledging the Jackson influence. However, with “Dawn FM”, it appears he is no longer trying to deny it, seemingly proud of his inspired sound, which carries a much lighter feeling than “After Hours”.

An interesting addition to this new album is Jim Carrey, who, through narration, brings the listener on a journey through Abel’s vision of reaching heaven or hell.

The album begins as if listening to a typical radio station suggesting a lighter approach, something Tesfaye has not tried in the past.

The Weeknd’s character from his previous album appears to have died or perhaps be on the verge of death as suggested by the music videos which appear to chronicle his death and experience of purgatory.

“Sacrifice” and “Take My Breath” both use retro instrumentals, with “Sacrifice” sounding almost like a sample of “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin” from Jackson’s “Thriller”.

However, “Take My Breath” is one of the most upbeat tracks with an 80s dance-pop vibe that resonates closely with “Blinding Lights”.

Without a doubt, this is his most mature and emotionally developed work, with little to no reference of morally corrupt behavior, but instead a focus on reflection and the creation of a lasting romantic relationship with someone.

Tesfaye appears to be frightened of the past, a past in which demons were trying to control him. “The Dawn” signals a new day and morning following “After Hours”. The slow tracks articulate his attempts at relationships with unfortunate endings and situations, leaving him with a cynical view of the world.

He has fully embraced synth-pop with this album and executes it elegantly. Like any human endeavor, this album is not without imperfections: many of the tracks share the same instrumentals, which can have the same sounds or repetitive lyrics that do not add much to the album’s story. The last few tracks of the album with Tyler, the Creator and Lil Wayne are short. However, they are sweet additions to The Weeknd’s album, creating a listening experience appropriately diversified with voices that fit the tone of the tracks. “Dawn FM” is undoubtedly Tefaye’s best-produced, most mature, and a surprisingly upbeat album.

My final rating is 8/5/10.