Hurry Up Tomorrow: Review

At the end of January, The Weeknd finally released his sixth, and possibly, final album. Hurry Up Tomorrow is a 22-track R&B, synth, and trap album that closes the artist’s most recent trilogy of albums (beginning with 2020’s After Hours and 2022’s Dawn FM). The Weeknd has teased that this album is the last album he will release under his name and alter ego. There are rumors that he may begin using his real name, Abel Tesfaye. In an interview with W Magazine, he stated “The album I’m working on now is probably my last hurrah as The Weeknd,. I’ll still make music, maybe as Abel, maybe as The Weeknd. But I still want to kill The Weeknd” (Pitchfork).

The album jumps from upbeat, fun songs such as “São Paulo” (featuring Anitta) to more melancholic pieces like “Baptized in Fear.” It is inspired by a chaotic tour run that ended with the singer losing his voice and features themes of fear, isolation, and the pitfalls of fame. Many talented artists, such as Lana Del Rey, Travis Scott, Florence + The Machine, and Future are featured. Additionally, The Weeknd uses interpolations to pay homage to Michael Jackson and David Lynch; the opening song “Wake Me Up” samples pieces from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Ramapo student Keira Duffy says “It was really exciting to hear. I thought it was a really creative choice.” The title song “Hurry Up Tomorrow” interpolates the late David Lynch’s “In Heaven” (Pitchfork).

Hurry Up Tomorrow is a creative and exciting listen. The variety of genres and features, as well as clever and innovative production, creates an album that feels like a full experience. A film of the same name, which viewers can assume is based on the album, starring Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan has been announced to release in May (Variety). 

The Weeknd begins a stadium tour this Spring, and Ramapo senior Toni Anne Malanzo said that she “spent hours trying to get tickets,” an experience likely shared by many Ramapo students. Overall, the album is nothing short of phenomenal, and would be an enjoyable listening experience for past and present fans, and potentially create a few new ones!