The Weeknd’s much-anticipated 2025 album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, marks the closing chapter of an era, both musically and personally. Following the critically acclaimed After Hours (2020) and Dawn FM (2022), this album completes a trilogy that has defined his career. With an album like no other, Hurry Up Tomorrow cements itself as a genre-bending experience and a potential farewell to The Weeknd as we know him.
Staying true to his signature style, Hurry Up Tomorrow is primarily an R&B, synth-pop, and trap album. However, The Weeknd pushes boundaries by incorporating elements of Brazilian funk and hip hop. This can be seen through the iconic song with Anitta: São Paulo. The album even features a touch of disco, thanks to a collaboration with the legendary Giorgio Moroder. This dynamic fusion gives the album a fresh yet nostalgic sound, reminiscent of both his early mixtape days and his later mainstream dominance.
Some tracks are purely transitional pieces, serving as seamless bridges between main songs. For instance, I Can’t F**ing Sing transitions from Cry For Me into São Paulo, demonstrating the album’s meticulous arrangement. The transitions throughout the album are smooth and flawless, making it feel like one continuous, immersive experience rather than a disjointed collection of songs. The transitions are arguably one of my favorite touches to this album.
As expected from The Weeknd, some tracks are nothing short of amazing, capturing the deep emotion and flawless production. Hit songs such as Cry For Me, São Paulo, and Timeless stand out as highlights, showcasing his ability to blend haunting melodies with pulsating beats.
However, while most of the album is a masterpiece, a few tracks fall short of expectations. Some songs feel like they could have been more refined or fully fleshed out, occasionally coming off as fillers rather than essential pieces of the story. Some people argue that songs like Wake Me Up or Opening Night are “not that great”. However, I think even the weaker tracks contribute to the overall flow and mood of the album, reinforcing its immersive experience.
Like many of The Weeknd’s past works, Hurry Up Tomorrow is covered in mystery, leaving fans dissecting lyrics for deeper meanings. Fans speculate that the album might contain references from his past relationship with Bella Hadid, much like After Hours did. Some tracks seem to reflect heartbreak, regret, and longing, themes The Weeknd has consistently explored throughout his career.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Hurry Up Tomorrow is its potential to be The Weeknd’s last album under his iconic stage name. The artist has hinted at retiring in “The Weeknd” persona, describing plans to “kill” the alter ego and possibly reinvent himself. Whether this means a complete departure from music or a transformation into a new artistic identity remains unclear. His ability to blend storytelling with cutting-edge production and to craft deeply personal yet universally resonant songs have solidified him as a generational icon. Whether this is truly the end or just the beginning of a new chapter, Hurry Up Tomorrow leaves behind an undeniable mark on music history.
