The Weeknd-Dawn FM
The Weeknd. Courtesy of Universal.

The Weeknd has built a remarkable career, one in which he sits within the intersection of full-blown pop-star and melancholic alternative RnB storyteller. There’s theatrics with glitz, glam, and synth (always a synth) but always with a moody, cathartic undertone. It’s quintessential sad-boy music, packaged in a glimmering cinematic way! With his latest offering, Dawn FM,  Abel continues that same approach, offering big new synth-wave pop hits, tackling themes of loneliness, regret, and fame. Much like his previous offering, After Hours, Dawn FM is, at its core, a concept album; From the album cover art displaying an aged, future image of the “Blinding Lights” singer, to the, running theme of eerie radio music shows (80s pop, quiet storm, easy listening, etc.) all narrated by Jim Carrey. The album opens with a monologue from Carrey, “You’ve been in the dark for way too long, it’s time to walk into the light and accept your fate with open arms, scared? Don’t worry”—which echos throughout the whole album. It’s clear that with his fifth studio album, The Weeknd is set on building worlds (often through this futuristic, dystopian lens) and channeling the essence of pop greats (Janet, Beyoncé, Gaga) and giving each album a universe, an era to live in.

Abel has always attracted comparisons to MJ, vocally with his distinct, breathy falsetto, but on Dawn FM, the Jacksonian (I mean Michael Jackson here) inspirations couldn’t be more clearer. From Jim Carrey’s often eerie narration—which brings to mind Vincent Price’s monologue on Thriller—to a spoken-word interlude by MJ’s mentor, Quincy Jones. Sonically, the references on this album are just as layered and complex as The Weeknd himself; From heavy 80s pop—think Depeche Mode—meets a futuristic Tron legacy/ new wave, it’s a culmination of his past delve into ’80s meets 70s disco/easy listening. The album as a whole is a master class in genre-blending. Track 7, “Out Of Time”, is a melodic 70’s inspired groove (it’s like a Bee Gees grove done in Abel’s signature synth-pop way), whereas track 9 is a percussive heavy synth, alternative RnB song.

The Weeknd-Dawn FM
The Weeknd, Dawn FM cover art. Photo by Matilda Finn.

With star-studded features from Tyler the Creator and Lil Wayne, all in all, this is an album that fits pretty much any mood; you can put it on and croon to, channel your inner sadboy/girl, and dance like nobody’s watching in the living room—insert that gif of Scarlett Johansson dancing aimlessly in ‘Marriage Story.’

Top tracks:

  1. How Do I Make You Love Me?
  2. Take My Breath
  3. Every Angel Is Terrifying
  4. I Heard You’re Married
  5. Out of Time
  6. Take My Breath
  7. Best Friend

Dawn FM is now available for streaming on all platforms. You can also shop the Dawn FM merch on his website.