Album Review: The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow

The Weeknd’s latest album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, is the final chapter in Abel Tesfaye’s trilogy, blending themes of fame, self-reflection, and transformation. With 22 tracks, it’s an ambitious project that pushes his sound into different realms while still holding onto his well-loved signature mix of R&B and synth-pop.

Right from the start, the album immerses you in the artist’s world. The opening track, Wake me Up, featuring the french electronic duo Justice, begins with an eerie choral arrangement reminiscent of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata before transitioning into pulsing euphoric techno beats. The bassline is heavy and futuristic, evoking Jacksons Thriller but reimagined for a neon-lit cyberpunk world. This fusion of classical, electronic, and pop influences establishes The Weeknd’s commitment to innovation, making it clear that this album will defy easy categorisation.

One of the standout tracks, Cry for Me, is classic Weeknd—his signature falsetto gliding over hypnotic basslines and shimmering synths. The haunting melody and introspective lyrics make it one of the album’s most emotional moments. On the other hand, Open Hearts is a stadium-ready anthem with soaring vocals and a bittersweet but uplifting energy.

Sao Paulo sets a vibrant tone with its celebration of modern Brazilian beats. This track is a  club anthem that transports you to an energetic dance floor—whether in a South American carnival or an underground Berlin rave—and captures an instantly resonating global vibe. The range of  collaborations also inject fresh energy into this album, for example Timeless Party benefits from Playboi Carti’s  trap contribution and Lana Del Rey provides mysticism on The Abyss. 

The album isn’t afraid to take risks. Niagara Falls strips things back to the basics, putting his raw vocal delivery front and center, making for one of the most intimate moments on the recording. Given Up on Me is another standout track that exemplifies the album’s innovative approach by weaving a Nina Simone sample into a dynamic trap beat providing a unique sonic blend that defies categorisation. A mid-track breakdown deepens the narrative, exploring themes of freedom, redemption, love, and loss, inviting listeners to engage with the complexities of his emotional journey through genre change.

Boasting twenty-two tracks which stretch over eighty four  minutes, the quality needs to be consistently strong to maintain its impact. However, Testefye doesn’t quite pull this off and there are moments where the album drags. Many of the transitional pieces don’t add much and could have been cut to better hold the audience’s attention. This issue is also evident in tracks like Drive, which are both lyrically and musically tedious and fail to bring any fresh nuance to the album.

In the end, Hurry Up Tomorrow shows The Weeknd pushing his sound, and it almost hits the mark. The album offers infectious hooks and smooth production, however its uneven pacing and meandering transitions prevent it from feeling truly cohesive. While there are flashes of brilliance, the overall experience is less than the bold reinvention one might expect—making this record a solid but ultimately middling effort in his evolving career.