DISCLAIMER – Music is very subjective and this is just my opinion.

Abel Tesfaye commonly known as ‘The Weeknd’ is a 30 year-old Canadian Singer-Songwriter. He is very popular in the Pop and R&B communities, and in music in general in recent years. Coming onto the scene with his album-compilation Trilogy, back in 2012, Abel has come a long way. His hits include ‘Can’t Feel My Face’, ‘The Hills’, ‘Starboy’ and ‘Pray for Me’.

On March 20th 2020, he came out with his latest album, After Hours. It has 14 songs and spans 56 minutes. On initial listening, the pop and R&B influences were very apparent and the music itself was quite soothing and didn’t distract much from the other tasks. On a more in-depth listen, both the flaws and the strengths of this LP began to show themselves. Before I comment more on the general appeal and aesthetic of this album, I’d like to take a song-by-song approach as I used to back when I reviewed music regularly.

Alone Again

★★★½ 

To start the album off and to set the tone is always a high task for an opening tune and I feel like this song does that pretty effectively. The production is really good as the beat and the instrumentals set you up for the musical journey that’s coming. The dreamy vocals are also quite soothing. But the lyrics are still distorted and it’s not a particularly impactful song.

Too Late

★★★★ 

The next track picks up right where it’s predecessor left off. The production becomes increasingly upbeat as the song progresses. The chorus and hook is quite catchy and the song is fun. I found myself enjoying the song, but it still lacked that flair that usually makes you fall in love with Abel’s music. A top quality song, that still leaves hoping for more.

Hardest to Love

★★★★½ 

That flair which was lacking is found, as Abel hits his stride on this song. A contemplative, retrospective piece is just what the album requires at this juncture. It delivers beautifully with an extremely catchy tune and absolutely beautiful production. The build-up and potential of the first two songs is realised in this heart-wrenching ballad. Abel’s vocal performance is also the best it’s been on this record so far. Absolutely loved this song and everything it accomplishes.

Scared to Live

★★★ 

A sudden slow-down in the pace and momentum of the album is hit. The ‘Pop’ influence is most obvious and apparent here. It lacks the nuance and subtlety that’s usually featured in a Weeknd track. It’s still catchy and does have some positive moments but overall, it is a lackluster musical experience.

Snowchild

★★★★½ 

From very early on in this track, the lyrics are deep and resonant. It’s a very realistic and engrossing. The beat is very absorbent of the other musical elements. The production in general complements the other aspects of the track very well. Abel gives his best vocal performance so far.on this record, as he ups the ante and tempo with this rap-esque beat and lyrical flow. I absolutely loved this song!