![]() The chorus is a direct interpolation of The Romantics‘ hit “ Talking In Your Sleep” and there’s some nice filtering at the beginning making this a great choice to open up an R&B set with. The house influence shines through hear as well, with the heavy kick drum and clap rhythm providing a solid foundation over which prominent samples of the Tears for Fears classic “ Pale Shelter” are placed. “Secrets” has become one of my favourite tracks on this album. The record’s mood shifts to an up-tempo vibe on “Rockin'” which wouldn’t sound out of place in a set of garage house with old-school synth stabs and clear classic house feel. The lyrical references to another night of hard drinking and cocaine permeate the track and seque right into the rock-influenced “False Alarm”. “Party Monster” follows and this is probably the closest we find to the Weeknd going back to his Beauty Behind the Madness sounds with an intoxicated-sounding sonic backdrop and repeated refrain “ woke up by a girl, I don’t even know her name“. Nevertheless, it is a strong R&B opener and Daft Punk’s appearance, while admittedly understated, certainly lends an air of credibility to not only the track, but the album as a whole. ![]() The title track and lead single was met with mixed reactions from fans of both the Weeknd and Daft Punk, many stating that this was the wrong direction for the French duo to go in and that their vocals efforts were lacking when paired with the Weeknd and his incredibly powerful voice and lyrical abilities. While the album lacks the dark, atmospheric feel of its predecessor, there are numerous moments of pop brilliance and the record definitely has some house influence to it, which may or may not be the result of working with electronic music masters (and my heroes) Daft Punk on the two tracks that open and close the album. Rather than rush to provide a review of this album, I’ve taken the approach of listening to the disc over the last few days and allowing it to grow on me. It’s setting records too, including being streamed well over 36 million times in the first 24 hours of its release on Spotify breaking the previous record held by fellow Canadian Justin Bieber. A little over a year since the release of his mind-blowing major label debut Beauty Behind the Madness, Starboy has been eagerly anticipated and there’s no question that the hype machine has been in overdrive ever since the album was first announced. Please, feel free to reflect everything whenever you want! A mixtape would be fine again, just like when he started.The Weeknd can do no wrong, it appears. ![]() Never! He can bring back that deeper part of himself anytime he wants. Now, he says its too late for him and we should give up. In the darkness, there was this hope that things could change and get better maybe. ![]() Anyway, we core Weeknd fans just aren't sure what to do with this newly super confidant, resigned to his destruction Starboy. So now, we mix that new exploratory Weeknd, with more fame & ego, and old Weeknd. How'd we get from "Thursday" to here? He found this more sincere part of himself on BBTM with Earned It, and it was his first #1 single. I guess all his one night stands get him on " A Lonely Night" but he will also die for someone? Is that person Valerie? :D I'm just not sure. "Twenty-Eight", anyone? Now, his music is a little confusing. He himself is a little of the same, but his behavior communicated through the music used to carry a strong undertone of regret and confusion regarding his actions with women. It was a very good tribute, people dont know that. Now mind you, this album is a tribute to David Bowie & Prince, which Weeknd is no stranger to showing respect to those that came before him (D.D from Trilogy is still my favorite one to date). I applaud him for that, and since every song on the album debuted on the Billboard hot 100 at the same time I'd say its working. As he says in the title track, he "switch out his style & take any lane," very clearly refusing to limit himself. The artist we see now is much more exploratory than when he debuted, "False Alarm" should be all the proof anyone needs. The Weeknd has talent! Amazing talent that makes it impossible for him to put out a truly bad album, especially since his core subject matter ( his voice, sex, love like themes, drugs, mistrust, money now, & more sex) are ever present. At first the singing was kind of creepy and alluring, but now its more open and inviting. ![]() Why? The Weeknd's career from Trilogy to Starboy is like a creature crawling out from under the bed in the dark, to now laying in the bed with the lights on. Why? The Weeknd's career from Trilogy to Starboy is like a Solid 9 on production creativity (Shout out to Daft Punk!) but a strong 8 overall. Solid 9 on production creativity (Shout out to Daft Punk!) but a strong 8 overall. ![]()
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