The Weeknd’s “Dawn FM” Review
‘Dawn FM’ Cover Art — Photo: Courtesy of The Weeknd/UMG
9/10
Following the release of his record-breaking album, After Hours, The Weeknd drops yet another masterpiece. The second of this trilogy. Only this time, it’s in purgatory. Or as he describes it, like “being stuck in gridlock traffic in a tunnel, and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel and we’re all just waiting for our turn, and while we’re waiting there’s a radio station playing: 103.5 Dawn-FM and the radio DJ is guiding you through the painless transition into the light.”
The earlier project, which was sprinkled with amazing 80s production, finds itself this time drenched in it. From start to finish, the album is a whole experience. The album begins with Jim Carrey as a radio announcer: “You are now listening to 103.5 Dawn FM" and The Weeknd’s humorous radio jingles which are both scattered across the album reminding you constantly of the album’s theme. This is the furthest Abel has ever drifted from what the fans usually expect, proving once again that he has no comfort zone. Bringing both, the nostalgic and the futuristic, The Weeknd combines both, showcasing new melodic sounds that are his most elevated yet. He executive produced the album alongside longtime collaborator Max Martin and electronic musician Daniel Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never).
The most jarring record on the album is “Sacrifice” with its heavy Michael Jackson Thriller-era influences, so much so that at certain instances during the song, you believe it is actually the king of pop himself singing. The song then perfectly transitions to Michael Jackson's frequent producer (how coincidental), Quincy Jones in spoken word talking about his mother and childhood.
The five-minute version of “Take My Breath” (which is much longer than the single version released previously) grasps you in the first minute with a continuous beat that builds layers as the song goes on with Abel’s faint gasps distinctly heard over the beat. “I know temptation is the devil in disguise” he screams terrifically with high beautiful notes that can be heard again in “How Do I Make You Love Me?” as he lures his lover into her demise.
Even the songs with the most classic Weeknd sound like “Here We Go….Again” - are filled with strings and synths that that hold you with every note being sung. “I told myself I’d never fall, but here we go again” he sings charmingly showing fans a certain vulnerability that is echoed in each track on the album.
Easily the most timeless on Dawn FM, “Out of Time” which is very reminiscent of Silk Sonic’s hit record last year “Leave The Door Open” is much grander and uplifting with its glamorous orchestra and smooth vocals.
“Less Than Zero” which perfectly joins the beat heard, retro electronics, and a catchy chorus instantly makes you want to dance while crying. This one definitely should have been a single. Despite it being the most upbeat song on the album, it is Abel’s most vulnerable and revealing. A stripped-back acoustic guitar ends the song, as Abel confesses one last time, “I’ll always be less than zero.”
Abel accomplished what he set out to do on Dawn FM. This is definitely an album full of danceable records that will be heard all year with some potential “The Weeknd classics.” The Weeknd knows how to make a damn hit, and he does it again and again on this album. Now, the only question left to ask is: What kind of forecast should we expect from The Weeknd next?
