‘Dawn FM’ Shows Signs Of Becoming Modern Classic

Who Is The Weeknd

Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd (real name Abel Tesfaye) had been a prominent musical figure in the 2010s, and he looks to continue his enormous success in the 2020s.

Born and raised in Toronto, The Weeknd cites artists including Prince and Michael Jackson as being his main musical influences.

The Weeknd made his breakthrough in the music industry with his 2011 mixtape House of Balloons. The musician went on to launch his first studio album, Kiss Land, in 2013. The LP included the songs “Kiss Land” and “Belong to the World.” The debut record proved to be underwhelming in terms of commercial success, but was met with general positivity from a critical viewpoint. 

Beauty Behind the Madness, released in 2015, did much better commercially in comparison to its predecessor. Songs from the album include “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills.” The sophomore effort established The Weeknd as a force to be reckoned with in the music scene and solidified his role as one of the leading figures in the industry. It became the tenth best-selling album of 2015 according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, with 1.5 million units sold globally.

Since then, The Weeknd has released three more studio LPs: Starboy in 2016 (“Starboy” and “I Feel It Coming”), After Hours in 2020 (“Blinding Lights” and “Save Your Tears”) and the newest Dawn FM in 2022.

Even though he is musically versatile and has no one specific genre, The Weeknd is usually categorized as an R&B or wave artist.

The Weeknd put on a resplendent performance for the Super Bowl LV Halftime Show on Feb. 7, 2021, where he sang exemplary tunes like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “Starboy.”

After Hours, The Weeknd’s previous album, had an almost sparkling mood to it. Although still electronic-oriented, the album was rather effervescent and poppy, a stylistic change from his preceding records. The city of Las Vegas was a major inspiration for the spirit and themes of the album. After Hours was a massive triumph, with the Recording Industry Association of America certifying it double platinum in March 2021. The single “Blinding Lights” has accumulated over 2.75 billion streams on Spotify.

A New Album

Dawn FM, released on Jan. 7, serves as a direct follow-up to After Hours. As its title suggests, the album presents itself as an ‘80s-style retro radio station (103.5 Dawn FM), with “radio host” and fellow Canadian Jim Carrey guiding the audience throughout the album.

Dawn FM is a concept album, described by The Weeknd as having the listener set in a state of purgatory. He has said that it is a feeling akin to being stuck in traffic, with one waiting to reach the other side.

Numerous producers contributed their presence and support on the record, such as Max Martin, Calvin Harris, Oneohtrix Point Never and Oscar Holter.

Tuneful tracks like “Gasoline” and “How Do I Make You Love Me?” are evocative of predominantly ‘80s synth-pop artists Howard Jones and Depeche Mode.

The lead single “Take My Breath” is especially Michael Jackson-esque, featuring a disco rhythm, keyboards and anthemic vocals from The Weeknd. This could certainly be the type of song that gets the crowd up and moving at a concert.

“Sacrifice” is another song that seems to derive inspiration from Michael Jackson. It has similarities to Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” including the chords and groovy rhythm. “Sacrifice” actually samples the 1981 song “I Want to Thank You” by Alicia Myers. The Weeknd’s stalking vocal performance brings an ominous atmosphere to the song.

Renowned musician Quincy Jones and filmmaker Josh Safdie star in spoken word segments in “A Tale By Quincy” and “Every Angel Is Terrifying,” respectively.

The wistful “Out of Time” incorporates characteristics of vaporwave and lounge music. The resounding synths and backing vocals are exceptional, and they help bring home The Weeknd’s message to his lover that it is too late to go back but he will still be there for her.

°Here We Go…Again” is a soft, sensual track that features hip-hop/rap artist Tyler, the Creator. Both musicians recount that although they regret relationships and falling in love, they still end up becoming enamored once more. This song is definitely one for discotheques and high school dances, acting as a more gentle interval between lively numbers.

The pulsating “Is There Someone Else?” is an interrogation, where The Weeknd asks his partner if she is cheating on him with another man. This segues into the dreamlike ballad “Starry Eyes,” which is sonically similar regarding the tempo and tonality. “Starry Eyes” is a romantic appeal to a love interest, with The Weeknd promising to support and care for her as stellar arpeggios and lovely synths fill the background. The title can be interpreted as expressing the hopeful, nostalgic sentiment that she gives him compared to how he usually feels, which is evidenced by these lines: “Back then I was starry-eyed / And now I’m so cynical.”

“I Heard You’re Married” features rapper Lil Wayne. The duo sing about the discovery of being a side lover to an already married partner. The song further concerns the sense of betrayal and deception that they have due to this situation. It is a smooth, well-produced track with funky, showy percussion that makes it greatly energetic.

The penultimate track “Less Than Zero” is an absolutely glistening song, blending keyboards, guitar, drumming, bass and The Weeknd’s floating vocals. It is fairly reminiscent of the 1982 hit “I Melt with You” by the new wave band Modern English. The Weeknd tells of how he feels as if he has no value in a relationship, initially being his lover’s hero but now metaphorically becoming even less than zero.

The final track “Phantom Regret by Jim” is a spoken epilogue from narrator Jim Carrey, reflecting on life and what we will take from our past experiences. It ends the album on a solemn, thought-provoking note.

An extended edition of Dawn FM, subtitled Alternate World, includes three more songs: a remix of “Take My Breath” with Agents of Time, a remix of “Sacrifice” with Swedish House Mafia and “Moth to a Flame,” also with Swedish House Mafia.

Dawn FM is altogether a great addition to The Weeknd’s discography. It is full of melancholia and heartbreak, but it also puts forth a glimmer of optimism and the anticipation of a better future behind the apparent veil of nihilism. The instrumentation and production are wonderful, pleasing the ear and making the listener feel lost in the surrounding harmonies. The lyrics, sometimes genuine and sometimes provocative, are mostly romantic and splendidly delivered through The Weeknd’s melodic vocal performances. Dawn FM admirably upholds The Weeknd’s title of a defining musical artist of Generation Z.

The Weeknd will go on his After Hours til Dawn Stadium Tour in the summer of 2022. The trip was originally postponed a total of three times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and arena constraints. The singer announced in October 2021 that new dates were added, meaning that he will perform shows across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Middle East.