After Hours by The Weeknd

Gabe Thomas, Staff Writer

Canadian R&B crooner turned pop star The Weeknd, real name Abel Tesfaye, returns for his first album since 2017’s “Starboy.” The incredible new album is titled, “After Hours.” The album is completely different from “Starboy,” because, unlike “Starboy,” “After Hours” follows a central theme instead of just having a collection of songs. Honestly, that is what makes it better.

The most enjoyable part of this album is The Weeknd’s voice. It is one of the best in the music industry today. It shines on tracks such as, “Blinding Lights,” “Scared To Live” and “Alone Again.”

What has to be my favorite track on the album is the track titled “After Hours.” The track features hard-hitting vocals about a relationship that ended in heartbreak and The Weeknd’s real life desire for reconciliation. The production is also very dark, reminiscent of The Weeknd’s material before he became the pop star he is today.

This album is one of the best of 2020 and it is one of the best of The Weeknd’s career. I highly recommend this album to anyone who wants to listen to an album about heartbreak. Although at some points the production seems a little off, like on the song “Heartless,” the rest of the album is very enjoyable.

Overall: 9/10