Dawn FM is a surprisingly beautifully crafted musical object whose concept is entertaining without ever being pushed too far. A beautiful album.
The Weeknd progresses time and time again in exploring R&B and soulful tones that it makes both modern and retro (the ’80s, again, are everywhere). We can feel the touch of The Weeknd on Dawn FM a very clear vision, liberated, executed with skill and confidence (in production, singing, composing). Abel Tesfaye (real name) is at the top of his game.
After an album by Greatest Hits which we could have done without last year, the Torontonian comes to us with a record that we needed without knowing it. A welcome surprise, released a week after being announced.
The dismal tones that we know are not far away, but Dawn FM, as its title suggests, takes us to the brighter side of the journey The Weeknd took us on with After Hours (2020).
The concept of this “dawn radio” is explored in depth, but does not distract us from what really matters: the music. We listen to the radio and the landmarks that go with us are served with an appreciable humorous touch. Some songs end with the 103.5 Dawn FM jingle. Another concludes with a fictitious advertisement (“Call 1-800-444-4444 to order”).
The actor Jim Carrey provides the narration of this radio epic, a collaboration that we receive like a candy. Anyone could have lent their voice to the interludes, but this recognizable intonation makes it even more entertaining.
The Weeknd approaches with unprecedented maturity the flaws in his character, his traumas and his search for light. Through his introspection, he sings phrases tinged with violence (a recurring theme in his work), of a certain horror. But the luminous prevails, if only because it seeks to reach it, if only by the instrumentation. The musician creates these paradoxical pieces better than anyone, just as gloomy as they are suitable for the dance floor. As with the disco-pop piece Take my breath, for example, released in the summer of 2021 and one of the highlights of the disc (Is There Someone Else? is also very high among our favorites).
Jim Carrey introduces us at the beginning of the album to the universe we are about to enter – “You’ve been in the dark for way too long, it’s time to walk into the ligt”. Then, he intervenes halfway to announce us “thirty minutes of easy listening with slow songs”. And as announced, follow the walks and songs of love (or heartache).
The second half of the opus, therefore, begins with the sweet Here We Go… Again, in collaboration with Tyler, The Creator… and Bruce Johnston (co-authored). A pair as unexpected as effective on this song also among the best of the lot. Later, it’s Lil Wayne who intervenes, this time on I Heard You’re Married, coming to solidify the all-star alignment of collaborators (the legendary musician and director Quincy Jones is also in the group).
The production of this album is ensured by big names, from the Swedish House Mafia to Oneohtrix Point Never, including Calvin Harris and Max Martin. The sum of all these talents is taking its toll.
The disc ends with Phantom Regret by Jim, a narration by Jim Carrey on crescendoing music, both disturbing and heavenly. Dawn FM sounds like the end of something. The aged version of The Weeknd on the cover reinforces the idea that we have reached a conclusion. The end of a cycle, started with After Hours ? Or outright a career, Abel Tesfaye having hinted in interviews that he intended to end the The Weeknd project? The mystery remains, but we hope that this splendid album is only the beginning of the rest of a long career.
R & B / pop
Dawn FM
The Weeknd
XO / Republic