Our Top 15 Tracks From The Weeknd’s Most Personal Album Yet
By Anna Trevathan, Editor
With The Weeknd’s newest full-length album Hurry Up Tomorrow, we witness another example of the musical formula that made him famous. Throughout the album, he intricately layers his emotional turmoil over an upbeat techno/dance track with a strong bass, once again deftly transforming his signature style into a Top 40 sensation. Following its release, The Weeknd dropped a trailer for an upcoming thriller film titled after the album, starring Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan. With 22 total tracks on the album, we’re sharing our top 15 picks.
Now, let’s dive into the album (all songs in order of appearance):
“Wake Me Up (feat. Justice)”
A crucial part of this song is the instruments in the background. It features an electric organ reminiscent of a 1980s pop band, a key influence on the album’s synth-heavy sound. The seamless transition from the organ to the violins and kick drums is impressive. Easily one of my favorites.
“Cry For Me”
With lyrics like “I cried for you / every night for you”, this track introduces us to the emotional, darker side of The Weeknd as he mourns the person he sings about. Every album of his includes what I call “Break-Up Bangers” and this is definitely one of them. While the song maintains a synth-heavy sound, the lyrics take center stage.
“São Paulo (with Anitta)”
This is one of the more experimental tracks on the album. The techno beat is more pronounced, and the inclusion of a Latin artist gives it a fresh vibe. Around the three-minute mark, the track truly comes alive when the steady beat is layered with Anitta’s vocals, creating an entrancing effect. Expect to hear this one on a beach in the summer of ’25.
“Baptized in Fear”
This track is fascinating; as the title suggests, it features religious imagery and explores trauma. One lyric, “I’ve been baptized in fear, my dear / I’m washing my soul with (sin),” has stayed with me since my first listen. This juxtaposition between his early party-lifestyle themes and his current introspection is striking, followed by a movement towards the end of the song that mirrors the transition from life to death. It wouldn’t feel out of place on an Ethel Cain album—and I mean that in the best way possible.
“Open Hearts”
The blend into this song is phenomenal, a testament to The Weeknd’s artistry. It marks a transition from heartbreak anthems to the difficulty of learning to love again (“It isn’t easy”). It’s another moment of growth in his discography.
“Reflections Laughing (feat. Travis Scott and Florence + the Machine)”
The art of Blending genres is currently dominating the music industry, and this track is a prime example. Having Travis Scott and Florence + the Machine on the same song is an unexpected but brilliant combination. The track is long but builds masterfully, culminating in a surprise voicemail mid-song. The message, “Don’t let the industry break you” followed by Scott’s verse makes for a compelling moment.
“Enjoy the Show (feat. Future)”
If you’ve ever thought, “Oh no, I’m in my feelings,” this song is for you. In a generation consumed by hookup culture, The Weeknd acknowledges that feelings are unavoidable—unfortunately for him. Lyrically, this track echoes themes from his previous albums.
“I Can’t Wait to Get There”
The religious undertones in this album are again undeniable with this track. It begins with ethereal synths before a choir enters at the 30-second mark, painting LA as a heavenly place. Then, the tone shifts as The Weeknd describes what LA has become for him—an ethical wasteland.
“Timeless (feat. Playboi Carti)”
Released with an accompanying music video back in September, this track leans heavily into rap culture. With Playboi Carti on the feature, the song is dynamic and high-energy. The Weeknd uses it to assert that, despite what critics say, his music remains “timeless.”
“Niagara Falls”
Another personal favorite, Niagara Falls is destined for the Top 40 charts. It exemplifies The Weeknd’s signature formula: a high-energy dance track infused with existential melancholy. The song’s universal appeal ensures its success—it’s already platinum in my house.
“Take Me Back to LA”
An ode to the city that made him famous, this song highlights The Weeknd’s feelings of isolation. The contrast between the bright setting (“the sun kisses your face”), and his internal struggles is powerful. He frequently explores the cost of fame, and this track is no exception. As a listener, I’m left wondering—is fame worth the loneliness?
“Give Me Mercy”
Another dance hit! Give Me Mercy has been my favorite track on the album through every listen. It showcases The Weeknd at his best, combining impassioned vocals with stunning instrumentals. Though slower than some other songs, every second is worth the wait.
“The Abyss (feat. Lana Del Rey)”
A Weeknd and Lana Del Rey collaboration is an automatic hit. The pairing worked beautifully on “Stargirl Interlude,” and this track is no different. The fusion of piano and synths layered with ethereal echoes again ties into the album’s religious themes.
“Without a Warning”
Another exploration of the cost of fame. Lyrics like “I should have been sober, but I can’t afford to be boring” reveal the sacrifices he makes to remain relevant. Set against soft drums and delicate guitar strums, it’s the most stripped-down song on the album.
“Hurry Up Tomorrow”
The album’s title track serves as a farewell to “The Weeknd” as both a stage name and persona. Abel Tesfaye has stated that this album is the final chapter for his alter ego, and this song reflects that. Repeating “I hope I find what I’m looking for,” he acknowledges his own search for meaning. Set against a gospel backdrop, the song ends with him seeking forgiveness—not from the world, but from his mother.
Final Thoughts
Hurry Up Tomorrow is the perfect ode to The Weeknd’s career and the identity he created through his music. It marks the end of an era, closing the chapter on his “party” persona while exploring themes of faith, fame, and self-reflection. Rating this album feels almost trivial because it seems more for Abel Tesfaye himself than for his listeners. Still, if I had to score it, I’d give it a 9.5/10. It was everything I wanted- and everything I didn’t know I needed.
