The Weeknd is turning the page on another era, and he’s doing it in true cinematic fashion. On Friday, January 31, the XO hitmaker dropped his latest album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, after a brief delay.

But unlike the usual industry hold-ups – Out of respect for Los Angeles County, which has been battling devastating wildfires, The Weeknd chose to push back the release, prioritizing real-world concerns over chart-topping urgency.

Hurry Up Tomorrow delivers a mix of old and new, featuring previously released singles like “Dancing in the Flames,” “Timeless” (featuring Playboi Carti), and “São Paulo” (with Anitta). Streaming now on Apple Music and Spotify, the album not only marks the culmination of his sonic evolution but also teases what could be The Weeknd’s final act under this persona.

In a recent interview with Variety, Abel Tesfaye, aka The Weeknd, reflected on his artistic journey. “Everything needs to feel like a challenge,” he explained. “And for me right now, The Weeknd, whatever that is, it’s been mastered. No one’s gonna do The Weeknd better than me, and I’m not gonna do it better than what it is right now.”

Hurry Up Tomorrow isn’t just an album; it’s also a thriller set to hit theatres on May 16, with Tesfaye serving as both director and lead actor. Co-starring Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan, the movie adds another layer to his growing creative empire.

The album itself is the final instalment of a trilogy that started with After Hours (2020) and Dawn FM (2022). And while Tesfaye has hinted that this could be The Weeknd’s swan song, he’s made it clear that he’s not stepping away from music entirely. “Part of me actually was thinking, ‘You lost your voice because it’s done; you said what you had to say. Don’t overstay at the party—you can end it now and live a happy life.’”

Main Image: Billboard Canada