The Weeknd's latest album ‘Dawn FM’ was released on January 7th 2022. I see it as a sequel to the ‘After Hours’ era. The whole project is described as an ‘afterlife’ album. Many of the album’s tracks contain hidden references to his previous work but mostly ‘After Hours’. The album cover pictures Abel as an old man (who’s about to die). Some sources say that the album it’s supposed to be a transition between the young and old version of Abel.
scene of the 'Sacrifice' music video
The album is designed as a radio station, on the opening track which is the title track, the overall concept is ‘decoded’. The opening track makes references to him going alone in the afterlife, also it features Jim Carrey as the ‘man from the radio’, he will be present on multiple occasions through the record.
Abel continued with his 80’s inspired sound on this record. Even though he used it before it still feels fresh due to certain elements that were introduced to accentuate the overall experience. It is a more futuristic sound compared to ‘After Hours’. I find ‘Dawn FM’ having more appealing tracks than ‘After Hours’, therefore they feel more commercial but not in a bad way, they kinda fit into the overall ‘radio station’ concept of the album.
We already ‘decoded’ the opening track, let’s jump right into track #2 - ‘Gasoline’. This song contains many references to the afterlife such as:
I'm staring into the abyss
I'm lookin' at myself again
I think it’s a reference to the nothingness, probably he already is in the transition between life and afterlife.
In the very first lines we notice a reference to the Dawn which it’s a reference itself to the album concept. In the same verse he says that his life is meaningless without his vices. The chorus says the same, Abel saying that he doesn't care about what will happen to his body after death.
And if I finally die in peace (Oh yeah)
Just wrap my body in these sheets
And pour out the gasoline
It don't mean much to me
The song has a robotic voice through the verses, and an upbeat vibe that somehow reflects hopelessness (if that makes sense).
Track #3 - ‘How Do I Make You Love Me?’. Lyrically it refers to some of Abel’s earlier works. Making an abstraction of that, it talks about an attempt to seduce someone, till that someone becomes desperate.
It’s sound fits into the retro-futuristic sound that I told you earlier. It is very upbeat and energetic. I personally enjoy it.
Track #4 - ‘Take My Breath’. It was the 1st song we heard from this album. It features an appealing, radio friendly sound that is more 80’s inspired. Thematically I think it may be kind of a sequel to ‘In Your Eyes’ , with references to the song being present in the first verse. Overall it translates to an euphoric experience that leads to death, or at least that’s how I got it.
‘Sacrifice’ it’s a moment of revelation on this album. Sonically, it is a highlight on the album, it brings up such a euphoric energy. I think it’s about not taking risks in a relationship. The meaning of the song can be interpreted differently. If we connect what I said before, to the album’s theme - afterlife, it may be a sign of fear of what will come after death. Death that will come after ‘sacrificing’ yourself for someone’s love (whatever it means).
‘A Tale By Quincy’ it’s a story/ interlude that may seem irrelevant but it’s kinda important in understanding some background aspects. In this voice memo Quincy Jones tells us that he didn’t have support from his parents when he was a child, especially from his mother who was diagnosed with dementia. I think Quincy may tell this story from Abel’s own perspective. As we know Abel didn’t have support from his parents. The whole track may be a flashback from Abel’s subconscious which he takes with him in the ‘afterlife’.
‘Out Of Time’ makes references on multiple topics. It initially transitionates from the previous track and confirms indirectly that Q. Jones' words were seen through Abel’s perspective.
Next up, he talks about how he wasn't supporting emotionally the persons he loved the most ( possible reference to Selena Gomez and Bella Hadid). Then he goes kinda personal talking about how Bella Hadid said next so fast and got a new boyfriend when Abel was still broken. Sonically it is a chill disco ballad, smooth and catchy, you can feel the feeling from his voice.
I find ‘Here We Go Again’ as a reflection of his thoughts. He makes references at how successful he is, mentioning big career moments such as The Superbowl etc.
Then he takes it on a pessimistic road talking about how life is kinda unfair. Abel metaphorized life to a dream (because ‘it’s never what it seems’). Tyler talks about how everything that starts, ends. He says forever it’s too long for him to keep a relationship with someone.
‘Best Friends’ is a filler track in my opinion. I personally don’t enjoy it. It talks about how ‘you get physical but you’re still friends’.
‘Is There Someone Else?’ has such a catchy melody. It makes it one of the most appealing songs from the entire project. Everything goes smooth and chill. Absolute perfection!
Lyrically it talks about questioning his soulmate’s other activities (cheating).
‘Starry Eyes’ is a continuation of ‘Is there someone else?’. I find it as insignificant, it may help in completing the narrative of the previous song but it overall expresses how desperate Abel becomes about this person.
‘Every Angel Is Terrifying’ it’s a really strange interlude. It starts really grandiose, it may mean something like a new beginning. Later Jim Carrey takes over and brings us into ‘a compelling work of science fiction’. It makes references to the afterlife by the phone number that he’s saying at the end of the track.
‘Don’t Break My Heart’ makes references to one of Abel’s past lovers that he becomes desperate for. He talks about a profound pain that means the end of him after he broke up with this person.
‘I Heard You’re Married Girl’ it’s a confident, up-tempo ballad. He talks about his disappointment about the secrets one of his past lovers used to hide (the girl was married).
‘Less Than Zero’ is an interesting one. First of all the song is PURE HEAVEN, I absolutely love it. Lyrically it talks about how he is always less than zero emotionally. Also he talks about cheating over her lover and being ‘shaky’ about that. Overall it’s a ballad of reflection and it’s kinda self-disappointing.
The last track of this album ‘Phantom Regret by Jim’ is a moment of realization, also it may signify the end of the transition between life and afterlife.
I can say ‘Dawn FM’ it’s such a highlight of Abel’s discography, with an appealing sound and a cohesive narrative, that it’s easily one of his best bodies of work to date.
Album Rating: 9.3/10
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