Caught somewhere between complete stardom and emotional turmoil is Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd. The Weeknd has the ability to top charts in all his categories and make them his own, and his new album “My Dear Melancholy,” has officially debuted at number one on Billboard’s Top 200 chart, yet another extremely impressive accomplishment. The Weeknd decided to bring it back with this album by tackling intense emotional depth rather than his recent flashy pop style. This album is something The Weeknd fans didn’t know they wanted but soon found they needed.

The Weeknd skyrocketed his way to the top of the music industry in the past few years, but this album doesn’t relate to this in the least. Immediately this 2018 album is quite reminiscent of his 2012 album “Trilogy” which also focused on emotional pain rather than the clout that comes with being a star.

Relating to the idea of The Weeknd being back at his normal self was rapper Travi$ Scott on Twitter, “Abel new album is scray. It’s like when I first heard him for the first time.” The Weeknd fans will likely agree with that statement.

The very first song on the album might just be the best, “Call Out My Name.” “Call Out My Name” is easily the most haunting song on the album that comes with an impressive amount of emotional complexity, selfishness, and sorrow. With his trademark dazzling vocals, “Call Out My Name” talks of a fairly brutal breakup and the bad feelings that always accompany that. Vocals aren’t everything that makes a song, though. The production and instrumentals on this track, and all the songs on this album, are oozing with quality. Overall, The Weeknd managed to make an instant classic.

Following along like a love story itself, The Weeknd puts out “Try Me.” If it wasn’t already known before, Tesfaye had a fairly tough break up with Selena Gomez. Instead of talking more about the pain that was caused due to the end of their relationship, he speaks to the maybe skewed and emotionally honest vision he had after their end. Yet again utilizing his unlimited range of pitch and bringing the best music possible out of shredded emotion, “Try Me” serves as a testament to The Weeknd’s ability in this field of music.

The final part of the trio of the more vocally based songs is “Wasted Times.” This could be considered one of the more intimate songs on the album, but remains focused on troublesome relationships and reconnecting with his former partners, specifically Bella Hadid, a popular model, after his breakup with Selena Gomez. With a more upbeat tone and rhythm, The Weeknd does utilize a quicker pace for his vocals, even going back to more rapping than signing. Showing more diversity than the earlier two tracks, but it remains an impressive feat of musical artistry.

Stepping into new territory in this album are two songs featuring French DJ, Gesaffelstein, “I Was Never There” and “Hurt You.” These are songs of two qualities, though they sound very similar. Both have the French DJ’s noticeable electricity laying over The Weeknd’s more “Beauty Behind the Madness” sounding lyrics.

“I Was Never There” just lacks the same ambition and quality of “Hurt You.” “I Was Never There” is definitely a great song, making it a testament to both the quality of The Weeknd when one considers this was a lesser song on the album, but also the quality of “Hurt You.” The amount of insecurity and pain on this track explodes with the techno mix of Gesaffelstein. All in all, “Hurt You” needs to be regarded as one of the highest quality songs in the R&B Rap genre.

Just when it seemed like this album couldn’t be any better rounded out, along came “Privilege.” This song is an example of how an artist should finish up their album. “Privilege” even has the line, “We said our last goodbyes. So, let’s just try to end it with a smile.” A suttle beat with shuttering lyrics, “Privilege” ends the album on the somber and emotional note it should end on.

In conclusion, The Weeknd had some expectations after his mix reviewed “Starboy” released in 2016, and he took those expectations and over achieved massively. Each and every one of these songs is layered with seemingly raw and painful emotion, proving to likely be the most honest album of 2018. Tesfaye has proved he has the lyricism and vocals to take listeners on a bus of emotions with him, but with “My Dear Melancholy,” he certified that he was the king of this skill.

Final Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5 out of 5 stars

“My Dear Melancholy,” can be purchased on all major music outlets and in hard copy.

Warning: This album has explicit content.