The Weeknd Releases First Major Album Of 2022, ‘Dawn FM’ [Stream/Listen]

The Weeknd has released Dawn FM, marking one of the first major album releases of 2022.

Comprised of a 16-song upbeat, synth-pop song collection, Dawn FM features an ensemble of contributors, including Lil Wayne, Quincy Jones, Tyler the Creator, Oneohtrix Point Never, Swedish House Mafia, Max Martin, Calvin Harris, and Josh Safdie.

Dawn FM might just be the international pop-soul and R&B star’s most upbeat and sunny album yet. The 51-minute music collection is presented as a mysterious radio station, as radio “host” Jim Carrey kicks on and echoes a gentle spoken word interlude to listeners, “you’ve been in the dark for too long, it’s time to step into the light and accept your fate with open arms..” A danceable robo-funk jam properly follows in “Gasoline,” which helps set the tone for the rest of the tracks.

“Take My Breath” – The Weeknd

[Video: The Weeknd]

While previous albums highlighted the singer’s references to more erotic sexual gratification, Dawn FM carries a softer edge with lusher tunes backed by fulfilled lyrics about manifesting contentment. Tracks like “Sacrifice, “ I Heard You’re Married,” and “Out Of Time” touches on the singer’s battle and experimentation with the relationships in his life, while others like “Here We Go…Again” featuring Tyler, The Creator bridges sultry vocals with up-and-coming emotional intelligence. Seeing that the album cover shows The Weeknd as a convincing old man, Dawn FM conceptually illuminates real-life problems that often have to be learned through wisdom and maturity over artificial mediation.

While his 2020 album After Hours saw some top-hit pop anthems, Dawn FM showcases a more lyrical narrative of self-knowledge given to a world that is trying to get back on with its normal (non-COVID) life.

Stream Dawn FM below and on all streaming platforms here.

After several delays, The Weeknd is finally projected to hit the road for this After Hours tour this summer. He was originally set to headline Salt Lake City, UT’s Vivint Arena on March 1st, but has yet to reschedule SLC’s performance. Visit his website for additional information.