Dawn FM
by The Weeknd
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Jan 7, 2022
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 1131 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,029 out of 1131
  2. Mixed: 43 out of 1131
  3. Negative: 59 out of 1131
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. DelayedReviews
    Jan 30, 2022
    8
    Original concept that is very consistently pushed through the whole album without feeling forced or distracting from the actual music. Subject matter is very current. It's Abel so we know he can sing, but during the Starboy era, that whole rebrand felt incomplete, but this 80s Abel that started around Heartless. Man is it a sound and clear direction.
  2. MyleeneFRW
    Jan 8, 2022
    8
    Сильный альбом, несколько филлеров, как по мне, особенно в конце.
  3. SuperKrampus
    Aug 21, 2022
    8
    A really good album! I personally prefer it over After Hours! Overall, a fun and unique listen!
  4. kai001
    Feb 17, 2022
    8
    Eu confesso que fiquei com medo antes de The W. lançar esse álbum, mas ele me surpreendeu bastante. Apesar de ter repetido a fórmula do After Hours de ser um disco esteticamente oitentista, ele consegue sair muito superior ao irmão mais velho, porque todas as suas músicas são interessantes. Dawn FM tem quase 52 minutos, mas ele não é cansativo, é muito de se ouvir, minhas músicasEu confesso que fiquei com medo antes de The W. lançar esse álbum, mas ele me surpreendeu bastante. Apesar de ter repetido a fórmula do After Hours de ser um disco esteticamente oitentista, ele consegue sair muito superior ao irmão mais velho, porque todas as suas músicas são interessantes. Dawn FM tem quase 52 minutos, mas ele não é cansativo, é muito de se ouvir, minhas músicas favoritas são: Take My Breath, Sacrifice, Out Of Time, Best Friends e Less Than Zero.… Expand
  5. rgrpedro31
    Jan 7, 2022
    8
    It's not that catchy and apotheotic as the previous albums, but that's certainly not bad. It's just another vibe, more calm and reflexive. If you keep that in mind while listening to it you'll certainly won't be disappointed. It's still Abel doing sonorous pieces of art.
  6. Mobina1
    Jan 7, 2022
    8
    Production 9/10
    Lyrics 7/10
    Album theme 9/10 (could've be 10 if the album cover wasn't this)
  7. amiru1isme
    Jan 7, 2022
    8
    The Weeknd takes his audience to his 'transition to death' themed album with its stellar and mesmerizing vocalizing and production.
  8. Amruk
    Jan 12, 2022
    8
    The album starts with a titular intro track with an ambient and electropop instrumentation reminiscent of C418 Minecraft score and vocorecorded vocals. The next track, "Gasoline", starts on kind of similar note, but later turns into something more The Weeknd- or even Mr.Kitty-esque, especially with this drum machine work and altered vocals. This track is okay, but sounds a littleThe album starts with a titular intro track with an ambient and electropop instrumentation reminiscent of C418 Minecraft score and vocorecorded vocals. The next track, "Gasoline", starts on kind of similar note, but later turns into something more The Weeknd- or even Mr.Kitty-esque, especially with this drum machine work and altered vocals. This track is okay, but sounds a little streached-out even though it is 3:30 minutes long, and it features some cool production touches at the end. "How Do I Make You Love Me?" is less alternative, featuring more "natural" vocals and really dope transitions! At the end we are jumping to GTA V music, not Minecraft, and a cool sugue into "Take My Breath"! A song with a beautiful synth melody taken straight from the 80's! It is sucha cool track with a gorgeous vocal delivery and the album version is even more impress than earlier released version of it, with a really dope intro! "Sacrifise" sounds like a turn backwards after "Take My Breath", it's really similar to its predecessor, however those "my-ah"'s are really cool, but at the great scale of things it is just another the Weeknd song. But still pretty okay.
    "A Tale by Quincy" sounds like a fusion of "Leave the Door Open" and "Dick in a Box" musically to me. Cool that the Weeknd brought sucha legendary producer to his album to just tell a story - cute! "Out of Time" sounds like a little bit stripped-down and jazzier version of "I Feel it Coming" he did with Daft Punk for Starboy. "Here We Go...Again" takes us even earlier than the previous songs, even though it has synths but its instrumentation will be a good suit even in 60's! To be honest this whole song sounds "suiting" for me, everything fits here so well, but it is kinda retread of Silk Sonic. "Best Friends" is groovy but besides that it really feels like an album filler. However it contains a cool transition into the next track - "Is There Something Else?" - which starts with a high-pitched vocals reminiscent of 00's dance scene. Even though it is another song I would call "groovy", I would not reffer to it as an album filler because it has a really interesting texture. It also sugues into the following track - wow! Did not notice it even, so clean and smooth! Maybe this is this way, hence "Starry Eyes" is some kind of retread of the preceeding song.
    "Every Angel is Terrifying" gets us back to the first third of the album, more inspired by the music of the video games and Mr.Kitty. It also sugues well into "Don't Break My Heart" which is more reserved than the rest of the album, more sweet. "I Heard You're Married" is an okay track, another album filler if you will. Lil Wayne's verse is passable at best. In "Less Than Zero" we can finally hear some guitar strings and light-heartness! The final track serves as an outro, and like every other spoken track, this one takes some stylistic inspirations from Latin music.
    In conclusion, the three-act Dawn FM is a really good concept album, well developed, but like some songs could be simply cut or some parts of others. Not every song is like "Take My Breath" and can stay great on every 5 minutes of it.    … Expand
  9. champagnepapi_
    Jan 8, 2022
    8
    Good sound, good instrumentals, appropiate lenght. Very recommended album. The songs indivitually don't stand out as much as the ones from After hours or Starboy, but they work well together and the transitions from one song to another are very smooth. It's a good listen. Nothing mind blowing
  10. Drippyc
    Jan 7, 2022
    8
    A Crazy opening song followed by even better songs, can't wait for his next album to see if he continues the story and transitions of Dawn FM
  11. jju3bu3nh
    Sep 11, 2022
    8
    One of the weeknd's best projects... Absolutely fantastic listen, it feels like a movie
  12. Fabri_canavero
    Jan 10, 2022
    8
    Estas muerto. Aún no se decide si vas a ir al paraíso o al inframundo. Sentado en la oscuridad del purgatorio, hay una emiosra de radio FM. Esta emisora emite música electrónica, con un intrumental muy similar a la música de los 80s, y una voz de locutor que intenta mantenerte calmo a la expectativa de qué ocurrirá al final.
    Esta es la premisa de DOWN FM. Un álbum muy conceptual donde The    Estas muerto. Aún no se decide si vas a ir al paraíso o al inframundo. Sentado en la oscuridad del purgatorio, hay una emiosra de radio FM. Esta emisora emite música electrónica, con un intrumental muy similar a la música de los 80s, y una voz de locutor que intenta mantenerte calmo a la expectativa de qué ocurrirá al final.
    Esta es la premisa de DOWN FM. Un álbum muy conceptual donde The Weeknd propone un contexto ficticio muy original para el álbum.
    La música es muy ELECTRO y la voz (autotuneada) de The Weeknd encaja correctamente con el ritmo, las notas y el tempo.
    Lo más valorable es que, para mantener la premisa hasta el final y que no olvides que estás en el purgatorio escuchando esta emisora, aparecen anuncios (como una pulp fiction llamada "After Life") e incluso hay voces y relatos de personas, como A Tale By Quincy, sobre un hombre que sufrió maltrato de una madre abusiva cuando pequeño y fue luego llevada a un psiquiatrico. Eventos traumáticos luego, hicieron que desarrollara un rechazo hacia las mujeres.
    El track final es esa voz que anuncia tu sentencia final, luego de haber disfrutado la música.

    The Weeknd nos lleva a un mundo aparte con DOWN FM. La música es muy pegadiza y se disfruta mucho.    … Expand
  13. noobzy964
    Jul 13, 2022
    8
    Addicted to this for 3 months, that's how good the album is. Almost every single song in this album is my fav, i could call it a masterpiece for this generation.
  14. SouMateu
    Jan 7, 2022
    8
    Dawn FM delivers exquisite transitions, an amazing and sophisticated production with the keyboard beckings and feelts taking us to the nightclubs of the 80s; what a work! Sounds really fancy.
    Tip: listen by phone.
  15. England8
    Jan 9, 2022
    8
    Was really good, good pacing, great production even if some were similar to other tracks on the album. Lil Wayne was the worst part of the album that should have been cut. He’s not good for his feature and should really stick to rapping. Tyler was an odd feature but for the track he was on it suited him well. Heavenly tone to the album too was nice with the afterlife concept to the album.Was really good, good pacing, great production even if some were similar to other tracks on the album. Lil Wayne was the worst part of the album that should have been cut. He’s not good for his feature and should really stick to rapping. Tyler was an odd feature but for the track he was on it suited him well. Heavenly tone to the album too was nice with the afterlife concept to the album. Great vintage 80’s synths that were executed very well. :)… Expand
  16. ANGELOO22
    Feb 4, 2022
    8
    The Weeknd ou Abel para os mais íntimos, se reinventa nesse último trabalho. Entregando um álbum refrescante, dinâmico, elegante, melancólico e profundo na medida certa.
    De certa forma se diferencia do seu antecessor, After Hours, mas mantém a essência dançante dos anos 80. Além disso, a presença do Jim Carrey como locutor deixa a experiência ainda mais imersiva do que poderíamos    The Weeknd ou Abel para os mais íntimos, se reinventa nesse último trabalho. Entregando um álbum refrescante, dinâmico, elegante, melancólico e profundo na medida certa.
    De certa forma se diferencia do seu antecessor, After Hours, mas mantém a essência dançante dos anos 80. Além disso, a presença do Jim Carrey como locutor deixa a experiência ainda mais imersiva do que poderíamos imaginar.

    Meu top 5 faixas:
    Less Than Zero
    Gasoline
    Sacrifice
    Take My Breath
    Dawn Fm    … Expand
  17. After_peep08
    Mar 4, 2023
    8
    the experience listening to this album is perfect, the weeknd is such a brilliant artist, but gasoline is a terible song
  18. music_fan1
    Mar 22, 2022
    8
    The Weeknd delivered an excellent album to start out 2022. The listening experience was excellent and the songs are bangers as usual. I am starting to get tired of the continual 80's theme, though. I was hoping for more creativity, but overall I enjoyed this album. Lil Wayne needs to retire.
  19. gabsdutra
    Apr 6, 2022
    8
    De primeiro impacto foi surpreendente, muito bem feito, mas a sonoridade com o tempo parece uma só, como se todas as músicas se resumissem a uma, e acaba perdendo a sensação da primeira vez, mas não deixa de ser muito bem elaborado!
  20. jbelzero
    Jul 16, 2022
    8
    Dawn FM is a great comeback album of The Weeknd, songs on the album are really good. Why I gave this album an 8? Album includes "A Tale By Quincy", " Every Angel Is Terrifying" and "Phantom Regret By Jim". This tracks aren't actually a songs. In some of this tracks someone is just telling a story or else. I'm not hating the album, it is really good but If I could make a decision about theDawn FM is a great comeback album of The Weeknd, songs on the album are really good. Why I gave this album an 8? Album includes "A Tale By Quincy", " Every Angel Is Terrifying" and "Phantom Regret By Jim". This tracks aren't actually a songs. In some of this tracks someone is just telling a story or else. I'm not hating the album, it is really good but If I could make a decision about the tracks, I would just delete it from the album. Please don't hate me, it's just my opinion, if you think differently, that's ok.… Expand
  21. Waterzy
    Oct 17, 2022
    8
    Dawn FM brings one of the concepts never done before, of emulating an FM radio, and at the beginning of the album I was convinced that this album would be perfect, with tracks like "gasoline", "sacrifice" and "out of time" simply holding me and making me addicted and wanting to listen to them again, but after a while, right after the track "best friends" the album lost some of its essenceDawn FM brings one of the concepts never done before, of emulating an FM radio, and at the beginning of the album I was convinced that this album would be perfect, with tracks like "gasoline", "sacrifice" and "out of time" simply holding me and making me addicted and wanting to listen to them again, but after a while, right after the track "best friends" the album lost some of its essence and felt unfinished, some tracks after "best friends" are still ok, but no they are amazing just like the initials, this was my 4th favorite album of the year, but it left me a little disappointed in the end… Expand
  22. Gosh_reiners938
    Nov 25, 2022
    8
    This is a great album but not as good as after hours in my opinion still I would check out
  23. frozenpinky
    Jan 7, 2022
    7
    Remember the 1982 movie, Creepshow? Remember all the “fun, scary ‘80s synth music”? Well this is that, but done by The Weeknd.
  24. Menios
    Jan 7, 2022
    7
    This album is very good and pleasing to listen to. I love the concept and it is sonically next level. Not better than After Hours in my opinion.
  25. MusicGuyMack
    Feb 2, 2022
    7
    Though never anything less than impressive from a purely technical standpoint thanks to slick production and impeccable vocal performances, "Dawn FM" unfortunately only occasionally succeeds at building upon rather than merely imitating the '80s funk and new wave sounds that inspired it and can't help feeling at least a little soulless because of it, rendering the album an overallThough never anything less than impressive from a purely technical standpoint thanks to slick production and impeccable vocal performances, "Dawn FM" unfortunately only occasionally succeeds at building upon rather than merely imitating the '80s funk and new wave sounds that inspired it and can't help feeling at least a little soulless because of it, rendering the album an overall enjoyable but ultimately inessential listening experience.

    Choice Cuts: "Take My Breath," "Sacrifice," "Out of Time"    … Expand
  26. PEDROMFR
    Jan 14, 2022
    7
    It's a good album with an exclusive narrative, but it's not memorable. The Weeknd is not an album artist, but he did some efforts on this one, unfortunately, it wasn't the best, yet.
    Also, the single are not as strong as the singles of the last album.
  27. swiftexileee
    Jan 25, 2022
    7
    Creative album. I love the concept of the radio thing. The album is well-produced but the songs sounded the same which made me lose a bit in the end. This is not my favorite The Weeknd album.
  28. veljko_
    Jan 9, 2022
    7
    The Weeknd owns the 80s sound, good concept, dissapointing features and a few filler songs tho.

    best tracks: Take My Breath and Less Than Zero
    worst track: I Heard You're Married ft. Lil Wayne

    rating: 7.4
  29. wesleymiguel
    Jan 7, 2022
    7
    Um álbum sólido e com músicas pop oitentistas que combinam muito bem com a voz do Abel, a ideia da rádio é criativa e acredito que a voz do Jim Carrey fez a experiência ser ainda mais interessante. Não acho que o álbum tenha conseguido superar o anterior (After Hours), ele não trás muita inovação se comparado com aquilo que já nos foi apresentado nos trabalhos anteriores do Abel também.Um álbum sólido e com músicas pop oitentistas que combinam muito bem com a voz do Abel, a ideia da rádio é criativa e acredito que a voz do Jim Carrey fez a experiência ser ainda mais interessante. Não acho que o álbum tenha conseguido superar o anterior (After Hours), ele não trás muita inovação se comparado com aquilo que já nos foi apresentado nos trabalhos anteriores do Abel também. Não fiquei muito animado com as participações , não acho que Lil Wayne acrescentou muito coisa no universo de Dawn FM e não acho que ele tenha sido a melhor escolha pra cantar com Abel, tendo em vista de que ele não canta muito bem. Pontos altos do álbum pra mim: Gasoline, Sacrifice (parece um thriller pt.2), best friends/is there someone else?. Pontos baixos: I heard you're married; embora tenha gostado da voz do The Weeknd nessa, não curti muito a letra e a participação do Lil Wayne… Expand
  30. devinnoonan
    Jan 8, 2022
    7
    First time I listened to this album I didn’t know what to think, I was very mixed and a lot of the songs didn’t land for me. After listening to the album another 5 to 6 times I can gladly say it has grown on me a lot. I don’t think it’s Abel's best work and it doesn't reach the heights of after hours but I can confidently say it’s a worth while experience and it deserves the hype and loveFirst time I listened to this album I didn’t know what to think, I was very mixed and a lot of the songs didn’t land for me. After listening to the album another 5 to 6 times I can gladly say it has grown on me a lot. I don’t think it’s Abel's best work and it doesn't reach the heights of after hours but I can confidently say it’s a worth while experience and it deserves the hype and love it’s deserving. 7/10… Expand
  31. Jackson889
    Sep 4, 2022
    7
    Was expecting a lot worse. Some of the song progressions get to be predictable since its pop but the songs are not so bad that they can't be listened to.
  32. bertobellamy
    Jan 7, 2022
    6
    Not bad, but not like his previous effort. Seems a little rushed, and, on first listen, only two songs remained in my head. Things could change during the next listenings; meanwhile, this could be, for me, the most underwhelming The Weeknd release in years.
  33. dboni1
    Jan 8, 2022
    6
    I appreciate what he's trying to do with the concept and I like the interludes. But the songs here just aren't his best. I don't see myself going back to the majority of these tracks. As a whole, it's just alright. But I wish he'd take more risks and switch up his sound a little more. These 80s synths start sounding the same after a while.
  34. Wanesta
    Jan 8, 2022
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Acting a bit like After Hours' little and more experimental sister, Dawn FM features a breathtaking production and an absolute stellar concept, driving down the highway around 4 am off to the soundtrack of random radio stations … but, most parts are total road-kill. Precisely, the entire first half of Dawn FM, and others. Thankfully, from Out of Time to the exquisite Starry Eyes, we are served with excellence that saves the face of Dawn FM, a rather hit or miss station.… Expand
  35. JanoH
    Jan 7, 2022
    6
    Priemerný album priemerného interpreta. Texty ešte ujdú, ale po hudobnej stránke je to šedý priemer.
  36. Davidwv97
    Jan 7, 2022
    6
    On Dawn FM, The Weeknd does what he does best. And it works. It's nicely polished, well produced. But it's more of the same and he's becoming a bit of a one trick pony.
  37. lwtos
    Jan 13, 2022
    6
    Nothing new here. I can see The Weekend repeat himself over and over. He can do better.
  38. Gibibeta
    Jan 7, 2022
    6
    Nice opening, but kinda plain.
    Don't get me wrong I love the weeknd and the album, sounds polished but just not at the same level than the previous album.
    Not disappointed, but not surprised either.
  39. Oknice
    Jan 7, 2022
    6
    First of all, big fan of The Weeknd, been listening since 2008 when individual albums from Trilogy were released.
    Was really excited for this album, but listening through the whole 16 songs I personally only liked 2 songs, 3 at best. Artistic and production value as a whole is great, especially the retro touch and electro beats are very refined. If you were looking for previous dark    First of all, big fan of The Weeknd, been listening since 2008 when individual albums from Trilogy were released.
    Was really excited for this album, but listening through the whole 16 songs I personally only liked 2 songs, 3 at best. Artistic and production value as a whole is great, especially the retro touch and electro beats are very refined. If you were looking for previous dark melancholy vibes from previous albums, you won’t find it on this one.
    The previous album’s retro vibes were a cool experimentation, but they were average in my opinion, only the hit song like Blinding Lights got the vibes right. Dawn FM took the whole album to the retro/dance level.

    Don’t get me wrong, artistic expression is everything, and this album is definitely not bad. It just wasn’t what I was expecting, I was expecting the tone to be sort of like Moth to a Flame, or a mix between After Hours and My Dear Melancholy.

    But as you guys know, The Weeknd’s songs takes a few listen to fall in love with, and after the fall (pun intended), you get hooked onto it.
    I hope I am wrong with this album, but these are just my personal opinion and taste.

    Hope you guys like the album though!    … Expand
  40. Elvisfox71125
    Jan 8, 2022
    6
    T'was okay. Star boy still da best doe. I can this becoming a staple of early 2020's music down da line. And that's on that on that on that.
  41. mariomello
    Feb 15, 2022
    5
    Horrible, how is it possible? Boring and repetitive, let's get better boy...
  42. All_ButTrU4
    Jan 7, 2022
    5
    Cold, empty and stark come to mind when you see the coverart for the Weeknd's After Hours companion piece. An aesthetic ride through a city pop bliss is curated by Jim Carey's benevolent narration, which drives the concept of life after death,of moving on. Dawn Fm is a dense nostalgic trip that evokes the 80's revival he's pioneered with more focus than the poppier After Hours. Coming soCold, empty and stark come to mind when you see the coverart for the Weeknd's After Hours companion piece. An aesthetic ride through a city pop bliss is curated by Jim Carey's benevolent narration, which drives the concept of life after death,of moving on. Dawn Fm is a dense nostalgic trip that evokes the 80's revival he's pioneered with more focus than the poppier After Hours. Coming so early in the year makes the album feel like a therapeutic new years resolution, preparation for the 3rd year under an unprecedented pandemic. Synths play a ominous role throughout lining songs with hope or dread in equal measure such as the "sacrifice " or "every angel is terrifying " respectively. Dawn fm isn't perfect and i don't think it tries to be but it's length can leave room for boredom where some songs either feel too long (i heard you married or Gasoline ) or unnecessary (best friends) which is an expected result in most heavy handed concept albums. There's something reminiscent to Janelle Monae ArchAndroid series and anachronisms of 80's Micheal Jackson, some song's feeling like fresh takes on Thrillers iconic sound. Oneohtrix Point Never production is stellar and on par with Daft Punk's skill ,it pushes the boundaries of the weeknd's sound whilst referencing his own masterpiece "Garden of Delete ",allowing for so much to discover and appreciate from the album. In short it's not a bad or disappointing record, it's experimental pop that sounds like the future and the past but despite it's quality production I found it's lyrics (apart from Jim Carey's existential narrations) a bit generic and dull which reduced but did not harm my listening experience. Many more listens will invite more concise thoughts but at this moment after 5 listens i feel it's pretty ok and no way near stunning as the concept it attempts to encapsulate.… Expand
  43. Buddysoysa
    Jan 10, 2022
    5
    It's a mid album. Repetitive. Half of the songs are short. His least favourite album. Feel like rushed
  44. Vjhunte
    Jan 15, 2022
    5
    Not his best work, but it was okay. After Hours was phenomenal; it was a banger. Dawn FM just feels like it's lacking something, like I've heard it before. Honestly, it gives me Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' vibes. Most of the songs sound the same. I'm going to give it a second listen, but I don't know if I'll come to love it as I did After Hours.
  45. venaskie18
    Jan 7, 2022
    5
    the radio theme was creative. But no repeat listening no stand out tracks for me it got boring
  46. MexMud
    Jan 7, 2022
    5
    Dawn Fm sounds great.. but it's just more of the same and some songs don't even stand out.
    The flow is great but at the same time becomes stale and boring. Expected better since his last album was almost perfect.
  47. Andrek23
    Jan 21, 2022
    5
    I was an early weeknd fan with his first album “house of balloons”, and then really enjoyed “BBTM” and was seduced with my dear melancholy, more than I though i d have, this last album just doesn’t clic with me. There is not a single song that touches me like they used to in house of balloons or MDM. And while I didn’t enjoy starboy much (too mainstream for me) at least they had someI was an early weeknd fan with his first album “house of balloons”, and then really enjoyed “BBTM” and was seduced with my dear melancholy, more than I though i d have, this last album just doesn’t clic with me. There is not a single song that touches me like they used to in house of balloons or MDM. And while I didn’t enjoy starboy much (too mainstream for me) at least they had some tracks that would get stuck in your head. I wish I fell in the majority and enjoyed this album more… I d say after hours was already much much better and enjoyable to listen to… Expand
  48. lexdivine
    Feb 1, 2022
    5
    Although it isn't a terrible album, I personally didn't care for it. Although The Weeknd is clearly very talented and the concept is nice, I didn't love it. 5 out of ten.
  49. SebastianGutVel
    Jan 16, 2022
    4
    El álbum lo sentí repetitivo, lento y cringe el hacerlo como un programa radial, aún así 4 de 10
  50. BatmanIsLyfe
    Jan 8, 2022
    3
    I love The Weeknd but this album just isn’t it. I can’t think of a single track on this record that wouldn’t sound completely out of place on the radio. Once again, I am a huge fan, but it disappoints me that an album can receive so much hype despite the subject matter just because of the name that is attached. I presume the hype will die rather quickly though as there are no standoutI love The Weeknd but this album just isn’t it. I can’t think of a single track on this record that wouldn’t sound completely out of place on the radio. Once again, I am a huge fan, but it disappoints me that an album can receive so much hype despite the subject matter just because of the name that is attached. I presume the hype will die rather quickly though as there are no standout tracks or moments even on the album. Out of Time is the closest thing.

    The entire album feels like one run-on song consisting of boring arpeggios accompanied by ineffective soft pads that lazily repeat a pattern. I felt like I was listening to Abel sing over funky elevator music for most of the listen. The beats lack the variety and punch that we have grown accustomed to with The Weeknd. I understand it’s necessary to mix things up sometimes, but this album just drones on and never makes any statements musically, and just when you think it may, some stupid radio static and voice line interrupts.

    Lyrically the songs feel generic. Even my favorite, Out of Time, states things in such a literal way that it feels corny at times. The entire thing is a beckon to get Bella back again, but it feels like he ran out of things to say to her after After Hours. The radio concept made no sense whatsoever and didn’t even add to the efficacy of the music. I feel like someone decided it would be cool to have a radio themed album, so they just did it with no actual vision of how it would further express the album’s message. Altogether I just felt robbed of almost everything I expect from The Weeknd. The vocals were talented and clean as usual, I mean come on, it’s Abel. But the leads that grab your attention, the melodies that get stuck in your head, the mind-bending transitions, the cryptic lyricism that leaves a little room for interpretation; those are all missing from this album. Listen to Faith, that song alone contains more complexity and raw soul than the entirety of Dawn FM. I suppose eventually Abel had to release a *miss* album. He’s been killing it since Trilogy, but I really don’t see this album making waves where it truly counts: the listeners. Idk give it a month or two until the album is basically forgotten and people start anticipating the next.

    One positive is that the sexy R&B vibe actually really excited me at the beginning, but then it never really toon it anywhere. But after the initial excitement, the whole album is just a bunch of syncopated noise with very little variety.    … Expand
  51. christodoulakis
    Jan 16, 2022
    3
    Interesting concept.
    Just good songs.
    Less than zero: the best song of the album, a tribute to Future Islands’ sound.
  52. Hey_eff7
    Jan 7, 2022
    3
    I’ve always loved The Weeknd’s music and artistry, so when it comes to Dawn Fm I wasn’t disappointed by the concept, But when it comes to execution, Abel’s failed. Sonically speaking, the album is somehow boring, especially because of the choice to use the same drum kit in most of the songs, in which makes them all sound repetitive and the same. They’re not all bad songs! A few of themI’ve always loved The Weeknd’s music and artistry, so when it comes to Dawn Fm I wasn’t disappointed by the concept, But when it comes to execution, Abel’s failed. Sonically speaking, the album is somehow boring, especially because of the choice to use the same drum kit in most of the songs, in which makes them all sound repetitive and the same. They’re not all bad songs! A few of them such as Less than zero, Is there someone else? And Out of time are some (if not) the best tracks on the album. Also, I must say that even with most of the tracks having a length of about 3 minutes, the songs never achieve a peak, they are not as smooth as most of the tracks on after hours, they aren’t catchy, they aren’t very dynamic either. I know that these aren’t the only factor to take in consideration in order to say that a song is good, but for an album called “Dawn (FM)” I would expect a project very radio friendly - with some bangers that would do really well on the radio. I still respect the effort he put into doing something reminiscent, but at the some time modern, but I must admit that “DAWN FM” is one of his weakest albums.… Expand
  53. BunnyHop
    Jan 9, 2022
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm gonna start this with the fact I'm a fan of 80's synth music, vapourwave music and the weeknd but, this is not good let alone like how people are talking about it. Can you enjoy it? Yes but the ideas it display aren't done well especially in the lyrics, the production makes it not uncommon to think that your music is on shuffle or loop and there's albums much better. With similar ideas (DAMN. By Kendrick Lamar for life and death/reflecting on life and other weeknd albums for the other concepts [drugs, love, sex, etc...] for example) and production (anything by whitewoods, IGOR by Tyler, the creator some songs off swimming by Mac Miller)… Expand
  54. AlextasyOfMind
    Jan 9, 2022
    3
    Siento que se está sobrevalorando demasiado este album. Le daría menor puntuación …
  55. EuphoriaVibe
    Jan 11, 2022
    3
    What a disappointment after the incredibly impactful “After Hours.” The album, outside of 2-3 tracks, is just boring. Songs all sound the same and never reach any kind of peak. There is no real vibe or emotion to feel when listening to these tracks. It’s not party enough to be a feel good fun album. Not emotional enough to make you reflect. It just kind of is there. A weak, monotonousWhat a disappointment after the incredibly impactful “After Hours.” The album, outside of 2-3 tracks, is just boring. Songs all sound the same and never reach any kind of peak. There is no real vibe or emotion to feel when listening to these tracks. It’s not party enough to be a feel good fun album. Not emotional enough to make you reflect. It just kind of is there. A weak, monotonous effort overall. Just add the small handful of songs you like to your library and dump the rest because it’s mostly filler.… Expand
  56. AntonMit
    Feb 22, 2022
    3
    The music doesn't speak to me and the topics are quite trite. I wish this wouldn't be promoted as much.
  57. Cruelsummer20
    Jan 7, 2022
    2
    I was disappointed w all the tracks sounding alike w the same electronic beat. After a few songs in, it lost my attention. His last album is still superior
  58. yazlara
    Jan 8, 2022
    2
    It was like hearing Take My Breath in different but similar fonts. Although kept his recurring theme of sex, hookup culture, and commitment issues through lyrics, the audios did not connect with the lyrics. The use of pop beats is a good approach from The Weeknd, but the lack of versatility is what made it predictable and hard to keep me entertained.
  59. MishalN
    Jan 10, 2022
    1
    I think he can do better than that, the best thing in this album is the transition and the song “ take my breath “ the rest are expected and similar to his previous album “ after hours “ , he just copy the 80s sound and just stuck in this sound, if you want to make music don’t repeat the past and do something different than the others , be unique
  60. Ayogio
    Jan 10, 2022
    1
    I am beyond confused by all of these great ratings. I think this is The Weeknd’s worst and most generic sounding album of his career. Only one or two songs stick out. Very, very underwhelming.
  61. Cellulocer
    Jan 7, 2022
    1
    Dawn FM is flat, the songs all sound the same, Abel sings in the same key the whole time. Maybe it’ll grow on me but it’s kind of boring.

    I’m gunna get trashed for this opinion but i’m not really into this album. It’s got a couple good songs but nothing really blew me away. Most of the songs have that same 80s rhythm that gets real repetitive and bland
  62. Robertsoa
    Jan 10, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Pra mim The weekend está desde o After Hours lançando o mesmo álbum, mesmos singles… As música do novo álbum estão todas soando igual, a mesma imagem, ele não preocupou em se reinventar, pegou os descartes do álbum passado e resolveu lançar mais um álbum de estúdio, de qualquer forma, qualquer jeito!… Expand
  63. Muath_
    Feb 5, 2022
    0
    This **** is so boring its the weeknd but with less energy it’s just so disappointing to see the man who carried 2020
  64. Dalibor2
    Mar 14, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Make better music + sound same as hisl ast album,overrated artist rn.......… Expand
  65. KlassicReviews
    Apr 15, 2022
    0
    super dynamically sounding album from Abel and Jim Carrey. The meaning of this album is super interesting as its a very dark follow up to After Hours
next
Page:

Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best Album of 2022
8
#8 Most Discussed Album of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Resident Advisor
    Jan 24, 2022
    80
    It's invigorating, vulnerable and, at times, uncomfortably raw.
    Read full review
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Jan 18, 2022
    80
    Musically, Dawn FM mirrors Tesfaye’s disquiet, its buffed electronic sheen ruptured by moments of discord, as when ballad Starry Eyes teeters on the brink of implosion. It’s a state that Tesfaye seems to relish, with often stunning results.
    Read full review
  3. HipHopDX
    Jan 14, 2022
    76
    The Canadian megastar avoids the pitfalls of cheap, nostalgia bait by earnestly repurposing and breathing life into deep cuts from a bygone era.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »