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
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  1. shauryaizm03
    Jan 12, 2022
    10
    in one word, simply mesmerizing, Abel's ability to create a cinematic universe through his music is nonparallel, no other singer could ever achieve this, he makes music seem like a movie, his dystopian retro themes are flawless and he has already become a legend.
  2. Jummel47
    Jan 12, 2022
    9
    My favorite project by The Weeknd since House of Balloons / Thursday. I’ll cherish this albums sound for a very long time. It’s not quite a 10 though, but real close. Can’t wait to see the third part of the trilogy, but for now I’ve got something to enjoy for a while.
  3. 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
  4. FruitPolo
    Jan 12, 2022
    10
    Very enjoyable listen and my list of favourite Weeknd songs has been extended. I see people online complaining about the MJ influence… doesn’t mean it isn’t great music.
  5. MetFRekS
    Jan 12, 2022
    10
    This album is just perfect, no words, just emotions. I love all his music, i wanna say thanks to the weeknd, for creating this album.
  6. Sahibbassey
    Jan 12, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. DAWN FM is so sonic and the sequence in it is so desirable. You just want to play the first song and you end up listening to the album over and over again. Abel out did himself on this. Listen to this with a fresh mind, this is not like any of his previous works. This is Dawn Fm.… Expand
  7. Klamar
    Jan 12, 2022
    10
    His best work since Trilogy. Faultless production and great vocals. Every synth/disco beat is done perfectly. If MJ was born later, this is the kind of album he'd be making right now. Less Than Zero, Sacrifice and HDIMYLM are stand out tracks. I predict this as the best album of 2022.
  8. Mikedv
    Jan 12, 2022
    10
    Just an amazing experience! The Weeknd is becoming the new Michael Jackson. Enjoy the ride.
  9. ladyjopita
    Jan 11, 2022
    10
    The album is very impressive and wonderfully nostalgic! This is the first radio-inspired album I've ever heard, the concept is absolutely unique. This is the first best album of 2022.
  10. Luiz007
    Jan 11, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. another amazing album from the weeknd as always bringing out the best of the 80s. making us a bit reminiscent of the king of pop with quincy telling the story along with awesome jim is the only thing i can say… Expand
  11. GianlucaBenfe
    Jan 11, 2022
    10
    I think here you’ll find peace. There are influences from all music genres you could ever imagine. Some of the transitions are kinda ridiculous, eg Best Friends/Is there someone else?/Starry eyes.
    The whole album is a concept of an idea and a project that still needs to achieve his total complexity, as Abel said, we’re in a new trilogy.
    As a XO, I can only bless him to make us part of that    I think here you’ll find peace. There are influences from all music genres you could ever imagine. Some of the transitions are kinda ridiculous, eg Best Friends/Is there someone else?/Starry eyes.
    The whole album is a concept of an idea and a project that still needs to achieve his total complexity, as Abel said, we’re in a new trilogy.
    As a XO, I can only bless him to make us part of that incredible journey started from the House of Balloons and taking us to Heaven.
    I just simply evaluate that album the decade’s one, a truly masterpiece. Can’t wait to see what’s coming on.
    XO    … Expand
  12. 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
  13. JeffRson
    Jan 11, 2022
    10
    The album is great. It may not change the face of music - I don't feel hear any massive hit in it - but it doesn't take itself seriously neither. The album is easy to listen, very coherent and polished. The transition are very funny and the sound's post production is mind blowing. It feels like playing GTA Vice City and listening to the radio. The entire album sounds is retro wave and theThe album is great. It may not change the face of music - I don't feel hear any massive hit in it - but it doesn't take itself seriously neither. The album is easy to listen, very coherent and polished. The transition are very funny and the sound's post production is mind blowing. It feels like playing GTA Vice City and listening to the radio. The entire album sounds is retro wave and the vocals are brilliant. I keep listening on repeat. A great album to get a good vibe.… Expand
  14. idracula42
    Jan 11, 2022
    10
    Digno. Um excelente álbum. Um verdadeiro hitmaker muito bom tá de parabens vale lembrar que foi esnobado pelo Grammy e agora tá aí esfregando na cara de todos eles
  15. JDGrphcs
    Jan 11, 2022
    10
    Yet another masterpiece, a work of art, from The Weeknd. The concept is everything, transports you somewhere truly unique. On the surface, we can see a very retro-inspired sound exploring a mix of bangers and ballads, usually quite upbeat and positive. But the addition of genius narration from Jim Carrey, and occasional interludes from The Weeknd, a much more eery theme is explored. AsYet another masterpiece, a work of art, from The Weeknd. The concept is everything, transports you somewhere truly unique. On the surface, we can see a very retro-inspired sound exploring a mix of bangers and ballads, usually quite upbeat and positive. But the addition of genius narration from Jim Carrey, and occasional interludes from The Weeknd, a much more eery theme is explored. As Tesfaye has stated in previous interviews, this album is meant to represent 'Purgatory' - the transitional stage from his previous life of overwhelming fame, drugs and sex (After Hours) into this uncertain place of remorse, discovery and regret. A truly beautiful picture is painted, and it feels as cohesive as any project you'll see. The rewarding nature of his work is truly unique, you get out what you put in. Immerse yourself into his world, and you won't regret it. 10/10.… Expand
  16. teklay
    Jan 11, 2022
    10
    This album is so amazing that you keep listening and keep fall in love with (as always),but it different sound for him and for me to.The production,the voice, hope full lyrics just wow.XOTWOD
  17. Minhyuk102
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    His album cures my heart and ears..! Out of time and less than zero is legendary. I love its concept and level of completion. It will be my favorite album of weeknd
    His voice, his lyrics is totally amazing. And some skits and narrations was good. I hope you guys to listen to DAWN FM and enjoy it. Thanks weeknd
  18. Nachota4
    Jan 11, 2022
    10
    This album is a masterpiece. The instrumental brings you back to 80's and the lycris is totally amazing, it connects with others songs, creating a history between his other album "After Hours" or even Starboy, Kiss Land and maybe Trilogy! Making a radio album is so good, you can feel many emotions like happiness, sadness, even feeling lost, etc. Finally, The Weeknd makes clear hisThis album is a masterpiece. The instrumental brings you back to 80's and the lycris is totally amazing, it connects with others songs, creating a history between his other album "After Hours" or even Starboy, Kiss Land and maybe Trilogy! Making a radio album is so good, you can feel many emotions like happiness, sadness, even feeling lost, etc. Finally, The Weeknd makes clear his influence of Daft Punk, Michael Jackson, and others. 10/10… Expand
  19. kavelate
    Jan 11, 2022
    10
    Felt like an 80's dystopian sci-fi mystery thriller movie. The radio elements are honestly my favourite from this album. Jim Carrey did his thing, his choice of words was beautiful and freaky. The commercial in "Every angel is terrifying" was a nice touch, loved it. The production is amazing, unsurprisingly, I mean it's The Weeknd album, the production, mixing, and the vocals will be onFelt like an 80's dystopian sci-fi mystery thriller movie. The radio elements are honestly my favourite from this album. Jim Carrey did his thing, his choice of words was beautiful and freaky. The commercial in "Every angel is terrifying" was a nice touch, loved it. The production is amazing, unsurprisingly, I mean it's The Weeknd album, the production, mixing, and the vocals will be on point, as always. Not really crazy about the features, felt like it was unnecessary to be honest. I hope this will be the last 80's synth inspired dance pop album form The Weeknd, I think he can do a different style in his next chapter, something very new and refreshing. I know he will find a way to it, he's always the standard in pop music. Overall, Dawn FM is a brilliant radio themed album, with great cryptic story. From the start to the end, it was a mesmerizing journey.… Expand
  20. b4rt
    Jan 11, 2022
    9
    maybe the most incredible and complete album of Abel which embodies well-valued voices with experimentation and the will to increase their skills more and more and, therefore, to release an album very different from its previous ones.
  21. zuzqqa
    Jan 10, 2022
    10
    Wow, IT is getting better as more you listen. Every song, every detail of it, music is just out of The world
  22. DarkTrilogyXO
    Jan 10, 2022
    10
    Such an amazing album I love it , it really needs to be on a discoteque I really recommend it to everyone
  23. bl_nk
    Jan 10, 2022
    8
    This is a good album, if a tiny bit overrated.

    In many ways, this is his mid-life crisis record. He's in his early thirties and death is on his mind. His priorities seem to have changed from his earlier efforts. He's searching for some sort of future. Throughout the album, the narrator, an ethereal radio host voiced by Jim Carrey, seems to be guiding you towards a purgatorial state.    This is a good album, if a tiny bit overrated.

    In many ways, this is his mid-life crisis record. He's in his early thirties and death is on his mind. His priorities seem to have changed from his earlier efforts. He's searching for some sort of future. Throughout the album, the narrator, an ethereal radio host voiced by Jim Carrey, seems to be guiding you towards a purgatorial state. Even the cover drips with morbidity.

    While After Hours was more thematically cohesive, this album is more sonically cohesive. From a production standpoint, The Weeknd completely nails the aesthetic he was going for. It's pure 80's synth pop that wouldn't sound out of place as a radio station in GTA: Vice City.

    My only issue, is while the production is excellent across the board, some of the hooks fell flat for me. There's a lot of skips, but it's still technically excellent. Lots of the tracks I didn't care for were other peoples' favorites

    Worth a listen, especially for 80's fans    … Expand
  24. l3incey
    Jan 10, 2022
    10
    A great sequel to after hours. Love the radio type music that he created, it was like listening to gta radio while riding around los santos.
  25. drj98
    Jan 10, 2022
    10
    Probably one of his best works. Love to see him evolve as an artist and make new highs
  26. 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
  27. Alisson92335235
    Jan 10, 2022
    10
    Masterpiece! Brilliant! Perfect!
    Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
  28. Itsnotjose01
    Jan 10, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Album was so beautiful I won’t lie I want a deluxe album, but it’s amazing and the live event on Amazon was great also . Just feels like you are dreaming when you hear out of time .❤️… Expand
  29. 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
  30. LewisCourtney
    Jan 10, 2022
    10
    Masterpiece , Abel never misses , from start to finish it takes you on a journey which I can’t describe , you just have to listen.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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
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