• Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Jan 7, 2022
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 1131 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Jan 10, 2022
    9
    Very enjoyable and a really creative way of differentiating this album with its Radio gimmick. The transitions were a great way of syncing the energy between the songs as well though This whole album was consistent overall. No contrasting genres, just a whole lotta 80s flowing through this piece. ❤️❤️
  2. Jan 10, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Bro it is amaziiiing. Expand
  3. Jan 10, 2022
    9
    Para mi, el mejor trabajo de The Weeknd hasta la fecha. Pese a ser un Álbum muy alejado al resto (excepto con "After Hours"), ha logrado dominar el sonido y estilo de los 80s a la perfección.
  4. Jan 10, 2022
    10
    Album of the year, this is an album to avoid “shuffle mode” cause you will miss details, hear it in sequence.
  5. 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.
  6. Jan 10, 2022
    10
    Masterpiece! Brilliant! Perfect!
    Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
  7. Jan 10, 2022
    10
    Probably one of his best works. Love to see him evolve as an artist and make new highs
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. Jan 13, 2022
    10
    My first opinion of this album was that every song did sound similar and there wasn't much variety. I originally listened with only one airpod in and while I was working. Although being a huge fan of the Weeknd, I decided to give it another shot and really listen to the lyrics. That changed everything for me. I do feel that the features from Tyler the Creator, Lil Wayne and Quincy JonesMy first opinion of this album was that every song did sound similar and there wasn't much variety. I originally listened with only one airpod in and while I was working. Although being a huge fan of the Weeknd, I decided to give it another shot and really listen to the lyrics. That changed everything for me. I do feel that the features from Tyler the Creator, Lil Wayne and Quincy Jones skit weren't really necessary and didn't add anything to the album. Jim Carrey as the radio DJ was genius though and added another layer to the Dawn FM radio theme he was going for. In fact, one of my favorite "songs" of the album is "Phantom Regret by Jim." This album takes me back to the Weeknd's early music and I've been hoping he'd tap into that emotion again. Well done Abel! Expand
  19. Jan 23, 2022
    9
    2022 begins with a shattering big bang. Thanks to The Weeknd and his fifth studio album "Dawn FM". A journey back in time to a radio pop station of the 80s and at the same time as far into the future as it gets.

    The Weeknd delivers - with excellent production, melodies and vocals. Probably his best, most positive and thoughtful album to date. And the best 80's style synth pop album
    2022 begins with a shattering big bang. Thanks to The Weeknd and his fifth studio album "Dawn FM". A journey back in time to a radio pop station of the 80s and at the same time as far into the future as it gets.

    The Weeknd delivers - with excellent production, melodies and vocals. Probably his best, most positive and thoughtful album to date. And the best 80's style synth pop album since the 80's itself. Almost perfect - 9 out of 10.

    My favorites:
    "Take My Breath"
    "Gasoline"
    "Less than Zero"
    "How Do I Make You Love Me?"
    "Out of Time"

    ~ Fürstenberg
    January 23, 2022
    Expand
  20. Jan 17, 2022
    9
    I cannot think of an artist today who is world building around his music/art as clearly and commercially effective as The Weeknd is right now.

    Abel is perfectly balanced in this project between concept album and commercial hit maker that I recall having several Pinky Floyd dark side of the moon flashbacks listening to it. Beautifully sung, incredibly produced, perfectly paced and
    I cannot think of an artist today who is world building around his music/art as clearly and commercially effective as The Weeknd is right now.

    Abel is perfectly balanced in this project between concept album and commercial hit maker that I recall having several Pinky Floyd dark side of the moon flashbacks listening to it.

    Beautifully sung, incredibly produced, perfectly paced and wonderfully unique in todays regurgitated and remade landscape. The Weeknd has knocked this completely out of the park in my view and completely cements himself as one of the very best creators of art (period) of this generation.
    Expand
  21. 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
  22. Jan 28, 2022
    10
    His best album yet. An 80s nostalgic trip mixed with modern pop brining us a new take with an old sound
  23. 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.
  24. Jan 28, 2022
    10
    The most amazing album I have ever experienced. I love every little part of every song, everything just makes sense. Thank you Abel!
  25. Jan 30, 2022
    9
    Truly a great album filled with hidden gems, no skips at all for me. My favorite is definitely "less than zero".
  26. 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
  27. Feb 8, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love the fact that the album's themes and concepts consist of; self-reflection, guilt, regret, heartbreak and is also a follow-up to After Hours. Sacrifice, Gasoline, Out of Time and Take My Breath being the main highlights that stick out to me. I love the features of Tyler, The Creator, Swedish House Mafia, Quincy Jones and Jim Carey (the radio host of Dawn FM)... All in all, this is an absolutely AMAZING start to 2022 in terms of new album releases! Expand
  28. Mar 29, 2022
    9
    goodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgood
  29. Feb 19, 2022
    10
    Man...I love the way this is going, pleaseee more of this!! I really really really need it.
  30. 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
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. Jan 24, 2022
    80
    It's invigorating, vulnerable and, at times, uncomfortably raw.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.