My favourite thing about Abel is the self awareness in his lyrics. Nobody does it quite like he does. His music has gotten me through some of my darkest moments. That's his genius.

When people think of The Weeknd they think of the popular songs but they don’t know the true art behind him

Dawn FM is underrated cause people are not able to see the true meaning of the album. It is just a masterpiece. I love it.

The transition between "Best Friends" and "Is There Someone Else?" is the best thing I ever heard, Dawn FM is literally the best album ever

Dawn FM is literally one of favorite albums of all time. Its one of the most accurate depictions of trying to keep an upbeat attitude while also dying inside from fears, self loathing, and insecurities. Its pretty much depression in musical form 😂

He a musical genius. Hopefully he won't lose himself in all of this.

watching this about his music after the idol hits different💀💀

Not even 3 minutes in but saying "seeing sex as a deal with the devil and showing your vulnerabilities" is powerful as hell, perfectly exemplifies the weekend and my own beliefs

Nothing like 17 year old me walking home smoking, drunk and heartbroken while blasting The Hills.

There is a high possibility Abel will watch this, he loves lurking on UKposts. Great analysis, and especially 17:17- 17:26 really nailed it right on the head.

"He doesn't wallow in his emotions, but suppresses them, refusing to give her the satisfaction of knowing she meant anything to him." What a line!

On the note you left off, it hurts me when people say that they miss “the old Abel”. Nobody is the same way they were 10 years ago. I feel so proud of how Abel has been telling the story and the meanings behind each song. Quite frankly, he’s the only artist that has been with me for so long. From middle school all the way to my last year in college. I’ll forever be glad for my brother introducing me to him. At first, I didn’t really like his music because it was dark, but depression and getting hurt brought him closer to me. The way I relate to so many of his songs just amazes me. So happy I got to see him in Chicago. P.S. Amazing analysize and theories. Made me think and reflect hard.

Iv been a fan for a decade. I fuck with Abel because he's not dancing and running around with a six pack swooning about everlasting love. He's a reflection of our generation of high promiscuity and many of us just jumping from partner to partner. He's subtly telling a long form story, and where enjoying the read.

As a woman, R&B wasn't a genre I wasn't comfortable with, but Abel's music gave me a glimpse of how men approach intimacy, he's the only artist I truly respect bcz he's not afraid of being vulnerable. His music helped through some of the worst depressive times of my life. OG fr...such a well researched video..makes so much sense..thank you

The more I learn about The Weeknd the more I’m fascinated by his ability to hold the mirror up to our society. It’s as if he is looking at the toxicities in our vapid culture and saying “Look! This is what you are! This is what you do! Is this really what you want??” And he repeatedly receives a resounding and disheartening “Yes”. And as much as I enjoy his music, I really hope he finds the thing that will break his cycle of self-abuse and enable him to get better.

I'm honestly glad he's not sticking to one sound/ persona and is constantly evolving. it makes his works always seems fresh and you can always revisit different albums for different moods

I really liked how you discussed the toxic relationship themes in terms of how it's something a whole generation seems to relate to... I'll never forget being at college parties in 2015 when The Hills was a huge single, and hearing everyone screaming the hook of "When I'm f-ed up, that's the real me."

I rarely see video essays exploring the emotional destruction one has to go through to have a strained relationship with intimacy. The Weeknd's music is not just typical fuckboy music to me because of the Quincy Jones track on Dawn FM and why quincy jones told that particular story. If you don't get emotional intimacy from your primary caregivers (aka quincy jones not getting it from the mother figures in his life) you won't know real intimacy because our childhood dynamics dictate what goes on for the rest of our lives - its really a foundation that has to be built. Abel grew up without a father - his grandmother raised him in his teens ofcourse he's struggling with intimacy because when he grew up there was no body who embodied true intimacy to him. Rather than fuckboy music - this is music about trauma. Whenever he gets too attached - he cuts the woman off just like quincy jones did because he doesn't feel deserving of love because if his primary caregivers deprived him of love thats the narrative he's subconciously fixated on that needs to play out simply because of familiarity- and not because it serves the greater good in him.

BRO IT MAKES SO MUCH SENSE THAT THE WEEKND IS CLOSING THE ENTIRE "THE WEEKND" CHAPTER THING OUT AND WILL MAKE MUSIC NOW AS ABEL TESFAYE. So essentially, the weeknd was kind of a persona or a chapter in his life, which ended with dawn fm, which is his last album as the weeknd, whose cover and "symbol" is the weeknd as an old man, meaning he died off and so The Weeknd persona of him is just dead...

The thing people need to understand is that The Weeknd is a character, a concept, not a real person. The truth is that we actually know very little about the man behind the creation unless it is what he wants to reveal to us.

Just here to say that Abel and Lana are some of the best writers of this decade. Nobody's doing it quite like them

It's extremely rare that I could listen to an artist's album and literally like every song. Many artists that I really like have songs that I don't care for, but The Weeknd, especially with Dawn FM, I love every track.

watching this about his music after the idol hits different. …aged well.

A lot of people call him a “toxic king” or say that his music is demeaning to women but I as a woman who is absolutely obsessed with his music and has been since 2014 don’t feel that way. He is doing exactly what’s explained in chapter 1 of this video, the troubles of love and heart break. I am someone who struggles with commitment and looks for that external love. I love the weeknd for that reason, he talks about so many things that I feel. It seems as tho it’s pointed to women because that’s his interest but if you flip it to your own perspective you realize that it’s all the same.

I don't hype this artist that much but bro, it's actually sinful to deny that he is the GOAT. While other hip-hop artists try to glorify drug abuse, he tries to establish himself as a rogue, piece of shit in eyes of all his listeners! Every album has a new story with new characters, which are mostly antagonistic in nature. From being a toxic man in Trilogy who becomes the cause of the grievous death of Valerie to ending up in self-loathing in Dawn FM, the evolution of his character is what makes him a unique artist.

Abel doesn't just write music- he is writing operas.

Him not getting nominated for a Grammy was a solidification of how much of a monument one person can be. He got a WHOLE INDUSTRY mad at him. THAT is power.

This guy is so open to experimenting artistically that he actually does it so well which is highly admirable. I really like his take in music and how he doesn't want to be boxed in. I can feel what he means.

throughout the years of knowing who the weeknd is I've never appreciated his music more than now thanks to this video, I feel like I just watched a summary of really good movies I've never watched, but I only have a few scenes on repeat. I guess now I'm gona have to go back and watch the movies. Also, this channel is underrated 🙌

The Weeknd is going down as a legend in music.

i feel like abel is more than just a musician, he’s a true artist. from his mvs to his songs to his concerts and performances he takes things more than just a “concept” but true performance art and it goes over people’s head because they aren’t use to ingesting immersive art which it what i think sets him apart from so many others. dawn fm really cemented this idea for me, i think a continuation album like that is more that just an album it’s art, i’m so excited to see what he does next

Best part of After Hours is the storytelling hands down. The way the MVs, live performances and the album played in order each tell their story, the rollout to the album, the character. Felt like an actual era/saga.

The Weeknd is one of the few musical artists with true art. Every song, lyric, music video, and album is a piece of a much larger puzzle. It's like watching a movie series, and you never know what direction it's going to go as his puzzle evolves with his real life experiences. It's fun listening to one song from a random artist and enjoying it for 3 minutes. It's enthralling diving into an artists entire body of work deciphering the hidden meanings, messages, and themes that they cleverly constructed over years and years.

The one thing I've adored since Abel realesed House of Ballons until now, is the captivating, deep emotions of the darkest part of his soul continuously changing and being reflected into his songs. He is never afraid to show that vulnerability. Each album presenting the ending of a cycle in his life. It's a storytelling through music.

I can say without a doubt that he is a unique artist. the way he built his career behind a pseudonym titled The Weeknd and showed all the transition phases from anonymity to stardom, to career excesses and the end of an era, everything is very well represented in this gripping book that is the abel it's no wonder that now he will work from his birth name, he is a complete artist

His music (as well as Lana Del Reys) got me through the really, really dark parts of an abusive relationship…as well as the recovery that came after. Their songs felt raw and dark….but they helped to allow myself to feel the sorrow and the aftermath of my traumas. Some people need dark music like this to let go of emotions, in my case it made a sort of safe space for me because I could feel the emotions but they didn’t feel too close to home. It’s like I was hearing someone else tell my story for me and feel my emotions for me. The honesty in their music felt almost therapeutic.

No lyric has resonated with me more than "when i'm fucked up, i'm the real me".

I'm a huge Abel fan, I'm a 58 yr old lady too. This is one of the better videos about him. Thank you, I enjoyed it very much. Abel is a deep thinker and I love how he has become close with Jim Carrey. Carrey will help Abel enjoy his fame by having a friend that is grounded in reality instead of what fame does to most people. Abel is a humanitarian also, he is really a nice guy, who truly cares about people. I'm so glad he uses his platform to call out the injustices in the world and gives millions to the causes that really need help. I never could say I loved any famous person as another human being before, until Abel. I truly believe he is special.

His music has timestamped important phases in my life. Happy to witness the evolution of true talent

Here after The Idol lol

His evolution in the polish of albums is so noticable. The last 3 mainstream albums especially, from Starboy to After Hours to Dawn FM, it's leaps and bounds to bind the tracks together under a cohesive theme and experience. Dawn FM is by far the most wholistic piece he has put out.

This video is an essential watch. This was so finely & masterfully crafted. You've put a microscope to his artistry and have left no stone untouched.

His entire character in my opinion is the internal struggle young men have with the imposter syndrome, when they try to express their full self in a world that makes no room for their identity.

Reading comments before The Idol.

one of the best artists of all time, not even a question

that's why I like Abel, he's not just a love song or pop songwriter, he is an artist who tells stories with his music

He got me through college, truly. There's something about his lyrics that just have just stuck with me.

Abels music proves that pop is a serious art genre not just commercial. It can reveal the darkest part of us and explore feelings in the abyss we don't share with anyone else. It can bring those our under the guide of catchy beats and harmonic symphonies.

Amazing! I barely knew anything about The Weeknd before watching this video, and now want to see his entire work in the way you described it. Awesome and thanks!

Abel’s music is so much deeper than most people really know. This video does a great job at trying to pick apart his discography but hell, this video could’ve been 8 hours if you really wanted it to be haha. Knowing how Abel grew up, hearing stories about him pre-fame, before the mixtapes even, and seeing where he is now always gives me chills. You think of this young kid who dropped out of high school, couch surfing, partying, having sex, drinking and doing hard-ass drugs, making minimum wage at a clothing store, depressed as all hell, growing up without a father, and seeing this same dude with a bright smile, thousand dollar clothing on his back, singing his heart out at the FUCKING SUPERBOWL, where he then goes home to his giant mansion with his dog to watch himself play a character on The Simpsons. Like, it’s crazy. And there’s so much that happened throughout all of his career that most people probably don’t know about, including the stuff I just mentioned from his life before fame. He was in a beef with his old producer Jeremy Rose who claimed he never got credit for the work he did with Abel. It’s rumored (with evidence) that after Kiss Land bombed hard with most critics and even a lot of fans, Abel fell into another super deep depression and was going to record an album with a very “fucked up, grungy Nirvana-type vibe”. There’s anecdotal evidence that he went to Seattle to record with Doc McKinney, where they reportedly had a falling out. Tracks like “Often”, “King of the Fall”, and “Tell Your Friends” are rumored to have come from this period, or at least very shortly afterwards. In King Of the Fall, Abel sings “Shout my n**** Doc, that’s a mentor Had some bad business, nothing personal” After Starboy, Abel started recording a very poppy album in 2017 which he then scrapped for My Dear Melancholy, because he doesn’t like to put out music that doesn’t match how he feels at the time. That was obviously because him and Selena Gomez broke up. If you’ve ever heard “Let Me Go” which is an unreleased track that leaked and was produced by Kygo, it’s rumored that song came from that project as well. These are just a few examples and this comment is already long enough, but even just hearing about stuff like this, the stuff that’s happened behind the scenes that we don’t know 100% about, it adds a lot to his journey and who he is today. I also think hearing about this kinda stuff that never came to be adds to his mystery. This comment has been all over the place but I guess I’m trying to say that Abel is one of a kind and there’s a reason he’s my favorite artist of all time. I can’t wait to see what he does next.

And then the Idol. 📉

His video directors and teams are on another level who truly deserve more recognition

Ever since getting into his music in 2015-2016, I've noticed his stuff just gets better and better.

When I was going through a turbulent time in my life, the whole After hours album was my saving grace

He is his character on the idol

It's one of the bests videos that I've ever seen! The way that you explained his story and his albums was amazing. Thank you for this video for real!

As someone who relates to Abel’s music I can definitely see him having abandonment issues…. . Anyone who has abandonment issues can definitely relate to him lol . I really would love to talk to him about it . His lyrics scream abandonment issues or even borderline personality disorder.

There's been hate on the pop star Weeknd evolution when his songwriting has only gotten better and more self-realized with each release. After Hours and Dawn FM are high up there lyrically. It took time for me to appreciate the lyrical themes of the og stuff bc I didn't find it relatable, but now is the best time to finally get full circle with all the music. Retrospect truly shows the growth of not only art but personhood.

this is probably one of my favorite videos i’ve ever watched on youtube. mad props to you man, thank you for this content.

this is so cool!! the attention to detail and how you interpreted songs and performances is spot on

As a fan of the Weeknd, this is exactly the kind of analysis I've been looking for. I absolutely adore his music and creativity and couldn't quite pinpoint what made him a true artist but with this video you put it into words so eloquently. Thank you!

in 2011 the weeknd helped me through my break up. for me, his songs are not about being vulnerable.. it‘s about betrayal and the aftermath of being betrayed.

Music for empty stripclubs laced with neon

I think I love his music because he talks about relationships and life like it is: its raw, it's messy, and it's dark.

As a die hard fan, this exposed me lol because I related to a lot of what he says in his songs that I didn’t realize how it affected me

Abel at his core stays the same as he grows and evolves. I love how he explores so many dimensions and aspects of himself in his music. He really has helped me reconcile with the darker aspects of myself in a way that is much healthier.

Dope video dude. I feel like you painted the whole picture and did a good job of capturing what was under the surface

I am intrigued at how beautifully you unpacked this video essay. The analysis is high quality. I appreciate you

"Save your tears" is personally, my all time favorite song. But I do love his style, retro and modern at the same time.

The Weeknd is the first artist who isn’t from the 80‘s, but manages to capture the spirit of the 80‘s music! Believe me, I‘m old enough to know ;-)

Your video made me relisten to The Weeknd’s tracks and I’m so grateful! Hearing everything after knowing the context and history made the already amazing music so much better! Thank you.

wow, I have only heard his songs on the radio, but now I want to get into his music properly and the surrounding videos. Thank you for sharing this analysis!

The Weeknd is the kind of success story that encourages me as a underground artist with a small following. Seeing how he’s developed his skills and slowly blown up after seizing each and every opportunity he’s been giving has been inspirational! Mans has quickly become a mainstay in the industry and for good reason. Dude is too nice! I know if I put in the work, I can reach a larger audience some day too, but for now, I’m happy being a supporter. My turn will come too. Salute to The Weeknd🔥

I just dont want him to go full "POP" . Sounds selfish but I want him to be our dark angel relief that we count on for heartfelt moments in life 💀

Absolutely loved your perspective on this album and the way you visual storytelled it. Thanks man!

dude this is literally the best youtube video i’ve ever seen like you interpreted his entire career so beautifully i don’t even know how to explain this is so accurate of how his music makes me feel like this is amazing pls keep doing what ur doing cuz this was literally life changing😫😫🙏🙏🙏

His storytelling and the way he articulates his innermost 'demons' are one of the main reasons why he is my favorite artist of the most recent times. His vulnerability makes me root for him and as a fan I'm genuinely excited to see how he evolves and HOPEFULLY overcomes his traumas depicted in his songs.

Beautiful breakdown and extremely on point. This is exactly why as an OG fan, I appreciate the new sounds and styles. It’s bigger than the tracks; it’s true art and expression. The 2nd half of dawn fm made me wanna apologize to every woman I’ve wronged in my f-boy years. Powerful stuff. Keep up great work!

This video is amazing! Thank you so much for taking the time and making the effort to create it!

I love video essays so much. they give art new dimensions I wasn't aware of. thank for this one!

It's gonna be a while till we see someone so talented like him dude. He's legit.

My favorite album is After Hours and that's because of FAITH... Great analysis and the best The Weeknd coverage I've seen so far. I love both Abel and The Weeknd♥♥♥

This video is so fucking good, I LOOOVE these kinda of essays, they bring so much more to what I already knew about how The Weeknd art's makes me feel.

This was so comprehensive, thorough and well thought out I can't get over it. The commentary and comparisons to other artists and videos and movies was phenomenal. This 26 minute mini documentary was very well done. Thank you for this offering. Good research and familiarity with the subject matter was evident. I am impressed!

idk if this is pretentious but it's also crazy how well he can make you relate to stuff that you haven't gone through the same way as him.

It’s a Generational talent and I think we should appreciate the artistry before it’s gone (I.e. retirement)

Like Abel, your storytelling is something else, incredible analysis. Excellent video, I really enjoyed this!

Your interpretation of his music was amazing to listen to ❤️❤️ Abel’s music has made me feel understood in all my emotions - there’s space for so much to be expressed. Often when creating my art I feel this way and to know that another artist has also felt just as I am feeling is insane 💕💕💕 can’t wait for his next video clips for dawn xo

ashamed to say that in 2015 i thought this dude was some pop d bag. slowly i realized he was something special. learned a bit about his journey here and there... than after hours blew my mind. absolutely laughable that it recieved no grammys. I am so beyond excited to see him (and doja cat) thank you for this dive into his evolution and I'm excited to learn more and to get more familiar with his art. (i didn't know about his films, can't wait to watch those too) great work

This video is so freaking great, man. I'm gonna start re-listening to some of The Weeknd's songs to feel something like I once did back when I was in high school. 🔥🔥🔥

He simply sings about the most incredible feeling: love! And it's unbelievable how he gets it across. He has opened so many new doors for so many people. Every time I listen to his old and newer albums, I get goosebumps and just sink into another world.

Can I just say man your annotations of his music are amazing made me realise how much I could relate to his music

Fucking legend, nobody does it like him, so proud to see him grow over the years, love Abel forever. XO🖤

The Weeknd is literally the greatest musician to grace this century. His music has helped me in so so so many ways. From just a simple pick me up to helping me overcome my divorce and mental health issues. Not a lot of people truly understand the impact his music has. For now and years to come!

The amount of effort poured in this essay is amazing. I've been thinking about this since the afterhours album. This summary is very well-packed. I know that there is so much more to be discussed in every album. Specially in after hours and and dawn fm. The narrative is very cohesive. Abel is a genious. If you are listening to abel you must also watch the mv. I always feel like there is something to be read between the lines.

I've been a fan of the weekend for over a decade and I appreciate your time and dedication put into this!! Absolutely enjoyed every minute of it! Love your theory !!

From 2013 going into the Beauty Behind the Madness era was a great time to be a Weeknd fan. Kissland had just dropped, the features he was doing were 🔥 and his recognition started growing but he was still in his R&B element

When I said this I was "Just a hater." Music like this has its effect on dating culture. Love through this lense leaves people who are willing to be honest and vulnerable feeling disconnected--Like we're alone or loving the undead. Eventually we end up jaded as well. I hope people can see that this is power this is sadness and healthy love is healing.

Thank you for this video. You have brought back my love for the weekend. I was questioning it because of people were commenting on how toxic his music was. Now it makes more sense for me.

Amazing essay. Loved this video 10/10 would watch again.