New music to enjoy this Weeknd

Ani Kocharyan

Photo by Flickr The Weeknd released his newest album "Starboy" with a whole new sound.
Photo by Flickr
The Weeknd released his newest album “Starboy” with a whole new sound.

Leaning towards pop mixed with R&B, the Weeknd strays away from his previous music which refused to be anything but the latter.

The artist follows his previous album “Beauty Behind the Madness,” released mid-2015, with 18 songs that hint at a completely different genre. His new album, released Nov. 25, shows his growth with songs like “False Alarm,” “Six Feet Under” and “Nothing Without You.”

The album’s title track, “Starboy,” was the lead single released on Sept. 22 and quickly made its way onto radio stations. It gave listeners a look into the vibe of the entire album.

Serving as a reminder of the music that originally found fame for the Weeknd, “Reminder” sounds like the songs found on his previous albums with strong R&B influences. The chorus in “False Alarm” features less singing and more screaming which contrasts the chorus in “A Lonely Night,” showing his vocal range and talents.

Along with a variety of slow songs, there is a plethora of upbeat music, showing his audience his capabilities.

The album features multiple well-known artists who add their own genres to the songs they’re in. Lana Del Rey was originally featured on “Beauty Behind the Madness” and returns for “Stargirl Interlude.” Using her wide vocal range, she captures the audience’s attention with her high notes that aren’t typically heard in her own music. Kendrick Lamar shows off his expertise on “Sidewalks” while Future executes his well-known talent on “All I Know.” Daft Punk is featured throughout the album, adding the duo’s unique musical style to each song.

While staying true to his roots, the Weeknd’s pop and R&B influenced “Starboy” album is unlike anything he’s released before.