Everything is working for ‘The Weeknd’

Posted on Feb 01, 2012 in Uncategorized

"Echoes of Silence" is the third mixtape by Canadian artist, The Weeknd, released December 21, 2011. www.the-weeknd.com

This year should be a big year for The Weeknd — no, not the days of the week, the artist! The Canadian singer made quite the splash in 2011 with his mix-tape trilogy including “House of Balloons,” “Thursday,” and “Echoes of Silence.” Each consisted of nine tracks and showed off his very unique sound.

His real name is Abel Tesfaye, a 21-year-old 90’s kid born of Ethiopian descent.

Many may not have heard of him until Drake’s “Take Care” was released in November of last year.

He co-wrote four songs on the record and was featured on two of them, “Crew Love” and “The Ride.” Now, just about anyone you ask may at least say, “Oh yeah, that dude with the high-pitched voice on Drake’s songs.”

The Weeknd’s singing voice is rather high for a male but his speaking voice is normal, and this isn’t that uncommon.

His final release from the trilogy is called “Echoes of Silence” and became available in late December. That title alone makes you wonder what to expect from this project.

His songs are what some call very “emo,” but if you really get into his work you’ll find they possess much more than that. His songs really make you think — they aren’t as simple as the title they’re given like some artists’ music. They often go beyond that.

“Echoes of Silence” really displayed his vocal abilities and lyrical creativity. It begins with “DD,” which is a remake of Michael Jackson’s “Dirty Diana.” He delivers an impressive rendition of the hit that really sets the tone and scene of this project.

He coos some of the lyrics to the second track “Montreal” in French, and it draws you in even deeper into this record.

“Outside” starts with some hard drums and is a bit more R&B influenced but is still very much his sound. The song is actually sexually driven, but the beats and acoustics of it will have you questioning what exactly you’re hearing.

His songs quite often have that effect, and that’s why you really have to be in a quiet place or have good headphones when listening to his music.

“Next” is a more cocky track. It speaks on becoming famous and how girls only want to date him because he’s basically the next big thing.

“You just want me ‘cause I’m next,” he sings over the drums. He tackles a very true issue at this point in his life and can be commended for producing such honest music.

“Echoes of Silence,” the title track, is a beautiful ballad that focuses on his need for a particular woman.

For his first official release, he said that his trilogy would be re-released as a package this year.

He also said that the songs will be re-mastered and come with bonus features. It will be interesting to see who gets featured on these already amazing songs.

Whether this will be called his first album is still unknown though. Until then, his current mix-tapes should hold you over.

Jamel Coles
Staff Writer
jcoles@uab.edu

Tags: 20120131, jamelColes