The Weeknd has released his fifth studio album, Dawn FM. It follows the release of his hit After Hours which peaked at number 1 on the Billboard 200 and featured the chart-topping song “Blinding Lights.” Dawn FM is a part concept album, part radio show that navigates you through purgatory with synth-heavy dance-floor beats. Jim Carrey is featured as the radio host guiding you throughout the album briefly before and after songs. He also has his own poetic piece, “Phantom Regret By Jim,” at the end of the album. Other features include Tyler, the Creator who sings a verse in “Here We Go… Again” and Lil Wayne on “I Heard You’re Married Now.” Quincy Jones monologs in “A Tale By Quincy” where he looks back on his past. Dawn FM also includes a cheeky interlude, “Every Angel is Terrifying,” that advertises the afterlife.

The album opener, “Dawn FM,” sets the tone for the rest of the album by illustrating the theme of transitioning from darkness to light as well as stirring anticipation for what’s to come. Next is “Gasoline,” performed in a lower pitch than The Weeknd’s signature tenor, which is initially jarring but grows on the listener. The songs that follow, “How Do I Make You Love Me,” “Take My Breath,” and “Sacrifice,” are 80’s-esque and synth-filled. Although most songs create a dance-floor atmosphere, some are slower-paced, such as the ballad “Starry Eyes” and “Out of Time.”

The lead single “Take My Breath” was originally released on August 6th, 2021 to promote the album. Like in the rollout of After Hours, The Weeknd has been committed to the character on his album cover by donning an aged face and white hair in recent music videos and promotions.

The transitions used in Dawn FM seamlessly connect the songs, which makes the album one that packs a powerful punch when listened to altogether. So next time, tune into 103.5 Dawn FM and enjoy the riveting, musical journey The Weeknd takes you on.