The Weeknd, My Dear Melancholy, (EP) | Album Review 💿

Grammy-winning, Canadian R&B singer The Weeknd returns with a surprise EP, ‘My Dear Melancholy,.’ Here, he authentically and superbly captures the pain of the being heartbroken.  

There’s nothing better than a surprise album, particularly by a big-name musician.  These days, The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) is one of the biggest names in the game.  With R&B at an ‘all time low,’ he serves as one of its brightest spots.  Out of the blue, on March 29, 2018, the Grammy-winning Canadian announced he would be dropping a new project on March 30, 2018.  Indeed, he kept true to his word, releasing a six-song, heartbreak-laden EP, My Dear Melancholy,.

1. “Call Out My Name” 

Writers: Abel Tesfaye, Adam Feeney & Nicolas Jaar « Producer: Frank Dukes

“We found each other / I helped you out of a broken place / You gave me comfort / But falling for you was my mistake.” “Call Out My Name” commences moodily, set in a minor key. The production work (Frank Dukes) helps establish the vibe, particularly the piano, dark synths, and the soulful drum groove.  After showing more poise and restraint on the first verse, the chorus soars, incorporating some distorted vocals, expanded vocal range, and more oomph all around.  Listening to the opener, the authenticity and emotion is indisputable.

2. “Try Me” 

Writers: Abel Tesfaye, Adam Feeney, Ahmad Balshe, Jason Quenneville, Marquel Middlebrooks & Michael Len Williams II « Producers: DaHeala, Frank Dukes, Marz & Mike WiLL Made-It 

On “Try Me,” The Weekend finds himself back in good ole common time, following the six-eight time of “Call Out My Name.”  Despite the change in time signatures, the mood remains dark, amplified once again by a minor key scheme. The production, similar to his past material, plays a gargantuan role in giving off certain vibes, which end up being about as important as the lyrics themselves.  Still, the first verse truly stands out, making the listener wonder if he’s singing about his ex, Selena Gomez, and her on-and-off-again boyfriend, Justin Bieber.

“I didn’t know you were down for him finding out
I thought you had some kind of love for your man
Well, I’m not tryna break something up
You’ve been workin’ out, you’ve been steady
But I’m ready to go all the way if you let me
Don’t you tempt me.”

3. “Wasted Times”

Writers: Abel Tesfaye, Adam Feeney, Brittany Hazzard & Sonny Moore « Producers: Frank Dukes & Skrillex

“‘Cause I ain’t got no business catchin’ feelings anyway.” The lush “Wasted Times” keeps the tempo on the slower side of the metronome, as to be expected.  Nonetheless, The Weeknd is in his comfort zone, keeping things incredibly interesting by expressing the plights of love.  He reflects back on his relationships, and wonders who his exes are dating now.  “Wasted Times” contains the lyric of the album as on the second verse, he offers his services: “I hope you know this dick is still an option.”  In that same verse, he likens the sex – presumably with Bela Hadid – to an equestrian.  Besides the honest and personal lyrics, the production stands out, particularly the contributions of Skrillex alongside mainstay Frank Dukes.

4. “I Was Never There” 

Writers: Abel Tesfaye, Adam Feeney & Mike Levy « Producers: Frank Dukes & Gesaffelstein

“When it’s time, oh baby
It won’t matter, it won’t matter, baby.”

On “I Was Never There,” The Weeknd brings French DJ and producer Gesaffelstein into the fold.  Naturally, the sound of the record is incredible, retaining the dark tilt established from the start. Lyrically, there’s ample repetition, finding the heartbroken, melancholic singer emphasizing the pain.  Despite the limitations of the lyrics, “I Was Never There” is the lengthiest record of the set.  That’s no problem, given a well-executed, tasty production shift, not to mention the continual expressiveness of Tesfaye’s voice.

5. “Hurt You”

Writers: Abel Tesfaye, Adam Feeney, Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, Henry Russell Walter & Mike Levy « Producers: Cirkut, Gesaffelstein & Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo

“Hurt You” marks the second collaboration with Gesaffelstein. Alongside the French producer, Cirkut and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo also contribute to the production. Arguably, it eclipses the first, ranking among the top-three songs from the six-track EP.  The Weeknd benefits from a few more beats per minute, not to mention additional lyrics – more song.  The verses are great, while the chorus is the crème de la crème, particularly the falsetto. Simply stated, The Weeknd asserts, “I don’t wanna hurt you.”

6. “Privilege”

Writers: Abel Tesfaye, Adam Feeney & Jason Quenneville « Producer: DaHeala & Frank Dukes

“I got two red pills to take the blues away.” On closer “Privilege,” The Weeknd is trying to get back from love’s plight – move on from the heartbreak and pain. Pills will help, not to mention hooking up.  Yes, the hooking up part is shallow, but certainly not far-fetched if potentially ineffective.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Good Friday got better thanks to a truly compelling EP released by The Weeknd.  He does an excellent job of conveying his feelings throughout the course of My Dear Melancholy, wearing them on his sleeves.  This 21-minute effort is a downer, but it’s incredibly relatable and marvelously executed from start to finish.

Gems: “Call Out My Name,” “Wasted Times” & “Hurt You”

The Weeknd • My Dear Melancholy (EP) • Republic • Release: 3.30.18 

Photo Credit: Republic