The Weeknd, São Paulo | Song Review 🎵

Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter The Weeknd, assisted by Brazilian singer Anitta, delivers a ‘change of pace’ on his energetic, vibe-laden single, “São Paulo”

“Bota na boca, bota na cara, bota onde quiser.” Those lyrics hail from Brazilian musician Anitta who assists Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) on his single “São Paulo”. From the start “São Paulo,” expected to appear on Tesfaye’s album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, marks a different sound for The Weeknd. Gone is the 80s-infused synthpop sound replaced with an overt Brazilian flavor.  There are still synths, of course. Anitta plays a distinct role in the song even though Tesfaye ‘leads the charge.’ She performs the intro, refrain, and bridge. With a shit-ton of songwriters, Tesfaye, MIKE DEAN, and Sean Solymar produce. 

The beat is infectious, while the rhythm is consistent from start to finish. Vocally, The Weeknd remains a force.  His falsetto remains ripe and ear-catching.  The melodies sung are beautiful and match the instrumental with rhythmic sensibilities.  Still, Abel also gives us more legato moments too. “Hit it from the back, she louder than two sold-out nights,” he sings in the second verse, continuing, “I think she feel in love, she said she trust me with her life, oh.” Oh, snap! In the chorus, Tesfaye is in familiar territory thematically:

“Baby, turn me on (I love it when you turn me on)

I love it when you turn me on (I love it when you turn me on).”

Even with some familiarity, “São Paulo” differs from the music The Weekend has released in the past.  On the one hand, that’s positive – he’s rode the synthpop wave for several albums.  On the other hand, the ‘change of pace’ requires an adjustment period for the listener.  This song is a vibe but may take a couple of listens to embrace.

The Weeknd // “São Paulo” (Ft. Anitta) // The Weeknd XO Music ULC / Republic // 10.31.24

The Weeknd, São Paulo (Ft. Anitta)[📷: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; The Weeknd XO Music ULC / Republic; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Królestwo Nauki, OpenClipart-Vectors, Pete Linforth, Tumisu from Pixabay]