After Hours
by The Weeknd
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Mar 20, 2020
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 1449 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,300 out of 1449
  2. Mixed: 76 out of 1449
  3. Negative: 73 out of 1449
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  1. BrunoGrudzien
    Mar 20, 2020
    4
    There are 4 songs that I like from this album:Heartless, After Hours, Blinding Lights and Scared to live. these songs are bops and some of me favourite R&B Tracks of the year but the Album is so disappointing. All the other tracks sound so similar that at some points of the Album I cant tell the songs apart, even after multiple listens I don't get anything out of this album that I did notThere are 4 songs that I like from this album:Heartless, After Hours, Blinding Lights and Scared to live. these songs are bops and some of me favourite R&B Tracks of the year but the Album is so disappointing. All the other tracks sound so similar that at some points of the Album I cant tell the songs apart, even after multiple listens I don't get anything out of this album that I did not get on his earlier work. No bops better the the ones on Starboy and no new messages in his music. (If I wanted to hear about drug abuse then I rather listening to something like the House of Balloons Trilogy and not this).… Expand
  2. NoahHylleberg
    Mar 20, 2020
    6
    All I have for The Weeknd and his music is respect - and that's why this project disappoints me. After Hours is not a bad album, the production is extraordinary for one. My issue with this album is that most of the tracks have the same, dark vibe to it; there's not much replay value. I expected something very different from this album after listening to both Heartless and Blinding LightsAll I have for The Weeknd and his music is respect - and that's why this project disappoints me. After Hours is not a bad album, the production is extraordinary for one. My issue with this album is that most of the tracks have the same, dark vibe to it; there's not much replay value. I expected something very different from this album after listening to both Heartless and Blinding Lights (both excellent tracks). The album has an 80's feeling to it which I appreciate. My favourite tracks apart from the singles are In Your Eyes, Scared To Live and Save Your Tears, which also are the only songs I'll be listening to again.… Expand
  3. Yuriout
    Mar 20, 2020
    5
    5 good tracks out of 14 Too late , hardest on love , faith , blinding lights Also in your eyes
    So disappointed
    I don't know why it's more a soundtracks of movie than a continuous album music
  4. supremetino
    Mar 20, 2020
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. While the opening track is sublime in its sound and atmosphere, After Hours immediately takes a nosedive into a long string of songs that just seem to drag on forever. This is mainly due to the overproduction of The Weeknd´s voice and extreme lack of variation on the instrumental end, leaving much to be desired in terms of anything interesting or exciting. The biggest offender on this album has to be the lyrics though. Besides a few good lines (never need a **** im what a **** needs), this album almost put me to sleep, literally, because of how little investment I had in anything that was being said. It sounds as though The Weeknd asked a group of 13 year olds to write this album for him. Overall the lyrics have no substance or feeling behind them. Many people pride this album on being featureless, but in my opinion an interesting or well timed guest verse could have given a lot of the songs more re-listenability. One good thing about this album would have to be the singles released ahead of it; they are fire. But unfortunately, the rest of After Hours does nothing for me. As a fan of The Weeknd, this is disappointing. I just don´t feel anything while listening to it except ¨when is this song going to end¨. Besides a small amount of tracks, I can´t say I will be listening to this one again.… Expand
  5. iggystain
    Mar 20, 2020
    5
    Achei que ia ter mais pop e disco pelos singles que ele tinha lançado até então, mas a expectativa não foi cumprida e teve mais trap do que tudo.
  6. FernandoZB
    Mar 20, 2020
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Production and vocals of Abel are another level. I have no words for describe this amazing era.… Expand
  7. PaoloCianto
    Mar 24, 2020
    5
    The album aesthetic is great but he quite couldn't pull it off because half of the album sounds the same (19 songs deluxe version) 10 songs at least are crap.

    i can see why his team made blinding lights the leading single is the best song on this album.
    Hidden Gem apart from Blinding lights is Save your tears.
  8. Mininalexey
    Mar 31, 2020
    6
    too many special tracks to increase streaming. many songs sound the same and hackneyed
  9. Mccusky
    Apr 15, 2020
    6
    He has written some very catchy tunes in his time and he has a beautiful voice but the albums themes seem to be very repetitive, girls, money and a little bit of heart break, not much variety. Electronic sound is sometimes quite flat, not much punch, using the electronic effects to compensate for the lack of depth in the subject matter. Singles are as strong as his previous albums
  10. antaios
    Mar 29, 2020
    6
    He dabbles so much into '80s nostalgia that he almost rick-rolled us. The songs that don't sound like Tears For Fears B-sides sound like Trilogy B-sides. Why do so much artists see the start of the '20s as an incentive to go back to their roots? Or is it just that they feel obliged to release something?
    I'm really starting to get fed up with '80s nostalgia; it's high time for '90s    He dabbles so much into '80s nostalgia that he almost rick-rolled us. The songs that don't sound like Tears For Fears B-sides sound like Trilogy B-sides. Why do so much artists see the start of the '20s as an incentive to go back to their roots? Or is it just that they feel obliged to release something?
    I'm really starting to get fed up with '80s nostalgia; it's high time for '90s nostalgia. Roll in the chronophobia and pessimistic escapism.

    Weeknd fans are not gonna dislike this though, and even though I'm not a fan, I can't say I hate it.    … Expand
  11. LilScience
    Jan 9, 2022
    6
    É bom o álbum, não me entenda errado mas acho algumas faixas muita parecidas com as outras, óbvio que traz uma excelência, com inspiração dos anos 80, bem nostálgico; com um ar psicodélico típico do The Weeknd, porém não diria ser um dos melhores álbuns deles, no entanto não deixa a desejar trazendo cultura para o público jovem, com nuances do R&B.
    Minhas faixas favoritas são: Escape from    É bom o álbum, não me entenda errado mas acho algumas faixas muita parecidas com as outras, óbvio que traz uma excelência, com inspiração dos anos 80, bem nostálgico; com um ar psicodélico típico do The Weeknd, porém não diria ser um dos melhores álbuns deles, no entanto não deixa a desejar trazendo cultura para o público jovem, com nuances do R&B.
    Minhas faixas favoritas são: Escape from LA, Blinding Lights e Until I Bleed Out.    … Expand
  12. Lajaleaa
    May 6, 2020
    6
    ( 67/100 )
    @tuznalgaz
    The Weeknd se ha sabido escabullir en la escena popular de la música sin perder su propio estilo. La tendencia depresiva, nostálgica y futurista del artista ha ganado una gran masa de fanáticos que ha hecho de The Weenknd un artista probablemente más popular de lo que se merece. En "After Hours" el artista cede aún más ante la demanda popular y produce un álbum    ( 67/100 )
    @tuznalgaz

    The Weeknd se ha sabido escabullir en la escena popular de la música sin perder su propio estilo. La tendencia depresiva, nostálgica y futurista del artista ha ganado una gran masa de fanáticos que ha hecho de The Weenknd un artista probablemente más popular de lo que se merece. En "After Hours" el artista cede aún más ante la demanda popular y produce un álbum con letras demasiado cliches y melodramáticas, la música simplemente es una expresión más de aquel Pop reciclado que se fusiona con el Trap y el R&B para completar una formula que encierra a las masas en un circulo vicioso de consumismo vacío y barato. Aunque Kevin Parker hace una producción muy bien recibida y Da Heala le otorga el lado atractivo al álbum, en general, esta es una experiencia que se sustituirá tan rápido como deje de existir en la radio.
    -
    The Weeknd has been able to sneak in the popular scene of music without losing his own style. The depressive, nostalgic, and futuristic tendency have won a big fanatic mass that has made of The Weeknd a more popular artist than what he might deserve. In "After Hours", the artist gives in more into the popular demand and produces an album with very cliche and melodramatic lyrics, the music is simply an expression of that recycled Pop that mixes with Trap and R&B to complete a formula that enclosures the masses in a vicious loop of empty and cheap consumerism. Even if Kevin Parker makes a very welcome production and Da Healagives the attractive side to the album, in general, this is an experience that will be substituted as quickly as it disappears from the radio.    … Expand
  13. clem666
    Feb 2, 2021
    4
    The atmosphere and decor take a few tracks to take hold, but once that it is done the whole style remains planted and fixed for the remaining fifty minutes. This is unfortunately the only and most important criticism I can give the artist. The production is interesting but the formula is repeated far too often throughout the album. This style of R&B doesn't make it easy for us andThe atmosphere and decor take a few tracks to take hold, but once that it is done the whole style remains planted and fixed for the remaining fifty minutes. This is unfortunately the only and most important criticism I can give the artist. The production is interesting but the formula is repeated far too often throughout the album. This style of R&B doesn't make it easy for us and contributes to lose ourselves in a grotesque fresco, sometimes flat and dull, sometimes dancing or quiet but very rarely surprising, even if the few electro-like flights of fancy are admirable (as in the track 'After Hours'). The modified voice of the artist becomes in the space of a few tracks unbearable, repetitive and haunting.

    All the promotion of this album that the fans have been waiting for no less than 4 years is outrageous. It became more otrageous when you realize it worked in a surprising way. The Weeknd doesn't have any remorse to capitalize on its recordings and doesn't hesitate to release several different deluxe versions and to make a series of remixes and covers more or less remarkable. The instrumental versions add to the indecency of the approach. I am not fooled by the deception of the project. Soon (and currently, by the way) the official music videos created from colossal sums of money will invade the platforms and add to the so-called supremacy of the artist.    … Expand
  14. Lflhhlfok
    Mar 24, 2020
    6
    It is a good album tho but a bit repetitive ! Sometimes it gets a bit boring when the songs are too long and i feel like I've already heard the melodies that are in the songs in the previous ones ! But, there are still amazing songs like binding lights , in your eyes or savent your tears !
  15. Noora7939
    Mar 21, 2020
    6
    The only songs I enjoyed were the following:
    Too Late Escape From LA
    Heartless Faith Blinding Lights In You Eyes After Hours I feel like his fast paced, eighties inspired songs about himself rather than his desperate songs about his tiring relationship with Bella. Overall, I feel like this album had no direction
  16. rogerioangelin
    Apr 30, 2020
    6
    The Weeknd doing what he does best, but in the same tone over and over through a whole album can tire even the best tune.
    After Hours counts with three of the best songs of the year (even tho we still in April) which are "In Your Eyes" "Save Your Tears" and the massive hit "Blinding Lights" that will surely guarantee him a few nominations in awards to come, but within 14 tracks (17 with    The Weeknd doing what he does best, but in the same tone over and over through a whole album can tire even the best tune.
    After Hours counts with three of the best songs of the year (even tho we still in April) which are "In Your Eyes" "Save Your Tears" and the massive hit "Blinding Lights" that will surely guarantee him a few nominations in awards to come, but within 14 tracks (17 with the bonus tracks in its deluxe version), as great as they are, they can't put for an great album.
    Heartless is very The Weeknd doing what we know him for since Beauty Behind the Madness, and I'm not saying it's bad, because it's far the opposite, but then it kind of repeats itself in the others of the album (aside the top three mentioned before).
    If this was the debut album of some new kid it would be amazing, but for The Weeknd we expect more.    … Expand
  17. VestingBoot
    Mar 23, 2020
    6
    Maybe it's my fault, but this album would have been amazing if it wasn't so poppy to start. The middle of the album was really good, but the album trails off poorly in my opinion. It's well produced and
    Weeknd's voice is amazing. It's a very mid tier album for a casual and/or new fan.
  18. upsgguk
    Apr 12, 2020
    6
    I didn't like this album. I mean, I didn't mind, but I only liked three or four songs. I feel like the lyrics lack something. Most of the tracks sounded too much similar for me. I would've liked it much more if at least a few of the tracks were more experimental. He needs to get out of his comfort zone because all of his songs are the same, and it isn't going to work forever. 6/10
  19. thiagoanjos
    Aug 28, 2020
    6
    Creio que o álbum foi um pouco superestimado ou talvez toda a aclamação me fez criar muitas expectativas. A medida que você vai reouvindo, a obra soa melhor e torna-se uma nova descoberta. O álbum tem seus pontos altos, porém com tanta coisa boa, quando algo parece menor ou repetitivo, destaca mais ainda seus pontos baixos.
  20. Mdmrd
    Jul 27, 2020
    5
    The production of this álbum is impeccable, the voice of Abel is wonderful
  21. kepjang457
    Oct 3, 2020
    5
    I was a huge fan of the Starboy album and Beauty Behind the Madness. However, After Hours just felt like a mix of the two with repetitive lyrics, themes, and sounds. Blinding Lights in particular felt way too generic to be the lead single. Abel's vocals are unique and emotive as usual, but the composition and production of the tracks left a lot to be desired. Variety was rather lacking, asI was a huge fan of the Starboy album and Beauty Behind the Madness. However, After Hours just felt like a mix of the two with repetitive lyrics, themes, and sounds. Blinding Lights in particular felt way too generic to be the lead single. Abel's vocals are unique and emotive as usual, but the composition and production of the tracks left a lot to be desired. Variety was rather lacking, as many songs sounded really similar to each other, went in one ear and out the other. Can be a pretty relaxing listen overall, something to vibe to, but not really substantial. However, the final track Until I Bleed Out was quite spectacular in its meaning.… Expand
  22. PEDROMFR
    Feb 2, 2021
    6
    It´s a shame that these album doesn´t show more cohesion, because it has some major R&B bops, that are going to be stuck on our minds for a very long time.
    Top Track: Save Your Tears
    Worst Track: Escape from LA
  23. Lawcayma
    Nov 9, 2020
    5
    Just two good songs. Not the best album but not the worst either. Can´t wait to hear him singing reaggueton.
  24. Joseph13
    Nov 14, 2020
    5
    one of the most experimental & different album of the year! it was way too long but im not mad about it. some of the song could’ve been better or not see the daylight. it’s an okay album. if he wins the AOTY i would be happy for him!!!!!
  25. mmaa_han
    Feb 10, 2021
    5
    This Album Is Perfect!
    The Weeknd Is Wonderfull
    Fuk Grammy
    Teylor Swift?
    Fuk Teylor Swift
  26. miguelcstb
    Feb 21, 2023
    4
    What a disappointment... I don’t think I ever had this much expectations for an album, but what I listened to was just meh. This album is so boring and most of the songs sound the same, except… the singles... I just hate so much when an artist puts more effort on their singles than the rest of the songs, which is sad in this case because I found the storytelling very good. If only he hadWhat a disappointment... I don’t think I ever had this much expectations for an album, but what I listened to was just meh. This album is so boring and most of the songs sound the same, except… the singles... I just hate so much when an artist puts more effort on their singles than the rest of the songs, which is sad in this case because I found the storytelling very good. If only he had an album that’s more interesting to listen to... Just a huge downgrade from “Starboy”.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. The Wire
    Apr 28, 2020
    50
    The production is flawless. ... But the obvious big tunes fall flat.
  2. Q Magazine
    Apr 7, 2020
    80
    Spidery tendrils of sex-and-drugs-related dread curl around dramatic synth-pop and twinkling R&B, Yet there's also a batch of tracks that draw from bombastic, slightly tacky '80s pop - a warm, funny and wholly welcome diversion from the stylish but sterile bleakness that remains Tesfaye's calling card. [Jun 2020, p.106]
  3. Slant Magazine
    Apr 7, 2020
    80
    His most personal album to date.
    Read full review
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