• Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Mar 20, 2020
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 1449 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Mar 21, 2020
    10
    This album is incredible, the melodies and the different style that every song has makes this album a master piece. The Weeknd and all the team behind this album are genius, I love all the album!!
  2. Mar 21, 2020
    10
    I’ve never seen album like this before, it was breathtaking i love it i can’t decide which one to stan
  3. Mar 21, 2020
    10
    AFTER HOURS. It has been 1211 days since the release of STARBOY. This new album is special to me. The first listen already showed me that this album has stringer production, lyrics, concept. The cohesiveness of AFTER HOURS will impress you! Absolutely enjoyed it! In my opinion, this is his best album. 10/10
  4. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Sequencing is EVERYTHING. This album has incredible pacing and each song transitions right into the other with an underlying theme. The concept here is that the Weeknd falls in love, promises to leave his old self behind, then falls right back into the loop of drug use, strip clubs, lying, and cheating. He knows that he is in love and wants to stop the madness, but he also doesn't feelSequencing is EVERYTHING. This album has incredible pacing and each song transitions right into the other with an underlying theme. The concept here is that the Weeknd falls in love, promises to leave his old self behind, then falls right back into the loop of drug use, strip clubs, lying, and cheating. He knows that he is in love and wants to stop the madness, but he also doesn't feel alive or himself without it. The end result is him battling duality, and eventually nearly or even overdosing, and it isn't until then that he starts to reflect on his life and decision making. The loop then starts all over again with him promising he will change and leave it all behind for good. Expand
  5. 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. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Ha sido un viaje increíble. Toques meláncolicos y oscuros. Atreviendome a decir que es el mejor album del 2020 hasta la fecha. Gran trabajo por parte de Abel. XO
  7. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Reizinho que nunca decepciona os fãs, mais um álbum maravilhoso e coeso, ARTISTA.
  8. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    definitely coming for grammy. we got nfr for 2019 and now after hours for 2020. the production of this album is extraordinary.
  9. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Immaculate production. Enigmatic vocals and melodies from The Weeknd. We’ll be talking about this one for years to come. After Hours is definitely his magnum opus
  10. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Obsolutely amazing album with all kinds of songs a person can wish for. You may dance or cry everything in this one album. I am honestly at a loss for words Expand
  11. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Beautiful Album by The Weeknd all of the songs on this album are fire, his lyrics are dope and the production is on fire.
  12. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    This album was awesome, it has some of Abels best vocals, and it was Abels best album in my opinion.
  13. Mar 20, 2020
    9
    Some of his previous albums tended to have disjointed production and lyrical themes. Listening to the albums as a whole didn't feel like a smooth experience. However, this album is nearly flawless when listening from start to finish. The tight, solid 80's-inspired production really ties it all together. Definitely a contender so far for album of the year.
  14. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Perfect album with perfect vibes and songs,The weeknd really delivered, like always
  15. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Well worth the wait! Great mix of tracks for old and new fans. He's really evolved his sound while maintaining what made it great in the first place✌️
  16. 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
  17. Mar 20, 2020
    1
    BORINGGGG Literally all the songs sound the same. Don’t get the hype at all.
  18. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Pure Perfection and high skilled production. It starts off slow and builds in tempo and slows down again.
  19. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    without a doubt it is a Grammy winning album, it is the best album to date Abel in production and vocally, it is an album with many influences from the 80's, it is a nostalgic album.
  20. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    This slbum just kills it!
    Alot of hard beats This album has deep lyrics unlike the past ones
    This can win grammys holy ****
  21. Mar 20, 2020
    9
    I really believe that this is his best album up to date. Musically it suits him best, I also loved the profound influence of the 80s pop music in this record. The production is truly stellar. Overall, I think that he hardly will top this album.
  22. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    That's what i call art. Is all that i need. That 80's vibes, perfection, Yes
  23. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. amazing. outstanding. love the weeknd. worth the wait, my baby did so well ah Expand
  24. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    After Hours just comes as a confirmation of the mastermind that is Abel. Each songs top eachother and come melt into what we know as his unique style. The album is a pure bliss and bless showing how someone evolves throughout the lifestyle that is his, drugs, excess, girls but also love, dark thoughts and at end, self reconsideration. Some say you changed, but it's for the better. Thank you.
  25. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    I love the whole album. the lyrics, the rhythms, etc. Faith is my favorite, especially the outro is great. This album deserves a lot of success.
  26. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    This album is very well structured and the fact that he chose to create this 56 minute story without features shows that it is a personal experience, and only he knows what he truly feels. It surely is the best album of his career, and a must listen.
  27. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Classic dark Abel music with an 80's psychotic twist makes up for one of his best, if not his BEST body of work yet period.
  28. Mar 20, 2020
    7
    Great opening track in "Alone Again" (one of my favorite Weeknd track's period) but unfortunately the rest of the project doesn't quite live up to the intro. Very cohesive and reflective album, but it needed more variation and darker tones & instrumentals to make a lasting impression. I love contemporary 80s synth pop, but it's the safer choice and there are too many of them on here. 7.5/10
  29. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    From front to back, After Hours delivers some of Abels best work yet. Being a huge fan of his earlier projects, this might be his most experimental and genre-challenging album yet. This, in combination with Abels incredible vocals and flow, makes this album stand out from the rest of his discography as maybe the best one yet. A true evolution of The Weeknd.
  30. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    amazing work of art and the new king of pop/rnb while being completely fresh and new
  31. Mar 20, 2020
    8
    Plenty of bangers on here for everyone. A refreshing release after the disappointing JB release.
  32. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Great Album With a Blend of different styles it is truly a psychotic chapter
  33. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Expermenting, pushing barriers, and setting new music trends this album represents what the weeknd is as an artist... brilliant album XO
  34. Mar 20, 2020
    8
    After Hours is a great record that fuses the dark ecstatic tone of his "Trilogy" album and some throwback pop melodies to create arguably his best album to date.
  35. 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
  36. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    The Weeknd is at his best on After Hours. Nearly a decade since the release of House of Balloons, and The Weeknd is hitting his peak. Incredible song writing and production. A brand new sound that somehow feels classic. True emotion is felt through these songs and makes allusions and references to his own career. Excellent album.
  37. Mar 20, 2020
    9
    Almost perfect , amazing craft.
    The order of the songs is amazing and well put.
    We missed this ABEL
  38. Mar 20, 2020
    9
    After Hours es un álbum muy profundo de The Weeknd, ha experimentado con sonidos nuevos y conocidos a la vez, es un proyecto muy personal y sientes esa vibra oscura y triste que transmite, excelente álbum.
  39. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. O melhor do Abel, com uma mistura pop dos anos 80 com um modelo futurista dão o tom de um dos melhores álbuns dele e do melhor álbum do ano com uma produção impecável. Expand
  40. Mar 20, 2020
    9
    A very strong album with a good concept. It's an album with songs that are similar to the old Weeknd songs from his mixtapes and Kiss Land days and songs that are more electronic like StarBoy. This Is the 4th studio album from Abel Tesfaye.

    This is a step up from his previous album Starboy. The themes and stories for this album are stronger and much better than his previous. The only
    A very strong album with a good concept. It's an album with songs that are similar to the old Weeknd songs from his mixtapes and Kiss Land days and songs that are more electronic like StarBoy. This Is the 4th studio album from Abel Tesfaye.

    This is a step up from his previous album Starboy. The themes and stories for this album are stronger and much better than his previous. The only weak songs from this album are "Heartless" and "Blinding Lights". I don't know why, but the music videos are great but the songs by themselves and on this album are skippable. Those are just about the only two songs that are not that good for this album. The other songs are very well produced and written. One of the best songs on the album is the title track "After Hours".

    The song is the longest on the album but there isn't any part of the song that feels dragged. It's very well produced and written. The song isn't repetitive. The beat tells a story along with the song. A lot of the beats on this album also tells a story rather than being a beat that Weeknd sings to. Overall, this is a very good album and it shows how the Weeknd improved with his songwriting and storytelling.
    Expand
  41. Mar 20, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a solid, impressive work. Abel's talent is immense as he continues to make memorable music. Expand
  42. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Love this album so much! And it just keeps getting better ever time yup Abel can’t stop serving!
  43. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    I am so shook this is Abel's best album to date.. this production I have no words I am shook guys it deserves Album of the year Grammy PERIOD
  44. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    this albums sounds like its the best weeknd album out there and lives up the hype it hard and was worth the wait perfect 80's influence , amazing vocal production everything just makes this album perfect 10
  45. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    incredible abel, the progression from song to song is impeccable; an album meant to be listened to in order, but one that works just as well on shuffle.
  46. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. What an incredible album. I loved it from the beginning to the end. ❤️
    It's produced professionally. Lyrically is nice, sad and mature. He never disappoints
    Expand
  47. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Album perfeito the weeknd sabe fazer musicas no estilo dos anos 80.que esse album ganhe muitos premios porque o the weeknd merece
  48. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Absolutely incredible. His best album!!
  49. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    The Weeknd nesse album foi perfeito, superou minhas expectativas q ja eram altas, todas músicas se conectam e inovou muito e sozinho, criou a onda que daqui a pouco artistas irão tentar surfar. incomparável, ninguém hoje faria igual, lenda do R&B.
  50. Mar 20, 2020
    9
    After Hours is dark - DARK. There is no doubt that Abel Tesafaye is one of the best artists of our generation. Even more surprising that he collaborated with Daniel Lopatin aka Oneohtrix Point Never the composer that scored the Safdie Bros' Good Time starring Robert Pattinson and their arrhythmic masterpiece Uncut Gems starring Adam Sandler. The Weeknd is definitely going to new places alright!
  51. Mar 20, 2020
    9
    Amazing album. After listening for the 10th time this is one of Abels best work.
  52. 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
  53. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Just a perfect album from the greatest artist in the music industry. "Faith" is one of the best songs in this century. Multiple orgasms to my ears, thanks Abel.
  54. Mar 20, 2020
    1
    After an amazing single in Blinding Lights I had to give this album a chance. It's no different than any other R&B album out there. Was extremely disappointed. The beats start to sound the same throughout the entire album. Was hoping for more 80's vibes.
  55. Mar 20, 2020
    7
    The album has a charming effect because of the unice, unusual and beautiful sound. The mysterious style of the album goes through every song and this is the reason why it feels great while listening to that. But there is a feeling like something is missing and it's really difficult to explain what exactly. Maybe catchy tunes, maybe unforgettable lyrics. Fans of The Weeknd definitely will like it!
  56. 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
  57. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    legenddddddddddddddddddddddddddd d d ddddddddddddd d de d d d d d d d d d d dd
  58. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Mais uma vez temos um ótimo trabalho feito pelo Abel Makkonen, trazendo para o mundo músicas que satisfazem aqueles que o acompanham a um tempo. A faixa "Blinding Lights" encanta pela sua pegada synthpop chiclete, e me deixou realmente viciado desde a primeira vez que ouvi, hoje vejo que ele fez um trabalho tão bom quanto, em todo o álbum.
  59. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Incredible It's one of the best albums Othe decade for Sure. It's a instant Classic
  60. Mar 20, 2020
    7
    I can t say that this is an bad album,it s better than starboy tbh,but idk a lot of the new songs we re a bit commercial and then others like faith,alone again,hardest to love we re cool
  61. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    It's the album of the year for sure, it's very refreshing, nostalgic and it's shows how The Weeknd can be in different genres of music, the lyrics are amazing
  62. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Perfect. The Weeknd's new album is deep in meaning. The songs are connected and they have the same vibe, that's awesome! Music perfection!
  63. Mar 20, 2020
    9
    This The Weeknd’s best album, his darkest work to date and probably one of the best albums of 2020 so far. Almost flawless production, mixed with great vocals, raw and dark lyrics.
    The contrast between the heavy synthpop base and his delicate voice is incredible.
    “After Hours” is by far his best song.
    The only exception in this sublime album is “Snowchild”, the only mediocre song.
  64. Mar 20, 2020
    9
    Amazing album with incredible instrumentals. A complete masterpiece... The way in mix genres and moods is absolutely astonishing. You’re able to hear a lot of 80’s music in most of the tracks
  65. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    A crazy adventure inside The Weeknd’s mind, from beginning to the very end. A perfect product of strenuousness. Can’t miss, won’t miss.
  66. 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
  67. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    “After Hours” shares very personal sides of Weeknd’s life, while the sound of it try to camouflage all the problems he’s being through. Maybe, it’s the best part of it, which makes the project a very definitive point of his career.
  68. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    the weeknd never fails to express his feelings in the form of beautiful songs, without a doubt it is one of his best projects and the most awaited by fans for being a solo album.
  69. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Each song is unique and the story is beautifully portrayed. Absolutely loved it
  70. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Breathtaking album, a rollercoaster ride, a flawless masterpiece, go listen and you'll understand what I mean
  71. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    After Hours is a delightfully dark, yet energetic composition that radiates with personality and emotion.
  72. Mar 20, 2020
    8
    the weeknd conveys different feelings in this album with elements from the 80's, vocals increasingly mature and melaconic!!
  73. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    After hours being the fourth studio album for The Weeknd sees him go back to his dark, atmospheric R&B sound reminiscent to the trilogy, featuring very tight production and textured beats with occasional repetitive themes lyrics. The variety and the stories each song carry are heartfelt and it’s evident in the energy each song packs whether gloomy or not. Surely one of his best albums yetAfter hours being the fourth studio album for The Weeknd sees him go back to his dark, atmospheric R&B sound reminiscent to the trilogy, featuring very tight production and textured beats with occasional repetitive themes lyrics. The variety and the stories each song carry are heartfelt and it’s evident in the energy each song packs whether gloomy or not. Surely one of his best albums yet and a treat for fans whom fell in love with the dark R&B sound of the initial mixtapes. XOTWOD Collapse
  74. Mar 20, 2020
    10
    The weeknd never fails. A flawless 80s production along his beautiful voice with deep lyrics. Perfect combination.
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 20
  2. 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. Apr 7, 2020
    80
    His most personal album to date.