Beauty Behind the Madness
by The Weeknd
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Aug 28, 2015
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 567 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 495 out of 567
  2. Mixed: 43 out of 567
  3. Negative: 29 out of 567
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  1. gabriel1
    Aug 29, 2015
    5
    The album feels like one sell-out after another. The Weeknd is becoming less unique. This is no surprise but it's sad to see it happen. A few good tracks on here but by far my least favourite of his projects.
  2. Nowwweondarun
    Aug 28, 2015
    9
    This is an incredible album. I have been a Weeknd fan since I heard the words "You don't know what's in store..." and going into this album - his third on a major label - I feared going into this album that he would "sell out" and maintain a tamer version of his raw, emotionless, and disturbed persona so as to appeal to the masses and to the demands of being on a major label. How wrong IThis is an incredible album. I have been a Weeknd fan since I heard the words "You don't know what's in store..." and going into this album - his third on a major label - I feared going into this album that he would "sell out" and maintain a tamer version of his raw, emotionless, and disturbed persona so as to appeal to the masses and to the demands of being on a major label. How wrong I was!!!!!!!

    HOB, Thursday, and EOS were individually brilliant projects, and when packaged as Triliogy and released under a major label, the commercial world got introduced to the brilliance and tortured soul that is The Weeknd. Some might argue that he deviated from this persona on his previous album, Kissland. I always begged to differ as he still stuck closely to his original persona, whilst exploring a bigger budget for making an album (i.e higher profile producers) and a demand for a wider audience.

    In BBTM, The Weeknd has found the ultimate balance between the dark and the commercial! This is a record complete with his original darkness (Real Life, Tell Your Friends, Often, The Hills), some pop favourites (Can't Feel My Face, Earned It, In The Night), and an incredible selection of features (Labrynth, Lana Del Rey, and Ed Sheeran). It isn't just a selection of songs put together to aim at as many follower/fans as possible. But instead there seems to be a concept behind the album whereby he exposes us (and a girl) to his dark side in the earlier tracks, and by the midpoint of the album (Can't Feel My Face), he becomes wrapped up into the girl. Over the next couple of tracks (Shameless and Earned it), he warns her about the kind of guy he is and the kind of "relationship" they will have, whilst embracing the "relationship", only to discover on In The Night, that the girl has got her own deeply rooted issues. Ultimately, the relationship falls apart on Prisoner, with each party admiting to their addiction to the kind of life they live and accepting that they cannot be together. In conclusion, on the final track Angel, The weekend says goodbye to the girl and "wishes she finds somebody to love".

    If i had one criticism of this album, it would be the quality of the lyrics. The Weeknd is a great writer but on some songs, I found the lyrics a bit wanting.

    This album surprised me and I am pleased to say it did in a positive way. I would go as far as saying it is in my top 3 records of the year. It is great to see how The Weeknd has grown as an artist, seemlessly exposing himself to the commercial world of music, whilst sticking to his original content. Almost a flawss brilliance!    … Expand
  3. TheFallenKing
    Aug 28, 2015
    9
    My ears yearned for more of Abels deep tempestuous lyrics and this album has delivered that and also supplies a sound for every mood. His Trilogy album will only serve the true hardcore fans with his raw, honest lyrics and he obviously knows that his commercial followers will expect something less aggressive.

    This album gives everyone a bit of everything. Even inside the melodic songs    My ears yearned for more of Abels deep tempestuous lyrics and this album has delivered that and also supplies a sound for every mood. His Trilogy album will only serve the true hardcore fans with his raw, honest lyrics and he obviously knows that his commercial followers will expect something less aggressive.

    This album gives everyone a bit of everything. Even inside the melodic songs such as "Shameless" and "Angel" you could almost assume he is still personifying drugs, just as he does with "can't feel my face".

    He has stayed as true to himself as he can on this album considering he has to now sell records. If you only like him for earned it then you will be bitterly disappointed. Hardcore fans will feel that he has lost some of the magic we come to expect from the HOB, Thursday and EOS albums, but from a commercial point of view he has released a solid album with some solid tracks that will get a lot of air time.

    The only song for me that needs addressing is Acquainted. Girls born in the 90's is a much better version and I feel he has swapped out a strong track for one which leaves me wanted to listen to the original almost after.

    Still.....Abel delivers again.    … Expand
  4. Allion
    Aug 28, 2015
    6
    This album is a huge departure from his trilogy days. That would be a good thing, but his trilogy days is what set him apart from other R&B artists. I feel he is trying too hard to cater to the mainstream with songs like "Earned It" and "Can't Feel my Face". Even though "The Hills" has a trilogy sound, you can see he's trying to incorporate his old sound with this new pop sound, and IThis album is a huge departure from his trilogy days. That would be a good thing, but his trilogy days is what set him apart from other R&B artists. I feel he is trying too hard to cater to the mainstream with songs like "Earned It" and "Can't Feel my Face". Even though "The Hills" has a trilogy sound, you can see he's trying to incorporate his old sound with this new pop sound, and I think The Hills is a good execution of that. I wish the whole album was similar to this. But at least this album is better than whatever the hell Kissland was.… Expand
  5. TheKavehJ
    Aug 29, 2015
    10
    THIS ALBUM IS SO GREAT. EVERYTHING ABOUT IT. When an album starts with the song Real Life, you know it is going to be good. The whole 14 song album is so amazing.
  6. MasterMusician
    Aug 28, 2015
    10
    This is by far the most compelling project by any artist to give traditional pop a much needed foundational makeover since the times of Prince and MJ! The lyrical flow and content is concise and profound throughout the album. The angelic vocals seamlessly hovering over the multi-genre instrumentals is from outta this world! The production of each track is simply unmatched over a variety ofThis is by far the most compelling project by any artist to give traditional pop a much needed foundational makeover since the times of Prince and MJ! The lyrical flow and content is concise and profound throughout the album. The angelic vocals seamlessly hovering over the multi-genre instrumentals is from outta this world! The production of each track is simply unmatched over a variety of harmonic arrangements including heavy guitar rock, jazz, blues rnb, soul, funk, you name it! Moreover, the entire album seems to trace a very cohesive and captivating story arc from Real Life to Angel, unlike any other recent projects (with exception to Kendrick Lamar's TPAB). Even after the chart topping singles, BBTM surprisingly retains plenty more potential hits. All in all, this is by far the best album of the year so far, and in the top 5 since 1999!, and possibly top 10 of all time (after testing its timelessness in a few years)!… Expand
  7. iemilyL
    Aug 28, 2015
    10
    From his mixtapes to Kiss Land to Beauty Behind the Madness.. He never fails to make you feel. Although the beats for this album are definitely more "uppity" throughout the album, you can still feel the dark emotions through his lyrics and his delivery of the words. -- He has evolved as an artist and that's just brilliant.
  8. xSzopen
    Sep 6, 2015
    10
    This album is in my top 5 this year for sure. Almost every song from it is perfect, Weeknd proves that he is one of the best artists in music industry. Also "In the Night" is one of the greatest tributes to MJ ever.
  9. Jiano74
    Jan 24, 2016
    5
    First of all a brilliant singer there is no doubting that but the songs just weren't my cup of tea a little bit of a disappointment but The Weeknd's performance made up for it.
  10. leonardohita
    Aug 28, 2015
    10
    Yes, just yes! This 2nd album of The Weeknd it's good as f*ck, he did a incredible work in this album. I'm too glad of this new work, the hard lyrics and the sexual tension in the songs just transport us to another world, a dark, explicit and mysterious world.
  11. ajarias96
    Sep 7, 2015
    7
    Nothing but satisfaction comes from The Weeknd's second studio album. Whether you're a die hard fan of the artist or just a fan of his ever growing list of successful singles, you're in for a treat with this incredible album from a truly incredible artist.
    Starting off with a bang with the unforgettable Real Life, The Weeknd sets up for the bar to be raised higher and higher as the album    Nothing but satisfaction comes from The Weeknd's second studio album. Whether you're a die hard fan of the artist or just a fan of his ever growing list of successful singles, you're in for a treat with this incredible album from a truly incredible artist.
    Starting off with a bang with the unforgettable Real Life, The Weeknd sets up for the bar to be raised higher and higher as the album continues on. Despite songs such as, Losers, Tell your Friends, Acquainted, In the Night, and As You Are, which are by no means poor, they just seem to be forgettable compared to the high class of the rest of the album. Singles: Often, The Hills, Can't Feel My Face, and Earned It have all received their own fair share of commercial success and for good reasons. Beauty Behind the Madness wouldn't have even come close to the success it has received without its precursor singles and their ability to invoke a variety of emotions into its listeners.
    For the rest of the album we see the true artistry within the artist that is The Weeknd. From the incredible lyrics of Shameless, to the passion and soul within every word of Dark Times, to the hauntingly beautiful Prisoner, The Weeknd definitely has another top 10 single on his hands, especially in the upcoming winter market.
    What is any classic album without an absolutely breathtaking conclusion though? The Weeknd and Pop/R&B fans will have this album on repeat for years to come and the album itself wouldn't nearly quite be what it is without its unforgettable conclusion. Angel not only overshadows the rest of the album, but it overshadows most music being made today. As each second passes in the 6+ minute Angel, it just gets better and better. The listener is completely consumed in true art and music. Not since Kanye West's Dark Twisted Fantasy album has a piece of music brought along such imagery and class with it. From the elite vocals, to the powerful backtrack, to the inspiring chorus and featuring artist, to the passion of its lyrics Angel is a classic all on its own. Even though Angel may not find itself as a single in the modern day commercial market, it's truly one of the greatest songs in recent history and just goes to show that The Weeknd has a special niche in the music business that will hopefully allow him to go on to create plenty of even more incredible studio albums. Beauty Behind the Madness is going to go on to be known in history as one of the best albums of 2015 and its class is only heightened by its hidden treat at track 14.    … Expand
  12. nobodyknowsme
    Sep 18, 2015
    7
    The Weekend finally draws attention in pop scene.His first three mixtapes were creative and good.He got recognition and he released his debut Kiss Land which was a really boring album.Now we got this album.I think the weeknd succeed to keep his old r&b game in pop.Songs like Can't Feel My Face,In The Night got good pop vibes.Often and The Hills got good r&b vibes.But it's not surprising orThe Weekend finally draws attention in pop scene.His first three mixtapes were creative and good.He got recognition and he released his debut Kiss Land which was a really boring album.Now we got this album.I think the weeknd succeed to keep his old r&b game in pop.Songs like Can't Feel My Face,In The Night got good pop vibes.Often and The Hills got good r&b vibes.But it's not surprising or different.After all i liked this album you should give a listen to it.… Expand
  13. CraigEchols
    Aug 28, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. What caught me most about this album was the indirect story that it tells. Abel starts off being Abel by describing his world ("Real Life"), then proceeds to meet a girl and describe his view on love and relationships to her ("Losers.") They strike up typical visits in which Abel continues to be Abel about it ("Tell Your Friends") and describes how she is when he and crew are around ("Often"). However, Abel's attitude changes. He begins to develop feelings and wants her around more ("The Hills"). Eventually, he admits up to her that he is beginning to have feelings for the girl ("Acquainted"). He then describes how she makes him feel and that she may be the "death" of him ("Can't Feel My Face" the death of the old Abel). He then tells her that he has no reserves about how she makes him feel and doesn't want to hide it ('Shameless") and that she has willfully made him feel this way ("Earned It"). However, she still has her reserves and doesn't seem ready to commit to him ("In the Night") and Abel begins to realize that he loves her for the fact that she reminds him of himself and how he has been ("As You Are") and also begins to realize that he can't escape the dark side of himself ("Prisoner"). Upon sadly realizing things aren't going to work out they end it and go their separate ways ("Dark Times"). In the end he is left wondering and wishing the best for a former love he missed out on ("Angel").… Expand
  14. TavenSwain
    Aug 28, 2015
    9
    The Weeknd is the definition of an artist. Although he is more mainstream than he ever was before his creativity and wit lyrically has not changed. Its safe to say he is going to be a fixture in music for years to come. This album was a good listen, something that will make you feel a variety of different ways, which is what you want from artists these days. Relatively dark at times andThe Weeknd is the definition of an artist. Although he is more mainstream than he ever was before his creativity and wit lyrically has not changed. Its safe to say he is going to be a fixture in music for years to come. This album was a good listen, something that will make you feel a variety of different ways, which is what you want from artists these days. Relatively dark at times and about sex and drugs there, I wouldnt have it any other way. This will be a top 5 album of 2015 no-doubt.… Expand
  15. anotherjerk
    Aug 31, 2015
    7
    Is a great pop album, that's the problem, its POP. His sophomore album has a great vibe and vocally are outstanding, but the lack of lyrically commitment and the poor rnb resemblance. Its a shame,
  16. lilgnzlo
    Aug 28, 2015
    10
    I been following since the House Of Balloons days, and after Kiss Land album (wich i like), i doubt that he can be successful and maintains his unique style. But he proves that he can make a good pop commercial album with quality and don't change his essential style.

    Songs like Real Life, Often, The Hills, Acquainted and Shamless prove that. He has good radio songs friendly like Earned    I been following since the House Of Balloons days, and after Kiss Land album (wich i like), i doubt that he can be successful and maintains his unique style. But he proves that he can make a good pop commercial album with quality and don't change his essential style.

    Songs like Real Life, Often, The Hills, Acquainted and Shamless prove that. He has good radio songs friendly like Earned It and Can't Feel My Face.

    He makes three artists collaborations with which we are not used, and lose his vibe. The Ed Sheeran colaboration is amazing, same for the Lana Del Rey. And he proves in the past that can make good collaboration with R&B and rap artist, but now he moves on another level and he doing so great.

    It's difficult to say if this is the album of the year or not, but he has more 10 on individual tracks than any other album of this year. Maybe Kendrick Lamar album is more complete with the whole package, but on individual tracks this is the album!! There aren't bad songs on it.    … Expand
  17. maryjaneex
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    Seen him live, Loved him ever since 2011, such an amazing person, artist, and album! I can't stop listening to it, Worth the buy on itunes, definitely suggest it :)
  18. JordanSchwarz
    Aug 28, 2015
    7
    BBTM has nothing quite like the rawness of the original trilogy, but for a third LP it's a great attempt. Better than Kiss Land - by far - and has far smoother more consistent production. It seamlessly moves from semi- acoustic ballads to electronic tracks, and manages to retain the experimentalism and compelling production of his previous work. 'Tell Your Friends' and 'Dark Times' are theBBTM has nothing quite like the rawness of the original trilogy, but for a third LP it's a great attempt. Better than Kiss Land - by far - and has far smoother more consistent production. It seamlessly moves from semi- acoustic ballads to electronic tracks, and manages to retain the experimentalism and compelling production of his previous work. 'Tell Your Friends' and 'Dark Times' are the two standouts, and throughout the record it manages to maintain the crooning soulfulness that Abel has become known for. Not incredible, not the Trilogy - but a solid third record.… Expand
  19. Unpersona
    Sep 3, 2015
    5
    What captivated those lucky few people who got to know The Weeknd in 2011. We shared that contact high, in our respective zones. In dimly lit bedrooms, alone or full of desire. We were the collective underground with a naughty secret. The Weeknd belonged to each of us, in privacy. It was something special. What exactly? Then - it didn’t matter, and we were hypnotized by the malaise of darkWhat captivated those lucky few people who got to know The Weeknd in 2011. We shared that contact high, in our respective zones. In dimly lit bedrooms, alone or full of desire. We were the collective underground with a naughty secret. The Weeknd belonged to each of us, in privacy. It was something special. What exactly? Then - it didn’t matter, and we were hypnotized by the malaise of dark r&b by this mysterious Ethiopian singer from Toronto. He is young, trapped in the drugged out haze of after parties and come downs. The debauchery. A romantic villain, a veiled casanova, a virtual unknown. Had we never heard these songs and sounds before? Sure enough, but not in this combination of voice, dynamic storytelling and a curious production aesthetic. We wanted to listen to Abel’s every word. We wanted to hang on his every word… look thru his lens of sex, drugs and r&b. Some of us know this lifestyle, some of us don’t. I do not. Nevertheless I was captivated by the portraits and vignettes The Weeknd would paint. Rich in tone and texture. House of Balloons. Thursday. Echoes Of Silence. Mixtapes. The Trilogy. I was hooked on this ride and this prolific journey of an emerging and multitalented artist.

    Moving on to today. Gone past Kiss Land. All the guts, all the magnetism has drained from this artist. His choice. The Weekend wants to be the biggest pop star in the world. He said it in an interview. Oh how I wish we were back to the days when he was an unknown. The mystery was better. The persn The Weeknd is still young and in my opinion focused on fame more than artistry. It stinks here of “sellout”. Abel has so much as indicated that he wanted to move in this direction - & he isn’t fooling me and many others out there. Like yourselves, readers. Beauty Behind the Madness is the frustrating result of his lonely superstar ambitions. BBtM will probably be the biggest seller of the year & launch him to higher international status by the morning. We who loved him as an artist, initiator of trending styles, who took us to those dark & raw places of our soul and landscape. Thank you Abel for those mixtapes, which cannot be taken away from us…………. Even with an album absent of a soul, Beauty Behind the Madness is random surge of radio flirty songs trying to be hits or whatever. Welcome to the fall. Is it Thursday yet? Happy Thursday!    … Expand
  20. davidofgraft
    Aug 29, 2015
    5
    I was somewhat disappointed with this album, honestly. YES, there are plenty of good songs. But I'm legitimately confused. The Weeknd is trying to satisfy both his old fans and his new ones, which is understandable, but the album as a whole suffers because of it.

    Songs like "Tell Your Friends", "Often", "The Hills", "Acquainted", "Shameless", and maybe "Earned It" all seem aimed at his    I was somewhat disappointed with this album, honestly. YES, there are plenty of good songs. But I'm legitimately confused. The Weeknd is trying to satisfy both his old fans and his new ones, which is understandable, but the album as a whole suffers because of it.

    Songs like "Tell Your Friends", "Often", "The Hills", "Acquainted", "Shameless", and maybe "Earned It" all seem aimed at his old fans. But when put on the same album with "In The Night", "Dark Times", "Prisoner", and "Losers", the album starts to sound convoluted and the songs sound contrived (and I hate to say it, but when The Weeknd tries to sound like Michael Jackson, it comes off as irritating to listen to).

    And don't get me started on the guest appearances. ALL of them are extremely lackluster. Even Lana Del Rey failed to impress me (which was a bit of a shocker) on "Prisoner". These appearances didn't add a single thing to the album. Where's Drake (being that he and The Weeknd have been so close, why would Weeknd not use him to get more album sales)? Where's that Kanye West vocal appearance we all wanted?

    I won't give this less than 5/10 because the less-poppy songs are some of the greatest Weeknd songs to date ("The Hills", "Often", "Tell Your Friends"), but what could have been a great crossover album is not what we got.    … Expand
  21. Lolilia
    Sep 19, 2015
    0
    Hate his pop music, it's kinda sad how he used to be good and then bam! He turned mainstream. This album was plain bad. Sorry Weeknd, but I guess the new fans can replace your old ones. :/
  22. igman123
    Sep 4, 2015
    7
    This album is strikingly different from his two previous efforts. The newly explored pop sound could've worked against the Canadian crooner but it works in his favor, showing his immense versatility
  23. handstokindness
    Oct 23, 2015
    10
    This album is so gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood, Acquainted is my fav
  24. chidime
    Aug 29, 2015
    7
    The Weeknd... king of Pain... This album is definitely waayyy better than his last (Kissland) but nowhere near the quality of his first and third mixtapes (House of balloons, Echoes of Silence). It lacks that melodious darkness that his mixtapes have and doesn't cut through my soul as much. It's a fine brooding album, with a unique sound but just lacks that oomph factor that makes you wantThe Weeknd... king of Pain... This album is definitely waayyy better than his last (Kissland) but nowhere near the quality of his first and third mixtapes (House of balloons, Echoes of Silence). It lacks that melodious darkness that his mixtapes have and doesn't cut through my soul as much. It's a fine brooding album, with a unique sound but just lacks that oomph factor that makes you want to hold someone and cry with them whilst sharing a line of coke. I hope his next album approaches House of Balloons marvelousness.… Expand
  25. TobyMan
    Aug 28, 2015
    10
    One of the best albums that I've heard in the last 3 years. The lyrics can sometimes be confusing, but the confusion is what brings this album magic. From Real Life to Angel, they are all pure gold songs.
  26. asjklasjklas
    Aug 28, 2015
    7
    Abel Tesfaye has returned from the failure of 2013’s Kiss Land and accompanied by production by Max Martin, Illangelo, Kanye West and himself, he has polished his PBR&B enough that it can be played at both dancefloors and sleazy house parties across the nation. Beauty Behind the Madness doesn’t deviate too far from the sounds he’s explored—much more superbly, in my opinion—on his mixtapesAbel Tesfaye has returned from the failure of 2013’s Kiss Land and accompanied by production by Max Martin, Illangelo, Kanye West and himself, he has polished his PBR&B enough that it can be played at both dancefloors and sleazy house parties across the nation. Beauty Behind the Madness doesn’t deviate too far from the sounds he’s explored—much more superbly, in my opinion—on his mixtapes rather than trademark it. I could write paragraphs about how problematic Tesfaye’s misogynist lyrics are and how his objectification of “b****es”—even in the more ballad-esque tracks—are a legitimate concern if they are to be taken serious beyond an aesthetic alone. But he’s not the first to commit this crime and he won’t be the first to sell millions despite branding this behavior.

    Beauty Behind the Madness has many “pop” moments that are nothing short of stellar: number-one single “Can’t Feel My Face” and “Shameless” get enough credit to be compared to some of Justin Timberlake’s sharper hits and his Michael Jackson impersonation on the former and Max Martin-assisted “Into the Night” work well for him, surprisingly. The PBR&B in between, however, range from catchy to just filler. Even when he’s raining catchy choruses like “To say we’re in love is dangerous/But girl, I’m so glad we’re acquainted” on their better moments, they don’t differ from each other enough to earn individual praise from my perspective.

    To summarize Tesfaye’s The Weeknd project so far, it feels like he’s becoming much more comfortable in being labeled pop’s new male face in a market mostly crowded by women—I mean, “b****es”—and Beauty Behind the Madness has enough glossy hits to make up the top half of your ‘Party ’15’ playlist. But until his lyrical content expands beyond blatant misogyny and **** one’s own ‘beautiful disaster’-esque lifestyle—“When I’m f***ed up, that’s the real me” is quite disturbing if you over-analyze it, I’m just going to call most of his efforts outside of 2011’s brilliant House of Balloons just very good collections of crossover sleaze&B.

    Overall rating: 7.6/10    … Expand
  27. TounVic
    Sep 19, 2015
    7
    As a Weeknd fan since 2012, I can say that this is a good album, it has some amazing tracks that stand out (Often, Tell Your Friends, Losers...). But some of these songs seem to be directed at a new demographic, all of them with a similar lyrical content, and poppy but still enjoyable instrumentals. His PBR&B days are gone, artists grow and I get it. I still think Abel is an amazing andAs a Weeknd fan since 2012, I can say that this is a good album, it has some amazing tracks that stand out (Often, Tell Your Friends, Losers...). But some of these songs seem to be directed at a new demographic, all of them with a similar lyrical content, and poppy but still enjoyable instrumentals. His PBR&B days are gone, artists grow and I get it. I still think Abel is an amazing and talented artist and I look forward to see what's in store for the next years to come.… Expand
  28. Radiohead2000
    Aug 28, 2015
    10
    Beauty Behind The Madness is a an amazing album, that redefines pop music and breaks through so many barriers that have been placed over the years. The Weeknd is one of the most talented artists with one of the most promising careers out there. He might be the reincarnation of the King of Pop. This album flows so well with out the exception of one song I didn't like (Dark Times) it was perfect.
  29. sscott0829tw
    Feb 18, 2020
    4
    Good Songs : Real Life, Can't feel my face, In the night
    Worst Songs: Often, Dark times,Tell your friends.
  30. nirvanafreak
    Aug 31, 2015
    7
    Rating:75/100
    Favourite Tracks:Can't Feel My Face,In The Night,Often
    Least Favourite Tracks:Earned It (I was so sad when the Tracklist was revealed and earned it was there),Prisoner,Angel I loved it up until 'Earned It' and then he kind of recovered it on the two tracks after but then oh wait he lost me again with 3 uninteresting tracks for he last 10 minutes. I was really looking    Rating:75/100
    Favourite Tracks:Can't Feel My Face,In The Night,Often
    Least Favourite Tracks:Earned It (I was so sad when the Tracklist was revealed and earned it was there),Prisoner,Angel
    I loved it up until 'Earned It' and then he kind of recovered it on the two tracks after but then oh wait he lost me again with 3 uninteresting tracks for he last 10 minutes. I was really looking forward to this album after hearing 'Can't Feel My Face' and 'The Hills' (Yh I'm not a true Weeknd fan I know) as I thought Abel was going to put out a darker, more pop influenced album and Yh he kind of did for some parts of the album but there are other parts that aren't really catchy enough to be pop. They kind of go back to 'Kiss Land' Weeknd; just weak r&b songs with mediocre songwriting. I'm not saying there's any great songwriting but the tracks I like have other redeeming factors like some really atmospheric production or a really melodic chorus that I can't get out of my head. I did like most of the album though because of the reasons mentioned. I thought it was a clever move to get Lana Del Ray on a track as she's kind of like the girl he's always **** going on about and it seems like the perfect collaboration but still those two on a track does make me want to kill myself. I think this album would go hard in the car. Well, some of it. You can't really pin it to a certain emotion or place because of how diverse and experimental the album is but that ultimately leads to a very uncohesive project. That might be the reasoning for the title 'Beauty Behind the Madness' and you know that's cool but I'm not finding the beauty. Just Madness would have been more fitting. I guess die hard Weeknd fans will dig all of it but I can't really see a casual Weeknd listener hearing this and loving the **** out of it.    … Expand
  31. GrantBoard
    Sep 26, 2015
    10
    OMG, The Weeknd + Ed and Lana (boom) IS AMAZING all beats of Beauty Behind The Madness are very goods, i think that ''Prisioner'' is the best song with '' The Hills''.
  32. DavidV293
    Dec 1, 2016
    10
    All the songs from this album are #1 in my personal favorites. He combines his dark lyrics with some serious catchy beat. BBTM is one of The Weeknds' best and will go down in one of the best albums from the last decade. And lets not forget, this is the album that gave Abel his fame.
  33. jesseurbancsik
    Aug 30, 2015
    9
    Abel started off his career with a trilogy of mixtapes, and now has a hit album that WILL go to #1. BBTM displays his journey and it resembles his past work, especially House of Balloons, Kiss Land and even channeling Michael Jackson. He moved to a new pop sound for this album, and this shows growth because every great artist needs to change up their sound here and there. Del Ray andAbel started off his career with a trilogy of mixtapes, and now has a hit album that WILL go to #1. BBTM displays his journey and it resembles his past work, especially House of Balloons, Kiss Land and even channeling Michael Jackson. He moved to a new pop sound for this album, and this shows growth because every great artist needs to change up their sound here and there. Del Ray and Sheeran make the album even more interesting. It doesn't sound like he's selling-out either, which makes The Weeknd the humble, sex-addicted, crooning singer that everyone came to love.… Expand
  34. SmilerofMiley
    Aug 29, 2015
    10
    This is the best male album of 2015 so far. My favorite songs are : "In the Night", "Angel" , "As You Are"," Prisoner feat Lana Del Rey ." And the singles "The Hills" and " Can not Feel My Face". The Weeknd is probably the highlight Artist 2015. I hope it is indicated to Garmmys , and receive a award.
  35. gabequick
    Aug 28, 2015
    8
    Its good not great and it will grow on you over time. The tracks are either good or great. Many songs were already radio RIP so the album really had about 9 songs. Great kind of album better than kissland but not Trilogy u feel me. Still one of the best of the year so far not at all dissapointing like TYLER AND ASAPS AND KANYE'S MAYBE NOT EVEN REAL album(s).
  36. Evic21
    Sep 13, 2015
    8
    It took me a while to fully enjoy this album. I'll admit that at first I was disappointed because I felt like a lot of the songs weren't on the same sonic level as "The Hills" or "Often" and it felt like the majority of the songs were dry, but after some focused listening, I came to the realization that The Weeknd can honestly do no wrong.
  37. ibredman7
    Aug 28, 2015
    10
    After a two year wait for this album The Weeknd did not disappoint! I truly believe he meshed his old sound and new sound nearly perfectly, and has created a beautiful album.
  38. Srefly
    Aug 28, 2015
    9
    Is no the better album for me , but **** this is FIRE. I'm a great admirer of WEEKND style , this album is not so different from others just a bit but this difference is positive, is a masterpiece.
  39. gmilly88
    Sep 10, 2015
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Decent album, but not great. If you were a fan of The Weeknd before the hype (like myself) you'll sit, listen and feel as if this is average by his standards. This pales in comparison to House of Balloons, but with that said.. this album is still worth listening to. Songs like "The Hills" "Dark Times" "Often" and "Prisoner" feel like The Weeknd type tracks, meanwhile "Can't Feel my Face" and "In the Night" feel like his producer wanted him to sound exactly like Michael Jackson, both in beat and singing. "Earned it" is basically a throw in because it was made for the Fifty Shades of Grey movie and "Angel" literally sounds like a cheesy 80's rock/pop song.. His voice and the hook just doesn't sound right with that cheesy guitar synth. The songs feel in the wrong order by sound, and this album feels as if half is him and half is what his producers want him to sound like to become more appealing. His lyrics are typical straight forward with barely any sugar coating or metaphors, which is both good and bad. The album is definitely worth listening to, but compare it to his previous works and you'll find yourself with the same opinion as mine.… Expand
  40. diegonelli
    Sep 13, 2015
    9
    This album is great, I love the sounds.. I love Prisoner with Lana, Angel, The Hills and Tell your Friends...
    Also, I didn't know that Abel was that explicit :o
  41. JamesWimbury
    Sep 19, 2015
    7
    As a huge fan of this type of music, I was looking forward to this album immensely, and despite it being a good album and coming together nicely, there is something missing from it, and I'm not quite sure what it is, but once the album comes to a close it does leave you wanting something else. Highlights include "Prisoner" and "Acquainted" however the majority of songs do sound veryAs a huge fan of this type of music, I was looking forward to this album immensely, and despite it being a good album and coming together nicely, there is something missing from it, and I'm not quite sure what it is, but once the album comes to a close it does leave you wanting something else. Highlights include "Prisoner" and "Acquainted" however the majority of songs do sound very similar to one another, so there does appear to be a lack of something exciting after 4 or 5 tracks.… Expand
  42. Mannhorse
    Oct 14, 2015
    7
    This album is pretty good, since its production is top-notch, and its vocals from Abel are pitch perfect and emotional. However, the lyricism are quite bland and repetitive, and they are always about drugs and sex and cars and ****

    Buy it if you don't mind the excessively and quite meaninglessly vulgar lyrics.
  43. damianpanicali
    Oct 23, 2015
    9
    As I listen to The Beauty Behind The Madness I think “Damn, this is sick.” The versatileness of The Weeknd in this album is outstanding. This album has something to offer every type of listener out there. If you listen to this album you could tell the hard work and the focus he demonstrated while making this album with his producers. His vocal range, pitch, awareness of beats, and innateAs I listen to The Beauty Behind The Madness I think “Damn, this is sick.” The versatileness of The Weeknd in this album is outstanding. This album has something to offer every type of listener out there. If you listen to this album you could tell the hard work and the focus he demonstrated while making this album with his producers. His vocal range, pitch, awareness of beats, and innate melodic sense could not be described in any other way except otherworldly. The way he attacks his music coupled with the emotion and passion he puts into every word is something that just about guarantees somebody chart-topping success.

    This album is very good. It has very strong beats and executions, but i would have to say that to have another singer on the track singing his music would not appeal to me as much due to his unique voice. I feel like some songs are tailored to specific artists, and this whole album is indeed tailored to him and him only. Some songs that are popular are “The Hills” and “Can’t Feel My Face”. I would say they’re good songs that are very recognized from the album but very much overplayed in a since where people wouldn’t listen to the rest of his album based on the annoyingness of these two songs. But I would say “Can’t Feel My Face” is one of the weaker songs from this record mostly because the beat is not as distinct as others on his album, and doesn't have great execution. Some good songs on the album The Beauty Behind The Madness are “Often” and “Dark Times”. I feel like these are on of the better songs because it’s not an ordinary listen its more of a challenging and more distinct tune. That’s what i feel separates him from other artists, his since of different music, and different melodies. I couldn’t see another singer pull off these songs as emotionally, and as vocally as he did. When attentively listening to this track, the ballads do arrive after an upbeat song which was was a hard transition at first, but after you listen to it a couple of times, you form appreciation for his songs and it doesn’t hit you hard after 3 or 4 listens. This album is out of the ordinary for many listeners but it will morbidly attract them.

    I do agree with the critics that the Weeknd is not the most recognizable artist out there and also the most well known, but either was Jay Z, Tupac, and Dr. Dre when they first arrived on the scene. But you can’t deny their talent. You can’t give the whole market of music to a set amount of artists, you have to be open to every new upcoming artist and also many new genres.

    I would describe the Weeknd as a Calvin Harris, Kayne, and Drake mix. He has techno beats backing us his music, with beautiful vocals. I do believe he is a pioneer for his type of music like Kayne is for his music. I see a bright future for this young artist.

    I believe if people heard his whole album, he would be greatly appreciated and praised for his hard work and execution in this album. I like the album and encourage many people to listen and grow to love of him and his art. Will you look past his language and appreciate the handwork and determination in his songs?    … Expand
  44. ProGamer7
    Dec 2, 2015
    9
    This Artists is something else, he has a very interesting story (and a very interesting hairstyle). Certain songs like "I Can't Feel my Face" and "The Hills", make this album great. I give this a 9/10
  45. RobertoElDiablo
    Dec 9, 2015
    8
    That album is the one that made me discover the Weeknd. I heard his name before but never actually listened to it. It's commercial. It's for everyone. But it's also very good. Beauty Behind the madness might be one of the best albums I've heard this year and I'll tell you why. It's the perfect balance between fidelity and mainstream. After I listened to the whole album I had to hear whatThat album is the one that made me discover the Weeknd. I heard his name before but never actually listened to it. It's commercial. It's for everyone. But it's also very good. Beauty Behind the madness might be one of the best albums I've heard this year and I'll tell you why. It's the perfect balance between fidelity and mainstream. After I listened to the whole album I had to hear what he did before. And of course it was different, of course it was more distinctive, but the soul, the very essence of Abel's music is still here. We see that he still love what he does, that it is what the artist seeks when he performs or compose. Beauty behind the madness is an album that enable his music.… Expand
  46. Mesmerize
    Aug 9, 2016
    7
    7.0 seven
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  47. WANGWEST
    May 30, 2016
    10
    This album is the best alternative R&B album of the year! The Weeknd is the king of indie and alternative R&B! This is one of the albums I played the most in 2016! From catchy song to Can't Feel My Face to eerily song The Hills(my favorite!). This marks a huge step in The Weeknd's career!
  48. Nicolas23
    Jan 22, 2018
    10
    This is one of the best albums of R&B ever made, each song is a masterpiece and it’s so amazing how the album tell you a story.
  49. martinthecritic
    Nov 6, 2017
    10
    This album is an extremely amazing and well-crafted album. While some of his fans may say that he is a sell-out because he tried to appeal to the masses, the album is amazing regardless. Standout tracks are Real Life, Acquainted, Shameless, Often and Angel.
  50. Fanboyofpop
    Feb 26, 2018
    4
    Don't really know what to think of this .my. It isn’t very lyrically profound. Although it isn’t bad, it just sounds like he was trying To boost his career. Any if his other work is better and I feel if he went a little less mainstream I would’ve liked it more.
  51. hornysoul
    Oct 2, 2018
    6
    "Beauty Behind The Madness" foi uma entrada de The Weeknd para o pop (algo que, honestamente, não me agradou completamente), mas, ainda assim, o cantor continua a mostrar-nos que é um humilde cantor viciado em sexo e em adrenalina com uma voz fantástica que nos lembra do icónico Michael Jackson.
  52. All_ButTrU4
    Aug 24, 2022
    5
    When this came out there was few rnb records that had captured the general public as this on did. A dark rnb pop record that didnt attempt to be accessible but instead to be a testament to the thrill of dark rnb. The features were unexpected but nonetheless good kike ed sheerans verse on Dark Times or Dep rey on the duet Prisoners.
  53. ger89
    Apr 8, 2020
    10
    Tiene capas,peeo la voz de Abel se siente primera, contundente, un placer esparcido en la música electrónica y analógica
  54. Skinnytub
    Jan 11, 2020
    10
    One of my favourite albums ever and 100% my favourite album of 2015. Love every single song!
  55. Shaymooose
    Aug 17, 2019
    6
    First album I ever bought.

    Best Tracks:Real Life,Often,The Hills, In the Night
    Worst Tracks:Acquainted
  56. GamePlayer77
    May 25, 2021
    8
    Abel not only sets the standard for the rising Alternative R&B genre, but also crafts several hits and a unique sound for himself.

    FAV TRACK: The Hills
    LEAST FAV TRACK: Earned It
  57. Braydenoiler
    Dec 12, 2020
    10
    Ksksisodisissieididkieirkreidkdkdrkfiddkkdkddiddkdkdkdkkdkdkddkdkdkddkdkdkdkdkd
  58. AmeenGh
    Apr 4, 2021
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I didn’t like this album it’s not good in my opinion and it doesn’t fit Abels usual flow but it made him who he is so it’s fine… Expand
  59. Sweethour22
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    the growth in his music is amazing, and in this album he shows it again, the transitions that he makes when advancing each song is incredible, very well thought out of all those who put effort into this amazing album
  60. parintianaan
    Oct 1, 2022
    7
    love this album. not my favorite since some of the tracks get old quite quick or are not as catchy, but overall still a great album. also it has the hills aka one of the best singles by him in my opinion lmao

Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Most Discussed Album of 2015
40
#40 Most Shared Album of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Clash Music
    Sep 22, 2015
    60
    Many fans will still be happy with the change that Beauty Behind The Madness has brought but some will surely feel the album has nothing to offer except immediate accessibility for the short attention of the mainstream.
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  2. Rolling Stone
    Sep 10, 2015
    70
    If the sound has widened and even brightened in spots, the Weeknd still rocks a serious Eeyore vibe for much of Beauty Behind the Madness.
    Read full review
  3. The Telegraph (UK)
    Sep 8, 2015
    60
    Real Life builds up to a pitch of doomed drama from a corrosive slash of guitar as Tesfaye confides that even his “Mama called me destructive”. But Ed Sheeran fails to rescue him on the tedious Dark Times and Lana Del Rey--who ought to be his perfect partner in pop-noir--adds nothing but a bored spritz of vocal perfume to the lethargic Prisoner.
    Read full review
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