Dawn FM
by The Weeknd
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Jan 7, 2022
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 1131 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,029 out of 1131
  2. Mixed: 43 out of 1131
  3. Negative: 59 out of 1131
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  1. MishalN
    Jan 10, 2022
    1
    I think he can do better than that, the best thing in this album is the transition and the song “ take my breath “ the rest are expected and similar to his previous album “ after hours “ , he just copy the 80s sound and just stuck in this sound, if you want to make music don’t repeat the past and do something different than the others , be unique
  2. Wanesta
    Jan 8, 2022
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Acting a bit like After Hours' little and more experimental sister, Dawn FM features a breathtaking production and an absolute stellar concept, driving down the highway around 4 am off to the soundtrack of random radio stations … but, most parts are total road-kill. Precisely, the entire first half of Dawn FM, and others. Thankfully, from Out of Time to the exquisite Starry Eyes, we are served with excellence that saves the face of Dawn FM, a rather hit or miss station.… Expand
  3. CoalaLemoned
    Feb 3, 2022
    10
    The Weeknd has matured, and Dawn FM is his masterpiece, something of tremendous quality, where it makes us wonder if if we lived through the years now, these would be the most played songs of the moment.
  4. JanoH
    Jan 7, 2022
    6
    Priemerný album priemerného interpreta. Texty ešte ujdú, ale po hudobnej stránke je to šedý priemer.
  5. Davidwv97
    Jan 7, 2022
    6
    On Dawn FM, The Weeknd does what he does best. And it works. It's nicely polished, well produced. But it's more of the same and he's becoming a bit of a one trick pony.
  6. lwtos
    Jan 13, 2022
    6
    Nothing new here. I can see The Weekend repeat himself over and over. He can do better.
  7. MexMud
    Jan 7, 2022
    5
    Dawn Fm sounds great.. but it's just more of the same and some songs don't even stand out.
    The flow is great but at the same time becomes stale and boring. Expected better since his last album was almost perfect.
  8. LakshKishore
    Jan 8, 2022
    10
    Amazing! The best Weeknd Album till now. XOTWOD always!!! This is a nightmare for Grammys
  9. yazlara
    Jan 8, 2022
    2
    It was like hearing Take My Breath in different but similar fonts. Although kept his recurring theme of sex, hookup culture, and commitment issues through lyrics, the audios did not connect with the lyrics. The use of pop beats is a good approach from The Weeknd, but the lack of versatility is what made it predictable and hard to keep me entertained.
  10. BunnyHop
    Jan 9, 2022
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm gonna start this with the fact I'm a fan of 80's synth music, vapourwave music and the weeknd but, this is not good let alone like how people are talking about it. Can you enjoy it? Yes but the ideas it display aren't done well especially in the lyrics, the production makes it not uncommon to think that your music is on shuffle or loop and there's albums much better. With similar ideas (DAMN. By Kendrick Lamar for life and death/reflecting on life and other weeknd albums for the other concepts [drugs, love, sex, etc...] for example) and production (anything by whitewoods, IGOR by Tyler, the creator some songs off swimming by Mac Miller)… Expand
  11. AlextasyOfMind
    Jan 9, 2022
    3
    Siento que se está sobrevalorando demasiado este album. Le daría menor puntuación …
  12. Muath_
    Feb 5, 2022
    0
    This **** is so boring its the weeknd but with less energy it’s just so disappointing to see the man who carried 2020
  13. AntonMit
    Feb 22, 2022
    3
    The music doesn't speak to me and the topics are quite trite. I wish this wouldn't be promoted as much.
  14. Dalibor2
    Mar 14, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Make better music + sound same as hisl ast album,overrated artist rn.......… Expand
  15. eddie1987
    Jan 20, 2022
    8
    another good album from Weekend, nice beats, lyrics, dark and twisted, but reminds me of Daft Punk stuff
  16. dboni1
    Jan 8, 2022
    6
    I appreciate what he's trying to do with the concept and I like the interludes. But the songs here just aren't his best. I don't see myself going back to the majority of these tracks. As a whole, it's just alright. But I wish he'd take more risks and switch up his sound a little more. These 80s synths start sounding the same after a while.
  17. bl_nk
    Jan 10, 2022
    8
    This is a good album, if a tiny bit overrated.

    In many ways, this is his mid-life crisis record. He's in his early thirties and death is on his mind. His priorities seem to have changed from his earlier efforts. He's searching for some sort of future. Throughout the album, the narrator, an ethereal radio host voiced by Jim Carrey, seems to be guiding you towards a purgatorial state.    This is a good album, if a tiny bit overrated.

    In many ways, this is his mid-life crisis record. He's in his early thirties and death is on his mind. His priorities seem to have changed from his earlier efforts. He's searching for some sort of future. Throughout the album, the narrator, an ethereal radio host voiced by Jim Carrey, seems to be guiding you towards a purgatorial state. Even the cover drips with morbidity.

    While After Hours was more thematically cohesive, this album is more sonically cohesive. From a production standpoint, The Weeknd completely nails the aesthetic he was going for. It's pure 80's synth pop that wouldn't sound out of place as a radio station in GTA: Vice City.

    My only issue, is while the production is excellent across the board, some of the hooks fell flat for me. There's a lot of skips, but it's still technically excellent. Lots of the tracks I didn't care for were other peoples' favorites

    Worth a listen, especially for 80's fans    … Expand
  18. frozenpinky
    Jan 7, 2022
    7
    Remember the 1982 movie, Creepshow? Remember all the “fun, scary ‘80s synth music”? Well this is that, but done by The Weeknd.
  19. Golbez
    Jan 8, 2022
    9
    I do believe he is putting out what the people want and his ability to help us escape is encapsulated on this brilliant capsule that’s only questionable flaw in my opinion is 1-2 songs long but in saying that he made sacrifices here. If you listen very closely there are hidden nods to many artists without saying their name
  20. tinoMHSH
    Jan 7, 2022
    8
    Sonically pleasant. Thematically cohesive.
  21. SebastianGutVel
    Jan 16, 2022
    4
    El álbum lo sentí repetitivo, lento y cringe el hacerlo como un programa radial, aún así 4 de 10
  22. Klamar
    Jan 12, 2022
    10
    His best work since Trilogy. Faultless production and great vocals. Every synth/disco beat is done perfectly. If MJ was born later, this is the kind of album he'd be making right now. Less Than Zero, Sacrifice and HDIMYLM are stand out tracks. I predict this as the best album of 2022.
  23. luociaomsf
    Jan 8, 2022
    10
    Album magnífico, em cada faixa temos um hit diferente. As referências pop dos anos 80 é a melhor coisa que temos no Dawn FM, Abel iniciou 2022 com chave de ouro.
  24. jeffer21
    Jan 7, 2022
    9
    eclectic, versatile, frenetic, energetic, danceable, modern and sophisticated, all the songs have been synchronized and seamlessly connect to each other, like a modern contemporary symphony
  25. seldereyxxx
    Jan 8, 2022
    10
    The Weeknd confirmed his hitmaker status. An incredible vibe album. 10/10 Brilliant
  26. alivescorpion1
    Feb 7, 2022
    10
    Easily my favourite album of the weeknd so far. This is what music is all about. Enjoyed each and every song, great concept.
  27. DelayedReviews
    Jan 30, 2022
    8
    Original concept that is very consistently pushed through the whole album without feeling forced or distracting from the actual music. Subject matter is very current. It's Abel so we know he can sing, but during the Starboy era, that whole rebrand felt incomplete, but this 80s Abel that started around Heartless. Man is it a sound and clear direction.
  28. AlissonCosta
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    The Weeknd só orgulha quem é fã de pop com esses ótimos álbuns que sempre reverenciam as lendas da música como Michael Jackson, Daft Punk e até mesmo Depeche Mode (neste último). Não merece nada que não seja ótimas resenhas.
  29. FrogGorf
    Jan 8, 2022
    10
    An absolutely surreal musical experience which gets better and better with every listen.
  30. Dsros96
    Oct 5, 2022
    9
    As someone who disliked After Hours, I was scared for this, but The Weeknd did that. A cohesive album that is inspired by retro music. Another amazing project by this amazing artist. I disliked the spoken intros/ outros but I understand that it was supposed to be like a radio program.
  31. mariomello
    Feb 15, 2022
    5
    Horrible, how is it possible? Boring and repetitive, let's get better boy...
  32. WallySouz
    Jan 8, 2022
    10
    perfeitooooooo eu amei. não tem uma música ruim. esse álbum é uma viagem lindaaa. as transições são perfeitas, inpecáveis. a academia comeu poeira agora.
  33. dsuleymanov
    Jan 8, 2022
    10
    This is the Weeknd at his absolute best. Every single song is a banger and there is no chill from the vibe. It's nearly an hour long and it feels too short, it's that incredible. This year started off to an incredible start, it's going to be incredibly difficult to top this masterpiece.
  34. aldithkailash
    Feb 10, 2022
    10
    An album of absolute bangers. Musically, it's unified by a theme of 80s music, lyrically, by a theme of regrets, of what could've been achieved in a life left behind. Brilliant, touching, concept album
  35. predocrit
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    wonderful, amazing, espetacular, a truly show and a beautiful homenage to michael jackson and 80's pop in general
  36. Diptanshu
    Apr 11, 2022
    10
    Nostalgic feel of Radio and the voice over of Jim carey with it the whole psychological metaphorical thrill in between and the smooth flow of songs with such calm and slowness literally it makes me feel in other dimention, The synth use is just phenomenal,
    each and every break in between and then songs were amazing transition and Love the "Out of time" it was the Best! The whole hour long    Nostalgic feel of Radio and the voice over of Jim carey with it the whole psychological metaphorical thrill in between and the smooth flow of songs with such calm and slowness literally it makes me feel in other dimention, The synth use is just phenomenal,
    each and every break in between and then songs were amazing transition and Love the "Out of time" it was the Best! The whole hour long radio make me feel it should be definately include in the Gta 6 radio its the Greatest thing from Weeknd! Its A Masterpiece!    … Expand
  37. MyleeneFRW
    Jan 8, 2022
    8
    Сильный альбом, несколько филлеров, как по мне, особенно в конце.
  38. MusicGuyMack
    Feb 2, 2022
    7
    Though never anything less than impressive from a purely technical standpoint thanks to slick production and impeccable vocal performances, "Dawn FM" unfortunately only occasionally succeeds at building upon rather than merely imitating the '80s funk and new wave sounds that inspired it and can't help feeling at least a little soulless because of it, rendering the album an overallThough never anything less than impressive from a purely technical standpoint thanks to slick production and impeccable vocal performances, "Dawn FM" unfortunately only occasionally succeeds at building upon rather than merely imitating the '80s funk and new wave sounds that inspired it and can't help feeling at least a little soulless because of it, rendering the album an overall enjoyable but ultimately inessential listening experience.

    Choice Cuts: "Take My Breath," "Sacrifice," "Out of Time"    … Expand
  39. Victortuga
    Jan 9, 2022
    10
    Once again the best artist of our generation delivers one of his best albums up to date. The Dawn is finally here and it’s **** awesome!! XOTWOD. (I still prefer After Hours since it’s darker than this one)
  40. LWMav
    Jan 31, 2022
    10
    Master piece taking tons of inspiration from Daft Punk's album Random Access Memories.
  41. SuperKrampus
    Aug 21, 2022
    8
    A really good album! I personally prefer it over After Hours! Overall, a fun and unique listen!
  42. RodrigoBaiter
    Jan 9, 2022
    9
    Perfect.......................................................................
  43. MARTINCARDENAS
    Jan 16, 2022
    10
    I take my hat off to say that this album is the best or one of the best The Weeknd albums to date. The song "Dawn Fm" gives us a fantastic start, motivating us to listen to this album until the end. This eighties theme fits perfectly making it better. My favorite songs are: "How Do I Make You Love Me?", "Gasoline", "Less Than Zero", "Is There Someone Else?" and "Take My Breath"
  44. ladyjopita
    Jan 11, 2022
    10
    The album is very impressive and wonderfully nostalgic! This is the first radio-inspired album I've ever heard, the concept is absolutely unique. This is the first best album of 2022.
  45. teklay
    Jan 11, 2022
    10
    This album is so amazing that you keep listening and keep fall in love with (as always),but it different sound for him and for me to.The production,the voice, hope full lyrics just wow.XOTWOD
  46. INFEDnoX
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    '80s New Wave meets early Quincy Jones meets 2011-era synthpop in a masterclass of modern pop music. What The Weeknd brings to Dawn FM is a singular vision that oozes the sort of confidence only a megastar at the height of his powers could really bring. Strange and smooth and so incredibly fun to listen to. And what more could you ask for in a record like this?
  47. xadarshz
    Jan 8, 2022
    10
    The Weeknd stuns the world yet again and this time in a brilliant fashion. Dawn FM is only here to grow more and more on you. This might just turn out as his best work in a long run.
  48. apsg55
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    Great album. Cohesive and the production was incredible. Album of the year!
  49. LEEKUBRICK
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    DAWN FM by The Weeknd catches the essence of a listener and that is rare of albums nowadays and it feels like you're in this telepathic world that Abel has created to enjoy with and the sound that makes you dance at anytime
  50. kai001
    Feb 17, 2022
    8
    Eu confesso que fiquei com medo antes de The W. lançar esse álbum, mas ele me surpreendeu bastante. Apesar de ter repetido a fórmula do After Hours de ser um disco esteticamente oitentista, ele consegue sair muito superior ao irmão mais velho, porque todas as suas músicas são interessantes. Dawn FM tem quase 52 minutos, mas ele não é cansativo, é muito de se ouvir, minhas músicasEu confesso que fiquei com medo antes de The W. lançar esse álbum, mas ele me surpreendeu bastante. Apesar de ter repetido a fórmula do After Hours de ser um disco esteticamente oitentista, ele consegue sair muito superior ao irmão mais velho, porque todas as suas músicas são interessantes. Dawn FM tem quase 52 minutos, mas ele não é cansativo, é muito de se ouvir, minhas músicas favoritas são: Take My Breath, Sacrifice, Out Of Time, Best Friends e Less Than Zero.… Expand
  51. JeffRson
    Jan 11, 2022
    10
    The album is great. It may not change the face of music - I don't feel hear any massive hit in it - but it doesn't take itself seriously neither. The album is easy to listen, very coherent and polished. The transition are very funny and the sound's post production is mind blowing. It feels like playing GTA Vice City and listening to the radio. The entire album sounds is retro wave and theThe album is great. It may not change the face of music - I don't feel hear any massive hit in it - but it doesn't take itself seriously neither. The album is easy to listen, very coherent and polished. The transition are very funny and the sound's post production is mind blowing. It feels like playing GTA Vice City and listening to the radio. The entire album sounds is retro wave and the vocals are brilliant. I keep listening on repeat. A great album to get a good vibe.… Expand
  52. Theforcer
    Apr 6, 2022
    9
    This album really gets better every time you listen to it, Especially when with After Hours proceeding it. The album is basically a giant 50 minute song. about limbo between heaven, hell, and living. Abel said this part 2 in a new Trilogy of albums. just like House of Balloons, Thursday & Echoes of Silence
  53. JulioQB
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Una obra maestra, que te hace sentir eufórico en cada canción, contrario a su predecesor que también tenía un ritmo ochentero pero más oscuro, en este se puede sentir un poco más alegre, que es lo que el mundo necesita actualmente.… Expand
  54. Kevo03
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    Wonderful storytelling and amazing production this album on a whole another level there may not be significant hits like blinding lights but as a whole this album tells you a story and does it so good.I don't even mention Abel's vocals.By the way no one can make a song like blinding lights again even Abel himself
  55. estherkabbalah8
    Jan 10, 2022
    10
    To be honest, there are some not-so-good tracks on this album but the entire experience of listening from start to finish is indeed rewarding and breathtaking.

    I loved Take My Breath and Out of Time. These songs will create history for sure. Few tracks such as Every Angel is Terrifying, Starry Eyes could have been replaced by Moth To A Flame, One Right now and the other song which he    To be honest, there are some not-so-good tracks on this album but the entire experience of listening from start to finish is indeed rewarding and breathtaking.

    I loved Take My Breath and Out of Time. These songs will create history for sure.

    Few tracks such as Every Angel is Terrifying, Starry Eyes could have been replaced by Moth To A Flame, One Right now and the other song which he did with Calvin Harris.

    The songs which are good are gold and that's what makes this album enjoyable.    … Expand
  56. Mobina1
    Jan 7, 2022
    8
    Production 9/10
    Lyrics 7/10
    Album theme 9/10 (could've be 10 if the album cover wasn't this)
  57. PEDROMFR
    Jan 14, 2022
    7
    It's a good album with an exclusive narrative, but it's not memorable. The Weeknd is not an album artist, but he did some efforts on this one, unfortunately, it wasn't the best, yet.
    Also, the single are not as strong as the singles of the last album.
  58. xomaraj
    Jan 8, 2022
    10
    AOTY within the first week of 2020. I loved the album it delivered and the livestream was a whole experience. His sound is unlike anyone else and the things he does like the “please” in Dont Break My Heart are pleasing to the ear. I think Jim Carey was the best addition, Tyler did fine but Lil Wayne wasn’t my favorite.
  59. Tonyl31
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    Masterpiece!!! The concept, The storytelling, The transitions, MJ vibes…Abel Tesfaye is a Genius!!!
  60. Positionsstan
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is one of his best yet, definitely up there with After Hours. It feels like a sequel to the album we once knew and loved. A 80’s disco pop twist with complex vocals and instrumentals. It got me hooked right at the intro, each song had a distinct sound and different meaning. My favorites are Sacrifice, How Do I Make You Love Me, Out Of Time, and Less Than Zero.… Expand
  61. Ho3ein_lolo
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    I love you Abel ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
  62. creepluck
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    THIS ALBUM IS ART AND SO F**KING GOOD ABEL IS AN ICON AND A STAR OF OUR GENERATION LONG LIVE KING XOTWOD
  63. TrevIMania
    Jan 8, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A través de una gran catarsis (comenzada en After Hours)The Weeknd nos entrega una de las obras musicales más importantes de los ultimos años,el viaje hecho a partir de una estacion de radio a través del purgatorio nos da a entender que su camino hacia la luz esta más cerca que nunca.

    Con piezas musicales memorables como Less Than Zero,Sacrifice,Take My Breath,con grandes incorporaciones como el gran Quincy Jones,Jim Carrey como narrador,Tyler The Creator y Lin Wayne,definitivamente este album es el punto más alto en la carrera de Abel,un album perfecto.    … Expand
  64. susejzedneser
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Wow, what can I say?, that's a really really great job for The Weeknd, I just finished listen it and it was so mixed with the sound like the 80's just i loved it.… Expand
  65. gabieduaarda
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    Once more The Weeknd surprises us with an amazing album, full if 80s vibes and Michael Jackson influence. A masterpiece!
  66. caubas
    Mar 20, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Vida longa ao Rei do Outono!
    Abel avança décadas em sua sonoridade, assim como aparecendo longevo na capa de seu sexto álbum, no qual te deixa dosado de synthwave pop e techno dos dourados anos '80.
    Uma obra prima! R&B cada vez mais neopop...    … Expand
  67. LISOCHIKOTOSA
    Apr 7, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Much better than After Hours, he goes deeper into this synth pop sound and sounds even better. He is stuck in the same narratives still but the production is really next level… Expand
  68. swiftexileee
    Jan 25, 2022
    7
    Creative album. I love the concept of the radio thing. The album is well-produced but the songs sounded the same which made me lose a bit in the end. This is not my favorite The Weeknd album.
  69. Fkbo_x
    Aug 4, 2022
    10
    It's extraordinary how Abel made me feel a lot of feelings with this album. It's amazing, the vibe, the songwriting, the beats, the lyrics, the concept. I can only praise. 1000
  70. cupidxboy
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    HE DID IT


    AGAIN.

    Abel is just so legendary and always overcomes his own person and albums I kinda don't get shocked anymore but DAMN, this man is so criminal for doing such an amazing and genius artwork

    The radio thing is so clever, the commercials, the narrator. Just in love
  71. bryanbranly
    Apr 22, 2022
    10
    Dawn FM is The Weeknd’s best album yet improving on it’s predecessor After Hours with a incredible moral direction and lighter tone. Music shall never forget The Weeknd.

    Favorite Songs: Less Than Zero, Out Of Time, Sacrifice & Take My Breath
  72. MetacriticOnur
    Jan 7, 2022
    9
    perfect
    [ adjective, noun pur-fikt; verb per-fekt ]

    adjective
    conforming absolutely to the description or definition of an ideal type:
    a perfect sphere;
    a perfect gentleman.
  73. andreialismo
    Jul 29, 2022
    10
    Masterpice. One of the best albums of all time. Abel Tesfaye shows us that he is the greatest and most powerful singer and performer in music today.
  74. PariSolunke
    Jan 9, 2022
    10
    On my 3rd listen and I honestly believe this is even better than after hours. Love the concept and the execution in equal measure. No skips. And the outro Jim Carrey poem is my favourite thing ever.
  75. luanakps
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    me avisaram que teria muita vibe kissland mas nao vi tanto kissland la nao kskkdkdk mas mt bao abel serviu conceito qualidade vocais tudo valeuuu bjs amor ate a prox
  76. pricedaxe2054
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    Perfect, it sounds really amazing, there are a lot of memories in this álbum, the producción and vocals are perfect, the weeknd is doing everythingwell
  77. Buddysoysa
    Jan 10, 2022
    5
    It's a mid album. Repetitive. Half of the songs are short. His least favourite album. Feel like rushed
  78. yyxev
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    um dos maiores álbuns de TODOS OS TEMPOS, com grandes nomes na produção e nas colaborações. as músicas são muito elegantes, lembrando os clássicos pop dos anos 90. (queria dar um destaque para as transições incríveis desse álbum, que faz ele ficar melhor ainda.)
  79. Amruk
    Jan 12, 2022
    8
    The album starts with a titular intro track with an ambient and electropop instrumentation reminiscent of C418 Minecraft score and vocorecorded vocals. The next track, "Gasoline", starts on kind of similar note, but later turns into something more The Weeknd- or even Mr.Kitty-esque, especially with this drum machine work and altered vocals. This track is okay, but sounds a littleThe album starts with a titular intro track with an ambient and electropop instrumentation reminiscent of C418 Minecraft score and vocorecorded vocals. The next track, "Gasoline", starts on kind of similar note, but later turns into something more The Weeknd- or even Mr.Kitty-esque, especially with this drum machine work and altered vocals. This track is okay, but sounds a little streached-out even though it is 3:30 minutes long, and it features some cool production touches at the end. "How Do I Make You Love Me?" is less alternative, featuring more "natural" vocals and really dope transitions! At the end we are jumping to GTA V music, not Minecraft, and a cool sugue into "Take My Breath"! A song with a beautiful synth melody taken straight from the 80's! It is sucha cool track with a gorgeous vocal delivery and the album version is even more impress than earlier released version of it, with a really dope intro! "Sacrifise" sounds like a turn backwards after "Take My Breath", it's really similar to its predecessor, however those "my-ah"'s are really cool, but at the great scale of things it is just another the Weeknd song. But still pretty okay.
    "A Tale by Quincy" sounds like a fusion of "Leave the Door Open" and "Dick in a Box" musically to me. Cool that the Weeknd brought sucha legendary producer to his album to just tell a story - cute! "Out of Time" sounds like a little bit stripped-down and jazzier version of "I Feel it Coming" he did with Daft Punk for Starboy. "Here We Go...Again" takes us even earlier than the previous songs, even though it has synths but its instrumentation will be a good suit even in 60's! To be honest this whole song sounds "suiting" for me, everything fits here so well, but it is kinda retread of Silk Sonic. "Best Friends" is groovy but besides that it really feels like an album filler. However it contains a cool transition into the next track - "Is There Something Else?" - which starts with a high-pitched vocals reminiscent of 00's dance scene. Even though it is another song I would call "groovy", I would not reffer to it as an album filler because it has a really interesting texture. It also sugues into the following track - wow! Did not notice it even, so clean and smooth! Maybe this is this way, hence "Starry Eyes" is some kind of retread of the preceeding song.
    "Every Angel is Terrifying" gets us back to the first third of the album, more inspired by the music of the video games and Mr.Kitty. It also sugues well into "Don't Break My Heart" which is more reserved than the rest of the album, more sweet. "I Heard You're Married" is an okay track, another album filler if you will. Lil Wayne's verse is passable at best. In "Less Than Zero" we can finally hear some guitar strings and light-heartness! The final track serves as an outro, and like every other spoken track, this one takes some stylistic inspirations from Latin music.
    In conclusion, the three-act Dawn FM is a really good concept album, well developed, but like some songs could be simply cut or some parts of others. Not every song is like "Take My Breath" and can stay great on every 5 minutes of it.    … Expand
  80. caramysan
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    The selection of collaborators within this album by The Weeknd, including Jim Carrey, Lil Wayne and Tyler, The Creator, is completely impeccable, including, of course, the instrumentation, vocal and the mixture of the whole project is impeccable. Important to highlight the story told by Abrl throughout the songs and videos, which flow flawlessly.
  81. Vjhunte
    Jan 15, 2022
    5
    Not his best work, but it was okay. After Hours was phenomenal; it was a banger. Dawn FM just feels like it's lacking something, like I've heard it before. Honestly, it gives me Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' vibes. Most of the songs sound the same. I'm going to give it a second listen, but I don't know if I'll come to love it as I did After Hours.
  82. champagnepapi_
    Jan 8, 2022
    8
    Good sound, good instrumentals, appropiate lenght. Very recommended album. The songs indivitually don't stand out as much as the ones from After hours or Starboy, but they work well together and the transitions from one song to another are very smooth. It's a good listen. Nothing mind blowing
  83. xosooyaaa
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    OPN and abel really made experimental pop on this album
    I really loved the introduction of Jim Carrey
  84. PedroBLamonte
    Jan 7, 2022
    9
    Stellar production, great cohesive album. Tyler song is probably the worst, it was just a bad fit. All the other songs are great.
  85. Wavy_777
    Jan 9, 2022
    10
    The first listen felt mid, but listening to it after a couple of times, soaking in the tracks individually, the album feels much more evolved compared to After Hours. Easily the best album of 2022 so far, I enjoyed the album immensely. Abel uses the proper drum machines of the time, utilizing the LinnDrum (popularized by 80s pop, and used to its max creative potential by Prince), andThe first listen felt mid, but listening to it after a couple of times, soaking in the tracks individually, the album feels much more evolved compared to After Hours. Easily the best album of 2022 so far, I enjoyed the album immensely. Abel uses the proper drum machines of the time, utilizing the LinnDrum (popularized by 80s pop, and used to its max creative potential by Prince), and giving us a modern Off The Wall sound.… Expand
  86. kavelate
    Jan 11, 2022
    10
    Felt like an 80's dystopian sci-fi mystery thriller movie. The radio elements are honestly my favourite from this album. Jim Carrey did his thing, his choice of words was beautiful and freaky. The commercial in "Every angel is terrifying" was a nice touch, loved it. The production is amazing, unsurprisingly, I mean it's The Weeknd album, the production, mixing, and the vocals will be onFelt like an 80's dystopian sci-fi mystery thriller movie. The radio elements are honestly my favourite from this album. Jim Carrey did his thing, his choice of words was beautiful and freaky. The commercial in "Every angel is terrifying" was a nice touch, loved it. The production is amazing, unsurprisingly, I mean it's The Weeknd album, the production, mixing, and the vocals will be on point, as always. Not really crazy about the features, felt like it was unnecessary to be honest. I hope this will be the last 80's synth inspired dance pop album form The Weeknd, I think he can do a different style in his next chapter, something very new and refreshing. I know he will find a way to it, he's always the standard in pop music. Overall, Dawn FM is a brilliant radio themed album, with great cryptic story. From the start to the end, it was a mesmerizing journey.… Expand
  87. LuissDt
    Apr 1, 2022
    10
    Quite a surprise, Dawn FM by The Weeknd is wonderful and possibly one of the best albums of 2022
  88. ankit123
    Jan 8, 2022
    10
    Amazing album, the concept made it 10x better with the great synths throughout the album. Definitely a must listen
  89. dritunez
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    A cohesive sonic masterpiece. This is Abel at his peak. All you male artists need to step it up because The Weeknd is solidifying himself as this generation’s king of pop.
  90. evolhipol
    Jan 7, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Dawn FM is a kind of record that can bridge a spectrum of darkness and light in a portal of obscure yet exciting dimension. An R&B infuse with techno-ish 80's vibe, upbeat and futuristic at the same time. The production is stellar and cohesive, shadowing a Michael Jackson's lush production (in a good way). This is a kind of album that grows within you as you listen to it over and over again.… Expand
  91. nnellyyxo
    Jan 8, 2022
    10
    i love it omg , i’ve been expecting this album my favorite song at the moment is starry eyes
  92. downjeth
    Jan 8, 2022
    10
    The cohesion of this LP is so perfect! Love Jim Carrey's part of this album too. Each tracks were perfectly produced, it wasn't overproduced nor lacking in terms of production.
  93. veljko_
    Jan 9, 2022
    7
    The Weeknd owns the 80s sound, good concept, dissapointing features and a few filler songs tho.

    best tracks: Take My Breath and Less Than Zero
    worst track: I Heard You're Married ft. Lil Wayne

    rating: 7.4
  94. jju3bu3nh
    Sep 11, 2022
    8
    One of the weeknd's best projects... Absolutely fantastic listen, it feels like a movie
  95. david33009
    Mar 1, 2022
    10
    The Weeknd delivers a sonically and lyrically cohesive 80s pop album that encapsulates everything that makes the sound work. The Weeknd has delivered once again with bangers like Gasoline, Sacrifice, Is there someone else, and i heard your married accompanied by slower pop songs like out of time, starry eyes, and less than zero. And the Jim Carrey's chilling intro that feels so well putThe Weeknd delivers a sonically and lyrically cohesive 80s pop album that encapsulates everything that makes the sound work. The Weeknd has delivered once again with bangers like Gasoline, Sacrifice, Is there someone else, and i heard your married accompanied by slower pop songs like out of time, starry eyes, and less than zero. And the Jim Carrey's chilling intro that feels so well put and thought out over all This is easily one of his best works and his 3rd best album behind After Hours and Kissland( i dont count trilogy as an album) 10/10… Expand
  96. Fabri_canavero
    Jan 10, 2022
    8
    Estas muerto. Aún no se decide si vas a ir al paraíso o al inframundo. Sentado en la oscuridad del purgatorio, hay una emiosra de radio FM. Esta emisora emite música electrónica, con un intrumental muy similar a la música de los 80s, y una voz de locutor que intenta mantenerte calmo a la expectativa de qué ocurrirá al final.
    Esta es la premisa de DOWN FM. Un álbum muy conceptual donde The    Estas muerto. Aún no se decide si vas a ir al paraíso o al inframundo. Sentado en la oscuridad del purgatorio, hay una emiosra de radio FM. Esta emisora emite música electrónica, con un intrumental muy similar a la música de los 80s, y una voz de locutor que intenta mantenerte calmo a la expectativa de qué ocurrirá al final.
    Esta es la premisa de DOWN FM. Un álbum muy conceptual donde The Weeknd propone un contexto ficticio muy original para el álbum.
    La música es muy ELECTRO y la voz (autotuneada) de The Weeknd encaja correctamente con el ritmo, las notas y el tempo.
    Lo más valorable es que, para mantener la premisa hasta el final y que no olvides que estás en el purgatorio escuchando esta emisora, aparecen anuncios (como una pulp fiction llamada "After Life") e incluso hay voces y relatos de personas, como A Tale By Quincy, sobre un hombre que sufrió maltrato de una madre abusiva cuando pequeño y fue luego llevada a un psiquiatrico. Eventos traumáticos luego, hicieron que desarrollara un rechazo hacia las mujeres.
    El track final es esa voz que anuncia tu sentencia final, luego de haber disfrutado la música.

    The Weeknd nos lleva a un mundo aparte con DOWN FM. La música es muy pegadiza y se disfruta mucho.    … Expand
  97. lookistrike
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    i was so scared to listen to this album because the hype was huge and also after hours is a masterpiece, but THIS ALBUM IS PURE FIRE.
  98. RichieJohnson3
    Jan 7, 2022
    9
    Abel's newest album takes everything I loved about After Hours and improved it with sounds that I enjoy more. The 80s take on the album with some electronic and trance influences is absolutely amazing and I loved it very much. I do think that in the middle it kind of losses you for a second, but that may change on further listens. Absolutely great record and I recommend it very much.
  99. TRUST_MEe
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    Open your mind relax and then go have listen … I don’t need to convince you to like it .
  100. Gliphy
    Nov 17, 2022
    9
    I'm not a huge fan of The Weeknd but this album is sooo good. Such melancholic and depressive
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Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best Album of 2022
8
#8 Most Discussed Album of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Resident Advisor
    Jan 24, 2022
    80
    It's invigorating, vulnerable and, at times, uncomfortably raw.
    Read full review
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Jan 18, 2022
    80
    Musically, Dawn FM mirrors Tesfaye’s disquiet, its buffed electronic sheen ruptured by moments of discord, as when ballad Starry Eyes teeters on the brink of implosion. It’s a state that Tesfaye seems to relish, with often stunning results.
    Read full review
  3. HipHopDX
    Jan 14, 2022
    76
    The Canadian megastar avoids the pitfalls of cheap, nostalgia bait by earnestly repurposing and breathing life into deep cuts from a bygone era.
    Read full review
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