The Weeknd
The genres of hip-hop and R&B have both been frequently criticized due to the degrading nature of some of the lyrics and the shallowness of the themes prominent in many songs found in these two genres, such as drug use, casual sex, big egos, and wealth. Taken at surface value, The Weeknd is no different. The main subjects of his songs include strippers, his own drug use, and the effects of his newfound fame, but there is something in his music that gives it great depth.
The inherent emotion behind every word that The Weeknd croons brings each situation to light and makes his circumstances somehow relatable to the listener. In “Wicked Games,” The Weeknd tries to appeal to an exotic dancer at a strip club with the line “let me see that ass, look at all this cash.” Similar lyrics could be found in a multitude of songs within these two genres, and though these lyrics are anything but profound, there is a desperation in his voice that gives these words a subtle meaning. As the song progresses, the listener learns that that the narrator suffers from loneliness and low self-esteem as he begs the stripper to “tell me you love me, only for tonight.” There is more to this song than meets the eye, as is true with many other songs found on The Weeknd’s three mixtapes: Thursday, House of Balloons, and Echoes of Silence.
The majority of The Weeknd’s repertoire is similar to “Wicked Games” in that most of his songs are soulful ballads which construct stories involving flawed main characters desperately seeking the one thing that’s missing in their lives, whether it be sex, money, or love. A few of his songs do carry a more upbeat tone, such as “Material Girl” and “Do It.” While “Do It” is a dance song with an infectious beat, “Material Girl” is also more optimistic in nature as The Weeknd outlines the things he would do for a special girl that has shattered his fear of commitment.
The Weeknd is able to appeal to people through the raw emotion displayed in his vocals as his music traverses the human experience. From desire and passion to despair and loneliness, The Weeknd grants depth to the often-shallow experiences put on display in many hip-hop songs. There isn’t anything forced or fake behind his lyrics, and because of that, the listener can tell that this is truly the life he lives. Unlike a lot of the obnoxious and overpowering beats characteristic of hip-hop, an air of intimacy is created in the subtle accompanying melodies, leaving The Weeknd’s powerful vocals to take center stage.
All of The Weeknd’s mixtapes are available free for download through his official site.
Suggested listening: “The Party & The After Party,” “The Birds (Part One),” “Love Through Her.”
