Looking at The Weeknd Through Critics’ Eyes
Honestly, it’s interesting how critics see artists change. The Weeknd is definitely one of those artists. His music and his persona have always stirred up talk. We see a lot of discussion around key parts of his work. Critics often zero in on certain themes. These themes appear again and again. Let’s dive into what they usually focus on.
His Take on Relationships
One major thing critics always talk about is his view on relationships. It’s a really central theme in his music. His songs often feel full of emotional chaos. They describe messy, unstable romances quite vividly. Think about early tracks like “The Hills.” Or the later ones. Like “Call Out My Name.” He explores the depths of heartbreak in those songs. And that painful feeling of love not being returned. His lyrics often show a deep sense of wanting something more. You hear a lot about feeling emotionally alone. In “Call Out My Name,” he has that powerful line. “I said I didn’t feel nothing, baby, but I lied.” Wow, right? That line captures the pain of lost love so well. It hits listeners hard. It makes you feel that raw emotion.
Back in 2020, Pitchfork magazine wrote about this. They called his view on love “self-destructive.” This gets you thinking. What kind of impact do these relationship stories have? Especially on his young fans. A YouGov survey in 2021 found something quite telling. Sixty-two percent of young adults felt a strong connection. They really related to the emotional depth in his lyrics. But thirty-four percent had worries. They feared his songs might glorify toxic relationships. It’s a delicate balance he walks.
But here’s the thing. The Weeknd has clearly matured as a person. And his music has grown alongside him. His view on love seems different now. His album from 2022, Dawn FM, shows this shift. It explores relationships with more understanding. Critics saw this as a significant change. He moved towards healing. And more self-reflection. He seems more okay with showing vulnerability. It feels like he now understands his music’s impact. This probably pushed him to write more thoughtfully. I am happy to see that kind of personal growth reflected in his art. It’s quite encouraging.
Substance Use in His Songs
Substance use is another big point critics often bring up. It pops up quite often in his early music. Songs like “Can’t Feel My Face.” Or even “I Feel It Coming.” Some people felt these songs made drug use sound cool. This definitely caused some concern. What did this do to public ideas about addiction? Billboard reported in 2015 that his music was often linked to “party culture.” This started conversations about making these behaviors seem normal. What are the potential real-world effects of that?
Interestingly, The Weeknd has spoken very openly. He’s talked about his own struggles with substances. He admitted using drugs. He said it helped him cope initially. This was during difficult times in his life. That kind of honesty sparked important discussions. It makes you think. Where is the line? Between artistic expression and being responsible. In a 2018 Vanity Fair interview, he shared something powerful. “I’ve been through a lot,” he said. “I think people are drawn to that honesty.” That connection through shared experience is huge.
But his narrative changed over time. As he got older, his stories changed too. His 2020 album, After Hours, feels darker. It focuses more on addiction itself. And the hard outcomes that come with it. The song “Save Your Tears” has a clear sense of regret. It seems to be about choices made under influence. Critics saw this as a sign he was growing up. He was confronting his past actions. He wasn’t just making them sound exciting anymore. That feels like a more responsible approach.
Fame and Its Effects
Fame, wow, that’s another massive topic for him. Critics often unpack this in his work. The Weeknd seems to constantly wrestle with fame’s double edge. It’s like two sides of a coin. He often shows how isolating fame can be. In songs like “Starboy.” Or maybe “In the Night.” He ponders the life of a celebrity. The great parts are there, sure. But there’s also a strong feeling of being lonely. A real lack of connection.
The Journal of Music and Social Issues did a study once. It found something surprising about his fans. Seventy percent of listeners felt empathy. They felt for his struggles with being famous. This shared feeling helps him connect deeply. He reaches fans who might feel isolated too. But some in the media also criticized him. They argued his portrayal of fame might mislead young people. It could create hopes that aren’t realistic. That’s definitely something we should think about.
Then he did something unexpected. The Weeknd responded to these critics head-on. He did it through his 2022 album, Dawn FM. That entire album feels like a comment on fame’s temporary nature. It’s fleeting. In Dawn FM, he explores a state almost like purgatory. It’s set right in the middle of all that fame. He shows a deep longing for something real. Something authentic. This shift in what he writes about tells me a lot. He knows how much influence he has. He’s now talking about fame in a much deeper way. It’s more thoughtful.
Women in His Lyrics
How The Weeknd depicts women is another major area for critics. Many have pointed this out over the years. His lyrics sometimes portray women in a way that feels like objectification. Songs like “Often” and “Party Monster” got a lot of attention for this. They often showed women mainly as objects of desire. Critics say this adds to harmful stereotypes. It’s a genuine concern.
Laura Snapes wrote an article for The Guardian a few years ago. She’s a music journalist. She put it pretty directly. She said, “While The Weeknd’s music is undeniably catchy, the treatment of women in his lyrics raises ethical concerns.” Frankly, it’s troubling to see these kinds of themes repeated. Especially by artists with huge platforms. We really need to be mindful of the messages music sends.
But, you know, there’s been a change here too. The Weeknd has clearly evolved. His newer songs really show this. He’s starting to include more complex female characters now. And different kinds of stories. Tracks like “I Was Never There” and “Die For You” show deep emotional connection. They show women as real, complex individuals. Not just simple objects. This change suggests he’s become more aware. He understands how important fair representation is. It’s a really positive sign.
How Media Responses Changed
The way the media talks about The Weeknd has really changed. It’s been a fascinating shift over time. Early in his career, critics often focused on the shocking stuff. His music and lifestyle had a lot of that edge. His mysterious vibe grabbed headlines. His controversial topics did too. Often, this focus overshadowed the actual artistry in his work. It’s kind of a shame, isn’t it?
But The Weeknd has grown significantly as an artist. And the media’s response has become more layered. Critics now want to explore deeper meanings. They look for the emotional depth. The personal feelings behind his music. Take his 2021 album After Hours. It got massive praise. Many reviewers pointed to his lyrics being more introspective. And how the music production felt emotionally powerful.
Rolling Stone did a review that looked back at his career. They noted this transformation. They said, “The Weeknd has transformed from a provocateur into a thoughtful artist.” That change in how he’s described is quite telling. It shows more recognition for his talent. And for the complicated ideas he explores now. I’m encouraged by this shift. Critics are finally seeing his deep artistry more clearly. They aren’t just looking for sensational stories anymore. That feels like progress.
What’s Next for The Weeknd?
As we look ahead, I am excited about what he does next. How will The Weeknd continue to evolve as an artist? His willingness to tackle tough subjects is a big deal. It points to a larger trend happening in music. Artists are moving towards being more authentic. And showing more vulnerability. I believe that as society’s views change, so will the pressure on artists. They will feel a need to address real-life issues in their songs. It just makes sense.
Plus, social media is a huge factor now. It gives artists a direct line to their fans. The Weeknd’s interactions with his audience will likely shape his future music. Imagine a relationship between artists and fans. One where feedback goes both ways. Where listener perspectives help guide the creative process. That’s a really cool thought, isn’t it?
Over the next five to ten years, I think we’ll see more focus on mental health. And on emotional well-being in music overall. The Weeknd’s changing journey positions him as a leader. He’s at the front of this important movement. It encourages other artists to open up too. I truly hope they do. It feels like music is becoming more personal.
Quick Questions About His Work
Have you ever wondered if he’s talked about how he shows women in his songs?
Yes, he actually has addressed those criticisms directly. He’s shown a lot of growth personally. His newer music portrays women in different ways now. They feel much more like real people.
How does his music connect with larger things happening in society?
His songs often explore big topics. Things like fame and complex relationships. Substance use is in there too. Many listeners feel understood by his music. They connect with similar struggles they face. It makes his work feel relevant.
What’s the biggest difference in his music now compared to his early stuff?
His music has definitely changed a lot over time. He started out with darker, more sensational themes in his early days. Now, it feels much deeper. He explores his own experiences more openly. It comes across as more thoughtful and reflective now.
Wrapping Things Up
So, when you look at The Weeknd, media critics keep returning to certain core themes. His portrayal of relationships comes up constantly. Substance use is another key point of discussion. Also, how he talks about fame. And, of course, how he depicts gender dynamics. But as he has changed as an artist, the critical and fan responses have changed too. He’s allowing himself to be more vulnerable. He’s tackling real-life issues in his songs. This makes him a really significant voice in music today. His story shows his own personal growth. It also reflects a bigger change happening. A cultural evolution right across the music industry.
It seems to me that The Weeknd will keep influencing these conversations. He’ll keep inviting listeners along for the ride. It’s a very personal journey. And I believe we’re only just starting to see where it goes next.
