Review
The Weeknd's sophomore gem, 'Beauty Behind the Madness,' dropped in 2015, showcasing a bold leap into the pop mainstream while holding tight to his gritty, alternative R&B vibes. With heavy hitters like Labrinth, Ed Sheeran, and Lana Del Rey guesting, the album's got that star power punch and a seamless blend of disco, funk, soul, art rock, blues, and trap, all echoing MJ’s legendary touch from 'Thriller' and 'Bad.' Abel’s signature dark introspection still seeps through tracks, as he navigates themes of love, success, loneliness, and self-loathing with finesse.
This album didn’t just make noise, it caused a seismic shift. Debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and camping there for three weeks straight, it birthed chart-topping bangers like 'The Hills' and 'Can't Feel My Face.' By the end of 2015, it clocked in as the tenth best-selling album worldwide, movin' 1.5 million copies. Grammy nods came knocking, and it snagged Best Urban Contemporary Album in 2016. Critics couldn't help but applaud his smooth transition blending pop vibrancy with his introspective darkness. 'Beauty Behind the Madness' is a testament to The Weeknd’s evolving artistry and cemented his status as a powerhouse in the game. - Jayden
Artist Bio
The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye in Toronto, started releasing music in 2011 with a trilogy of mixtapes that quickly caught both critical and commercial attention, paving the way for a successful deal with Republic Records. He’s built a signature sound that sits at the crossroads of R&B, pop, and electronic, known for its moody atmosphere and catchy, often introspective songwriting. Since his official debut with *Kiss Land* in 2013, he’s delivered major albums like *Beauty Behind the Madness*, *Starboy*, and *After Hours*, earning multi-platinum sales, multiple Grammy Awards, and a string of global hits like "Blinding Lights." The Weeknd is also recognized for dynamic collaborations with artists such as Ariana Grande, Daft Punk, and Drake, and for continually evolving his visual and musical style. Fans of artists like Frank Ocean, Michael Jackson, or Drake will likely find something to enjoy in The Weeknd’s wide-ranging catalog.
