The Weeknd - 'My Dear Melancholy,' [EP Review]

After an explosive 2016, The Starboy has released some new music, and for all you die-hard fans from day one, this EP is reminiscent of his earlier works. I personally could not be happier.

‘My Dear Melancholy,’ illustrates the darker more emotive side to The Weeknd that made him such a unique artist back when ‘Trilogy’ was debuted. The six-track EP contrasts so beautifully to his current works, and will hopefully give new fans a glimpse at his scope as an artist.

Opening with what people have been calling an ode to ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez is ‘Call Out My Name’, a robust and deeply electronic track that does yes put out some very specific thoughts of the former love interest. I think people need to remember though that The Weeknd is a master of penning his emotions, and this EP certainly unveils his raw pain.

Even at the start of his career, there was always this new-age electro-R&B sound that pricked the ears and pulled at the heart. ‘Try Me’ has those bedroom seduction beats that find rhythm on any body, but it’s ‘Wasted Times’ where I can hear that he is completely heartbroken. I’ve never been of the idea that anyone or anything is a waste of time but does The Weeknd think otherwise? I really hope not but when he sings, “I don’t wanna wake up if you ain’t laying next to me” I can’t help but feel the torment of his lost love. The Weeknd has had two high-profile relationships which have clearly gifted him an EP of this calibre. He’s done a bit of Taylor Swift in a way.

Teaming up with a number of all-star producers for this project – Skrillex, Gesaffelstein, Nicolas Jaar, Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo (of Daft Punk), Frank Dukes, and Mike WiLL Made-It – shows just how impressive The Weeknd is. This is no easy feat considering how in demand these gents are, but it adds such depth to this body of work.

As ‘I Was Never There’, ‘Hurt You’ and ‘Privilege’ tip us over to the end of the EP, it becomes clear that the synergy of all six tracks is perfect. The storytelling is real, the emotion is honest and the way he uses orchestrations to enhance these feelings is what makes him a one-of-a-kind artist. Let this be the time where The Weeknd goes back to his roots and delivers more grungier sounds.

Rating: ★★★★