Review Summary: Prayed for the life I had chose
It’s a common observation to notice Western society’s major shift in social and economic standards recently. Social issues stemming from dating in the digital age have become a broken system that caters towards immoral standards, as the social media era, and other factors ironically create more divisions than intended. This is also a relevant connection from the financial landscape, as inflation and costs of living steadily rise to the point where future cultures are unable to become truly independent, despite the misconceptions from older generations. All of these issues previously mentioned are more connected than one might realize, forcing societies as a whole to think, and act a certain way in order to survive. Judging by the trends of today, it seems as if these topics are slowly becoming more relevant as time passes on.
Very rarely an album creates an impact so iconic and profound that it clearly defines an era and its people during the time of its release. Intentional or not, ‘Starboy’ is a record that was perhaps ahead of its time, predicting a trend that would change the way social standards are viewed entirely. The Weeknd’s third attempt at a full album features 80’s inspired pop-synth, hip-hop, disco, and electronic themed influences. Paired with common lyrical themes of arrogance, boasting, and romantic divisiveness, this is the definitive commentary on the state of the economical and relational inflation of today’s world. ‘Starboy’ is the result you get when the dating and financial scene become so broken, we fill our expectations with extremely unrealistic standards of what is considered “high value”. It’s a consequence of becoming desperate for genuine love and soul, but inevitably being forced to adapt towards a society that rewards materialistic views, reckless fame, and obnoxious instant gratification instead. It’s constant disingenuousness, disconnection, and other social and economic obstacles the typical young adult growing up in the 2020’s continue to struggle with that make ‘Starboy’ and The Weeknd world famous and well-known. The impactful influence in the music itself, and the mainstream culture make this soundtrack by definition, a relevant classic that resonates beyond a specific genre, or demographic.
The album starts off with its title track, and it perfectly summarizes the concepts of the record. It starts off with its night club inspired sound and hip-hop like vocal delivery in a very boisterous, yet seductive manner. This will be a common theme with the entirety of ‘Starboy’, as majority of the tracks share similar pace and tone outside of a very few exemptions. Like seeing a Lamborghini on public roads, The Weeknd finds a way to create justified toxicity with a charismatic and alluring personality that manages to break necks. There’s plentiful amounts of classic hits in this seventeen song affair. “Reminder” is a fiery banger that serves as a metaphorical flex towards the doubters, which comes off like a heavier version of the title track. Other standouts include “Sidewalks”. The first impression of this track features a surprising guitar riff combined with the typical Weeknd instrumental backtrack, as he lyrically shows off his rags to riches story about fighting the odds stacked against him. “Six Feet Under” is another heavy hitter. It’s lyrically bold emphasis of financial hustle, and detachment of love correlate to the ongoing themes of ‘Starboy’ as a whole, as he claims, “Real love’s hard to find. So she don’t waste her time”.
The final two tracks end on a very strong note. “Die for You” is a sweet, sentimental confession that stands out as a powerfully delivered message. It is one of the more well known singles of ‘Starboy’. Following that, “I Feel It Coming “ is another well known song in mainstream music. Featuring a collaboration with Daft Punk, the album ends on an positive note, as The Weeknd vocalizes his optimistic view that real connection can still exist in a world that promotes the opposite.
It’s the combination of many factors such as an abundance of memorable soundtracks, a rightfully timed release, and a lasting impact from a cultural and musical perspective that define ‘Starboy’ as a relevant classic. Mr. Tesfaye aka The Weeknd represents a major force in 2010s-2020s pop-culture, providing a series of synth-pop inspired anthems that represent his infamous knack for justified misogyny and heartache. Abel Tesfaye aka The Weeknd is possibly the most appropriate voice to represent the social imbalances of the 2020s. This may be a controversial take. But it makes sense considering his continued rise and impact on the popular music industry. This coincides with the current generation’s generally devalued take on relationships, which can be supported by a number of observable changes within western culture. Villains aren’t born, they are created by societies and the people around them. Perhaps there’s a starboy in all of us.
