Surprisingly there isn't a dedicated thread for the discussion lol

And it's a nice track, with different and nice renditions!

So yeah, here we go!
Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye, releases the first single of his upcoming album.

There are three versions: the single, the acoustic and live from São Paulo recording

Discuss it anyway you like.
What you enjoyed most, which version you like most, etc.

Good questions to answer:
• Rating out of 10
• Favourite line or quote
• Thoughts on production
• Experiences or thoughts while listening to this song

I've been listening to his music for more than a decade, and I've held him to high regards. If the songs were good, praised them abundantly as deserved. If the songs were bad/left ot be desired, criticized accordingly.

But these songs were nice!

I've enjoyed the single version a lot, it's a very good pop record!
At first listen it didn't feel special, but maybe because I was listening to it maybe in a moment when I couldn't dedicate the right moment, no distraction, and at the right volume.

But it didn't take many relistens, at 3-4x replays and I was hooked!

But love the acoustic version! It's instantly became one of my favourites, and I think I will keep it in rotation for a long, long time!

It's so sweet!

I love this kind of romantic songs and this track was done just right, kudos to everybody involved, Abel on the vocals, Patrick on the guitar, and everybody else

It feels like one of those songs that is used in a romantic movie, and is uswd in an iconic moment.

Something between (My Heart Will Go On), and let's say, Bryan Adams (ave You Ever Really Loved a Woman?)... Or "Bed of Roses" by Bon Jovi...

Ehh, nevermind the examples lol, I'm not using the right examples.

But I believe 10 years, 15 years, 20 years from now, the next generation of young listeners, will compare their new songs to the current song -- and I believe they will say, "ohh, this __________ ______ romantic song is as nice as that acousting 2024 song by The Weeknd, Dancing in the Flames!"

It's a very nice and sweet ballad, that I think many lovers will listen in the future. Or use at slow dances as couples, etc. It's seriously good!

But yeah, these are my impressions of the acoustic version.

Honestly it has been a while since I've gotten excited for a weeknd project/song, and at the last few albums, I pick maybe a handful of songs I enjoy, and fewer, love.

But this acoustic ballad, it's very, very, very good!

I love, love, love it! And I think it's one of his brightest gems in his whole discography, and it instantly became one of my absolute favourites!

It feels like blasphemy but this is mid tbh, like 5/10. I do think it's catchy, but it feels so bland and basic.

Maybe it'll grow.. been a stan since KL dropped but this is the first project where I don't like the first single, loved everything else. I'm a bit scared tbh

Song was mid

8/10.

Definitely feels like it grows on you after repeat listens.

Extreme earworm, sonically probably the most upbeat song he’s ever made, but lyrically still retains that level of darkness he’s known for (song is about dying in a car crash).

I would be a little disappointed if the entire album sounded like this, but as the return lead single it’s honestly a solid choice.

9/10. I continue to enjoy his takes on the 80s sound. I like how the two verses seemingly reference after hours and dawn fm respectively while the bridge refers to the upcoming album. Great use of his vocals, the ad libs are nice and it’s a quintessential max martin beat

8.5/10

The chorus has absolutely not left my head since hearing it during the Sao Paolo show.

I love the synths, may be one of my favorite lead single beats from him (which is clearly very hated in this place lol).

It certainly sounds "manufactured" I guess, especially with the Apple promo, but I would assume it will fit into the album as a whole once we get it.

On his Pop s***. This single trash. Wake me up is a banger!!!

It’s like a 7 — 7.5. Pretty manufactured and a little bit inauthentic but it’s still good quality music.

Hook is a little earworm. Verses are a little too soft.

Strong melody, lyrically a little weak. Tells a story, is a middle ground between Faith and Binding Lights but isn’t too much.

It’s fun, don’t get me wrong, he’s done it again, made a fun ear worm, but I know he’s got stronger singles in the cut for sure.

He will always be on his pop s*** lmao

Need a little darker stuff like after hours