The Weeknd Announces New Album ‘Starboy’, Releases First Single

Instead of leaving fans on the edge of their seats in anticipation for any news regarding a new album, (I’m looking at you, Frank Ocean) The Weeknd released the name and artwork for his new album, chopped off his signature dreads, retired his Instagram handle and dropped the first single off his new album, Starboy, in less than 24 hours.

In anticipation of his sophomore album, the 26-year-old is shedding his old image to help introduce a new era in his career. Aside from chopping off his signature sculpted dreads, the Canadian crooner changed his Instagram handle from “abelxo” to “theweeknd” and wiped it completely clean.

Just a few hours later, Starboy showed up on Apple Music with title track available for listening. The Daft Punk assisted track is reminiscent of The Weeknd’s earlier work on House of Balloons while the lyrics reflect on his newfound superstar status. “Legend of the fall took the year like a bandit/ Buy my ma a crib and a brand new wagon/ Now she hit the grocery shop looking lavish,” he sings.

In an interview with VMAN earlier this month, the singer promised that Starboy would be his best album so far, citing The Smiths and Bad Brains to Prince as influences. “I think it’ll be the best-sounding album I’ve ever done,” he told VMAN. “It’s hard to label the sound because, when I first came out, nobody would label it R&B. I just want to keep pushing the envelope without it feeling forced.”

The Weeknd’s debut album, 2015’s Beauty Behind the Madness, helped catapult him to the top of the charts and achieve mainstream success. While that album produced more than a few number one singles and helped turn The Weeknd into a household name, longtime fans argued that he abandoned his signature sound to reach a more mainstream audience. With Starboy we are reintroduced to the dark, broody, foul-mouthed R&B crooner that we know and love.

Starboy is set to be released on Nov. 25 and is now available for pre-order on iTunes.

Photo Credit: The Weeknd/Instagram

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