Breaking Down the Dark Allure of Beauty Behind the Madness

The Album

The Weeknd's 2015 album Beauty Behind the Madness was a turning point in his career, taking him from a cult-followed musician to an internationally recognizable name. Abel's raw, dark, and vulnerable themes are all present in this album, which also features a refined pop sound that increased his popularity. The album, which consists of 14 tracks including singles like "Can't Feel My Face," "The Hills," and "Earned It," strikes a mix between mainstream appeal and reflective lyrics about self-destruction, love, and fame.

"Beauty Behind the Madness" Album Cover

Lyrics 

Beauty Behind the Madness's mix of genres is one of its most notable features. Despite having a strong R&B foundation, The Weeknd incorporates pop, rock, and even soul components to create a complex symphony that is difficult to define. For example, "Can't Feel My Face," which became a summer hit and won him his first Grammy Award, has dynamic pop and funk elements. In contrast, "The Hills" stays true to The Weeknd's original mixtape style by focusing on a dark, gloomy atmosphere while exploring into themes of passion and internal conflict. The contrast between beauty and crazy, bright and dark, is a defining feature of the record.

"Can't Feel My Face" Music Video

The Album explores the emotional consequences and ambiguities of celebrity in its lyrics. Numerous songs highlight The Weeknd's issues with relationships and identity, particularly in light of his recent rise to popularity. He explores the draw and pull of romantic connections in songs like "Acquainted" and "Shameless," which are packed with sorrow and guilt. Due to Abel's skill in blending catchy melodies with sensitive lyrics, this album is both a pop classic and a personal journal.

Features 

Notable collaborations on Beauty Behind the Madness add to the album's diversity and attractiveness. "Prisoner," a hauntingly beautiful duet that addresses the torments of fame and love, features Lana Del Rey's angelic vocals. In his appearance on "Dark Times," Ed Sheeran reflects on fragility and self-destruction by fusing his comforting voice with The Weeknd's. Rapper Labrinth also contributes to the reflective song "Losers," which is about overcoming expectations and the path to achievement.

The Weeknd at the Grammy's

Awards

Abel won two Grammy Awards for Best Urban Contemporary Album and Best R&B Performance for "Earned It" as a result of the album's widespread praise. Beauty Behind the Madness was also nominated for many Billboard Music Awards, including Top R&B Album, solidifying its status as a career milestone for The Weeknd. The album's popularity not only demonstrated his range as a performer but also reinforced his position as a major influence in contemporary music.

Songs that deserve a listen: Tell Your Friends, Often, The Hills, Acquainted, Shamless, Earned it, In The Night, As You are, Prisoner, Angel.