The Weeknd "Beauty Behind The Madness": A Triumph

There's that rare moment in every singer's career where the stars align to give way to mind boggling superstardom. We've seen it many times, most recently with Iggy Azalea. Her monster hit 'Fancy' follow up 'Black Widow', guest verse on Ariana Grande's 'Problem' and several Grammy nominations saw her in high demand. This ultimately led to her demise when the general public realized that Azalea was purely label constructed, and possessed zero talent whatsoever.

Sometimes it's not so fleeting, as Taylor Swift is currently discovering. Sure, Swift has always been a reliable seller (her opening week sales just keep growing), but she struck a sweet spot with her latest album '1989', an album that almost a year after its release is still in the top 10 on Billboard. Each single has been a hit (three #1's and one top 10 hit, with next single 'Wildest Dreams' perched for similar success). Her world tour is on its way to becoming one of the highest selling tours in history, and though she's attracted some criticism lately, it seems Swift is gearing up for an Adele like awards season sweep.

So that brings us to the crazy talented Abel Tesfaye, or The Weeknd, who finally broke through to the mainstream last year after wallowing around in the land of the indie darlings. After landing a guest spot on Ariana Grande's successful 'Love Me Harder' and 'Earned It', one of the hit singles from the "Fifty Shades of Grey" soundtrack, Tesfaye didn't waste any time at seizing his moment; He followed up with the one two punch of 'The Hills' and 'Can't Feel My Face'. Both songs are sitting pretty in the top 5 of Billboard's Hot 100, and with his album dropping in a few days, I can tell you that this is the moment where Tesfaye becomes a household name.

"Beauty Behind The Madness" is a triumph in every sense of the word. Only Tesfaye's second album, it's clear he's come a long way from his mixtape days (though his first album, a collection of his mix tapes entitled "Trilogy" is a lot better than most of the *mastered* stuff crowding the marketplace). Tesfaye's voice, laid at the centerpiece of each intricately produced track, has never sounded as strong as it does on this album. He has a mastery for sounding vulnerable, but commanding an impressive, unforgettable range that eludes his contemporaries. And yes, while it might be way too early to be calling him the next Michael Jackson, the comparisons are quite clear in 'Can't Feel My Face', a love letter to Jackson's legendary 'Bad' era. It's the crowned jewel of the album, the most accessible moment and an undeniable smash.

But the assertiveness doesn't begin and end with his vocal performance. As I mentioned, each track is intricately produced. From Max Martin, Lana Del Rey, Ed Sheeran, to Kanye West, Tesfaye has assembled a smart team of players who broaden his appeal while simultaneously molding to his sound. In doing this, he's moving forward as an artist without isolating his original audience, something many musicians could stand to learn. The music videos and visuals for the album campaign for this record have been nothing short of gorgeous. Longtime Sky Ferreira collaborator Grant Singer shot 'The Hills' music video and it's every bit as destructively gorgeous as the song itself.

"Beauty Behind The Madness" is an album that oftentimes feels like a collection of potential hit singles. But behind the gloss, is a very dark concept album. Though he's matured, the Tesfaye from the mix tapes hasn't gone anywhere at all. Themes of love, addiction, corrosive relationships and the wounds that come with them. Narratively, it's similar Tove Lo's "Queen of the Clouds" took us through the beginning and the end of a relationship, although sharper songwriting and tighter production play to Tesfaye's benefit here; the ending to the album leaves you cold, with Tesfaye lamenting "I'm addicted to a life that's so empty and so cold/I hope you find somebody" on album closer 'Angel'.

Tesfaye may be weirder, more eccentric, and sadder than any other modern music act, but his breakthrough moment, which started about a year ago, has come. Make no mistake, this album establishes him as not only a true talent, but a visually and intellectually interesting one, something the marketplace doesn't have enough of. We already knew he was a star, but with "Beauty Behind The Madness", Tesfaye delivers on his early promise, and more. He's here to stay.

Grade: A+

***Favorite Tracks: 'Losers', 'Can't Feel My Face', 'Acquainted'***