Thursday (2011) - The Weeknd


Thursday is the second mixtape by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, released on August 18, 2011, through his label XO. This project continues the dark, moody aesthetic introduced in his debut mixtape, House of Balloons, and further explores themes of love, drugs, and the complexities of relationships.

Tracklist:

  1. Lonely Star

  2. Life of the Party

  3. Thursday

  4. The Zone (featuring Drake)

  5. The Birds Pt. 1

  6. The Birds Pt. 2

  7. Gone

  8. Rolling Stone

  9. Heaven or Las Vegas

Collaborating once again with producers Doc McKinney and Illangelo, The Weeknd delivers a soundscape that blends elements of R&B with experimental rock and electronica. Tracks like "Life of the Party" incorporate distorted guitar riffs reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails, showcasing a departure from traditional R&B norms. 

Notable Tracks:

"The Zone" (feat. Drake): This track features fellow Canadian artist Drake, marking one of the early collaborations between the two. The song delves into themes of escapism and emotional detachment.
"Rolling Stone": A minimalist track where The Weeknd reflects on his rising fame and the accompanying challenges, expressing vulnerability and a desire for genuine connection.

Upon its release, Thursday received generally positive reviews. Critics praised its innovative production and The Weeknd's emotive vocal delivery. However, some noted that it didn't quite reach the heights of House of Balloons. Pitchfork highlighted tracks like "Gone" for their hypnotic, purposefully stagnant nature, capturing the essence of being lost in one's thoughts.

Thursday, along with The Weeknd's other 2011 mixtapes, was later remastered and compiled into the 2012 album Trilogy, introducing these songs to a broader audience. The mixtape's exploration of darker themes and innovative soundscapes has been influential in shaping the alternative R&B genre.

For a visual and auditory experience of Thursday, you might explore the official music videos and performances available on various streaming platforms.

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