Echoes of Silence

by The Weeknd

I don't think it's possible to be any hotter in the music industry than Abel Tesfaye, The Weeknd, is right now.  Especially when you consider that he hasn't given any interviews, appeared on any crappy late night talk shows, signed to any record labels, or even attempted to sell his music, choosing instead to release it for free on his website.

Echoes of Silence is the third free album that he dropped in 2011, and it shows the progression of his sound and artistic vision.  The album starts strong with 'D.D.', his remake of Michael Jackson's Dirty Diana.  I've never had a lot of love for Michael, and instead much prefer Abel's stripped down interpretation.

The rest of the album follows along with the typical Weeknd themes - debauchery, regret, and a sense of misspent youth.  He continues to use his beautiful voice very effectively over the minimalist production.  Echoes of Silence is another masterpiece.