The Weeknd released his fifth studio album, Dawn FM, on Friday, 7th January. The album has helped The Weeknd break the record for the most monthly listeners on Spotify.
The Weeknd has attracted more than 86 million listeners this month, eclipsing Justin Bieber’s previous record of 81.8 million.
Dawn FM features guests Quincy Jones, Tyler, the Creator, Lil Wayne, and a number of voiceovers from Jim Carrey. Production duties were split between Daniel Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never) and Swedish pop maestros Max Martin, Oscar Holter and Swedish House Mafia.
Although not as hit-hungry as The Weeknd’s previous effort, 2020’s After Hours, Dawn FM has achieved a few other chart milestones. Six songs from the album currently sit in the top 20 of Billboard’s Global 200 chart, which ranks the top songs globally based on streaming and digital sales. The Weeknd has a total of 24 songs in the Global 200 at present – a new record for a male solo artist.
Dawn FM debuted at number one in Australia, the UK and dozens of other territories. It debuted at #2 in the US. Not bad for an album that was announced just a couple of days before its release.
“Music can heal and that feels more important than another album rollout,” The Weeknd said in a leaked text message that served as an album announcement. “Let’s just drop the whole thing and enjoy it with the people.” Mission accomplished.
