R&B, New Wave, Dream Pop, Electropop, Synth-pop, Alternative R&B
Producers
DaHeala, Dre Moon, Frank Dukes, Illangelo, Kevin Parker, Mario Winans, Max Martin, Metro Boomin, Nate Mercereau, Notinbed, Oneohtrix Point Never, Oscar Holter, Prince 85, Ricky Reed & The Weeknd
Writers
Belly, Bernie Taupin, DaHeala, Dre Moon, Elton John, Frank Dukes, Illangelo, Kaan Güneşberk, Kevin Parker, Mario Winans, Max Martin, Metro Boomin, Mike McTaggart, Notinbed, Oneohtrix Point Never, Oscar Holter, Prince 85, Ricky Reed & The Weeknd
Label
Republic Records & XO Records
About After Hours Album
After Hours is the fourth studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd, released on March 20, 2020, by XO and Republic Records. The album was primarily produced by the Weeknd, with contributions from DaHeala, Illangelo, Max Martin, Metro Boomin, and OPN. While the standard edition of the album features no guest artists, the deluxe edition includes Ariana Grande, and the remix edition features Chromatics and Lil Uzi Vert. Thematically, After Hours delves into topics of loneliness, self-loathing, and escapism.
Prior to the release, the Weeknd indicated that After Hours would differ stylistically from its predecessor, Starboy (2016), incorporating new wave and dream pop influences. The album’s title is inspired by the 1985 film of the same name, and the artwork draws from various films.
After Hours was supported by five singles: “Heartless,” “Blinding Lights,” the title track, “In Your Eyes,” and “Save Your Tears.” “Blinding Lights” and “Heartless” both reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, with the remix of “Save Your Tears” featuring Ariana Grande also topping the chart. The album received generally positive reviews, with some critics hailing it as the Weeknd’s best work. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, marking the Weeknd’s fourth number-one album in the US, and remained at the top for four consecutive weeks. After Hours also topped the charts in 20 other countries, including Canada and the UK. By December 2022, it was certified triple platinum by the RIAA. Due to delays from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Weeknd released his fifth studio album, Dawn FM, in early 2022, followed by a tour that supported both After Hours and Dawn FM. The albums are part of a trilogy, with his sixth studio album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, set to be released in early 2025.
