starboy w/ wllflxx - Sean Dream

Artwork - starboy w/ WLLFLXX

I’m not too familiar with The Weeknd lore as a lot of his fans are, but I do know his come-up story is incredible. From rough beginnings, dropping out of school, brief homelessness, releasing music without a name, and now being one of the biggest stars in the world; it sounds like a movie script, and it really should be, because he’s always been an otherworldly talent. If you haven’t seen the clip of him singing before the fame (you can watch the whole video if you really want), it really does seem like this man was destined for something greater, and he knew it too. That’s why he brought everyone with him.

Sean Dream’s production really is a testament to his last name. This is a dreamy mix of jazz, neo-soul, and hip-hop, accompanied by one of the most incredible voices of our generation. With assistance from the incredible WLLFLXX, this is one of those joints where I’ve listened to it so many times, I’ve forgotten what the original “Starboy” sounded like.

I don’t really know what my favorite part of this whole thing is, and it’s cause there are so many high notes. The arrangement, those chords, the instrumentation, the swing of the drums, that old-school bass; yeah I’m kind of losing myself here. I think the thing I’ve talked a lot about in electronic music is how those producers know how to command the energy within the arrangement so well, and I realized that’s just a key component to creating art that sweeps you off your feet. Even the addition of light strings on the hook is enough to elevate that energy just a subtle notch above the overall temperature of this track (Is it hot? Is it cool? You decide). Another small point of mention, The Weeknd’s vocal is so clean and concise, that the way it sits in this mix leaves so much space for the mid/mid-low funk to have a party, and let me tell you, this shit’s a jam.

Abel is special. I think his talent has been noticeable since probably he was able to talk, he trusted himself and his people, and they had the strength to look at all of the shit they were going through and say “I’m going to excel, despite this”. That really is fuel for me on the days when my own strength needs support.

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