The Weeknd: House Of Balloons

The Weeknd
House Of Balloons
Self-Released [2011]









Fire Note Says: This is one hell of a free mixtape!

Album Review:
Alright - The Weeknd absolutely came out of nowhere and their mixtape/debut is a solid indie R&B ride that flows and transitions so smoothly that you would think it was produced by season veterans. It is the type of record that plays all night and especially seems to be a fit after the party has died down but everyone that is everything is still hanging out. Lyrically, House Of Balloons is no PG rated affair, as The Weeknd focus in on sex, drugs and everything in-between while emphasizing vocabulary that your mother would not approve. To me, this approach only heightens the album's intensity, as some tracks like the ultra-catchy "What You Need" are so simple but yet so memorable. What is next, will be the biggest question facing The Weeknd, as House Of Balloons absolutely does not try to be cool but its swagger is undeniable and given that the band has been giving it away for free, just shows their commitment to the art. I can not only respect that but it also will have me coming back for more. House Of Balloons is not my typical listening choice but it is a record that easily crosses genres and it definitely marks The Weeknd as one to watch!

Key Tracks: "What You Need", "High For This", "Wicked Games"

Bands With Similar Fire:
How To Dress Well
Danger Mouse
Gnarls Barkley

The Weeknd Website
The Weeknd Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony