STARBOY

The Weeknd has released a cinematic, action-packed clip for his new single and collaboration with Daft Punk, "Starboy." The song is the title track off the R&B singer's upcoming album.

Grant Singer, a longtime collaborator of the singer, directed the video, which was previewed on Tuesday with a pulp-horror-inspired film poster. In the video, a version of the singer from the height of his Beauty Behind the Madness era is initially seen tied up by a masked man wearing a diamond-encrusted cross around his neck who strangles his captive. It's later revealed that the man is actually the new, Starboy-era version of the singer who enters the record company to destroy all evidence and history of his past, including numerous trophies and posters. He drives off with a black panther at the end. 

The song addresses The Weeknd’s meteoric rise to fame, with the recurring phrase ‘Look what you’ve done’ appearing to be self-congratulatory. He brags about his musical appeal to women, his versatility demonstrated by his ability to ‘take any lane’ along with his disregard for his critics’ ‘shade’. Through the minimal synth drum beat that comprises Daft Punk’s contribution to the track, The Weeknd points out that ‘None of these toys on lease’ and that even his ‘Side bitch [is] out of your league’. However, his lilting falsetto gives the song a confident, rather than arrogant, appeal which complements the dark glamour of the song.

‘Starboy’ is ultimately a fun and memorable track that contains only a hint of The Weeknd’s characteristic dark tone and subject matter. It therefore leaves something to be desired but signifies a new direction for the artist, making his anticipated album all the more tantalising.