The Weeknd's new album Dawn FM receives widespread critical acclaim following its release...as reviewers commend the singer's change in direction

Many music critics have weighed in on The Weeknd's new album Dawn FM, which was made available to the public on Friday.

The 31-year-old singer–songwriter's fifth studio release has received widespread critical acclaim from reviewers, who pointed to the project's polished production and thematic elements as its strongest assets.

The performer's newest album is modeled on a radio station's broadcast, and he previously expressed that he saw the record as a journey from death to the afterlife.

Consequence of Sound's Marcus Shorter was among those who lauded The Weeknd's work on Dawn FM, and he expressed that 'the first big album of 2022 delivers like an 80 lb. baby.'

The critic also opined that Jim Carrey's work as the record's narrator was especially effective and that, when it came to the more abstract aspects of the release, the actor 'plays those notes perfectly.'

He also commended the emotional sensibility displayed on the project and remarked that the performer's observations about his relationships were remarkably profound.

Alexis Petridis, writing for The Guardian, gave Dawn FM five out of five stars and wrote: 'If this is the end for the Weeknd, what a way to bow out.' 

He went on to express that the album's themes were partially inspired by the various periods of lockdown and quarantine that have occurred over the past two years.

The critic also described Dawn FM as 'very much the sort of thing you might release had you recently been officially crowned an all-time great.' 

He also lauded the contributions of The Weeknd's collaborators, including Tyler, the Creator, Oneohtrix Point Never and The Beach Boys' Bruce Johnston.

Variety's Jem Aswad boldly expressed that Dawn FM was 'possibly the Weeknd's best and most fully realized album to date.'

The critic also wrote that the album's 'sonic plot twists' were among its strongest points, as well as its callbacks to artists such as A Flock of Seagulls and The Cure.

He made a point of writing that Dawn FM's 'flourishes are never overplayed and make their points without overstating them.'

Roisin O'Connor, writing for The Independent, gave the album four out of five stars and expressed that it was a 'self-knowing contradiction to The Weeknd's past celebrations of impermanence via one-night stands and sleazy affairs.' 

She pointed out that, although the studio release was enjoyable, it did not necessarily mark a change in either sound or subject material for the artist.

However, the critic commended the singer for creating 'a sophisticated exercise in facing down old demons.'

Rolling Stone's Will Dukes also gave Dawn FM four out of five stars in his review of the release.

He described the album as a 'refreshingly light and accessible listen' and 'less brooding and decadent than usual.'

The critic went on to commend the juxtapositions that were drawn between the record's more upbeat tracks and its downcast songs.

Dukes concluded his review by expressing that The Weeknd 'has quit his old haunts and is all the more lucid. That sense of clarity is deeply rewarding.'

The singer is currently set to embark on the After Hours til Dawn Stadium Tour in support of the album and its predecessor, After Hours.

He was previously scheduled to go on tour to promote the 2020 release, although the dates had to be rescheduled in response to the global pandemic.

The run of shows is set to begin sometime this summer, and specific dates have not been made known to the public as of yet.