Evans: I am not promoting violence but when the Weeknd suffocates at the start of the video I thought, “thank God I won’t have to hear anymore of dude’s terrible lyrics ruining his golden voice yet again.” Alas, one more song that says “bitch” casually as soon as possible and has an annoying name that seems to want to bite Bowie. This is the Weeknd’s own anthem, an ode to his own success and confidence.
His voice soars over itself in layers, using simplicity as its strength, and echoes over the whole arrangement.
With a lush, understated Daft Punk-produced cushion behind him, the Weeknd buries his past and embraces his present and future fame by shining the spotlight on his own considerable talent. Adriane Pontecorvo: Don’t let the featured artist credit fool you: “Starboy” is all about the Weeknd.
