"House of Balloons" is the debut mixtape from Canadian R&B artist The Weeknd. This album received critical acclaim across the board from many music critics when it was released for digital download in early 2011. The Weeknd was basically unknown at the time when this dropped. It received endorsement from rapper Drake who helped promote the record when it first hit the web (Thanks to his OVO crew). The album brings together a mix of R&B, Soul, Hip-Hop, and various sub-genres of Hip-Hop to give this a very mainstream sound; that spans across a wide audience.
Abel (The Weeknd) opens the album up with "High for This" which emphasizes the sexual nature of lyrics which is a main point on this mix tape. His sound is very much R&B but I feel the subject matter is more of the Hip-Hop variety. Drugs and sex are at the forefront lyrically as its clearly stated in the track "House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls". Although the subject matter may turn some people away from this mix tape, you can't deny the soothing sounds/overtones that encapsulate this record. It's the type of music to set the mood to, wind down to after a long day, or even to chill and relax with some friends.
This album reminds me a lot of Frank Ocean's mix tape "Nostalgia Ultra". The druggy, overtly sexual lyrics make me reminisce about that album, and how R&B and Hip-Hop are fusing together in a different, yet musically satisfying way. I'd say the standout song on this album to me is "Wicked Games" which epitomizes what this album is all about. It's almost as if Abel is begging this girl to be with him; luring her back with drugs and for the high of being in love, even if its just for one night. It's nocturnal, melancholic feel paints a perfect picture of a lonely guy using other means (such as drugs and alcohol) to fill this void in his life; a message that a lot of people could relate to.
The use of electric guitar on tracks such as "The Party & The After Party" gives the mix tape a slow jam vibe that converts into a druggy, almost rock n' roll feeling. The lyrics and the music bring you back to those moments of being hung over after a long night of partying, and looking back at all the trouble and temptation the night brings with it.
Final Summary:
The melancholy, the sadness, the grittiness of an artist emoting about his experiences epitomized into one solid mix tape. The album does take some patience to listen to, depending on your musical taste. If you are a fan of R&B, Soul, or Hip-Hop you will probably start grooving to this mix tape straight from the beginning. If not, the subject matter alone may swing you away from an album like this. This batch of slow jams mixed with Abel's emotional, Michael Jackson-esque vocals is a digital delight for listeners who enjoy this blend of different genres, but this certainly isn't your daddy's Al Green record.
Rating: 7.9/10
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