When Abel Tesfaye released the NSFW music video for "Often" in 2014, it didn't just promote a single; it solidified the "nocturnal" aesthetic that would define an entire era of R&B. 1. The Sound of "Exhausting Luxury"
: Built on a deep, ice-dark bass and a haunting Turkish vocal sample , the track creates a "night time is the right time" atmosphere.
: It helped pioneer the hybrid genre of "moody R&B," influencing the sound and visuals of countless artists that followed. The Weeknd - Often (NSFW)
The official video, directed by Sam Pilling , is a masterclass in voyeuristic cinematography.
: Critics have noted that while the lyrics brag about sexual prowess, the delivery makes the lifestyle sound like an "absolutely exhausting burden". It captures that 3 a.m. nihilism where excess meets emptiness. 2. Visual Storytelling: Sam Pilling’s Hotel Noir When Abel Tesfaye released the NSFW music video
Musically, "Often" sits at the perfect intersection of his underground Trilogy roots and the polished pop success of Beauty Behind the Madness .
: A surreal, high-end hotel room where an after-party seemingly never ends. : It helped pioneer the hybrid genre of
Does "Often" represent the peak of Abel’s dark R&B era, or did he perfect this vibe later on After Hours ? The Weeknd – Often Lyrics - Genius