Disorienting, somewhat nauseating, and a little bit reminiscent of my favorite psychological thriller. Somehow those components sum up what I think might just be my favorite video that I’ve seen from The Weeknd (well, besides “Party Monster”.)
So, The Weeknd gave us a new video music video last week for “Secrets” – from his latest album Starboy. This was already my favorite song from the moment it was previewed during “Mania”, his short film just prior to the album’s release.
The track samples and reworks Tears for Fears’ ” Pale Shelter”, and a bit of the chorus of The Romantics’ “Talking in your Sleep”. The video is truly a representation of the chorus to say the least, and basically Abel (The Weeknd) is just sauntering about this really unusual location, and watching his gal fantasize about someone else in her dreams. I’m getting “The Shining” vibes from the perspectives and shots used in this visual, and I can’t get enough.
I hear the secrets that you keep
When you’re talkin’ in your sleeps
I hear the secrets that you keep, keep, keep
When you’re talk, talkin’, talkin’
I almost broke my neck when I saw that the love interest in the video is played by artist/model Alex Fleming aka Black Atlass!! The scenes with him teeter between the woman’s dream state from both her perspective, as well as The Weeknd. The shots go between you being able to physically see her partner, but back to The Weeknd just seeing her “react” to someone being there. It’s a really well thought-out concept and I think it translates really well on film.
Full of really striking shots and creepy vibes, I absolutely loved this video from the moment it started. The color palette was really interesting and kind of sickening but I think it fits the concept – is that weird? Anyway, watch “Secrets” now, and catch The Weeknd on his extended US tour this fall!