The Weeknd is an independent RnB musician that has risen in popularity through 2011. Echoes of Silence is the third and final free mixtape of the year. I would describe his music as if Bruno Mars had taken a bunch of drugs and started getting really experimental with his production. The album maintains an RnB base, but with interesting bits of unusual instruments and sound effects. The Weeknd is also heavily influenced by the king of pop, Michael Jackson.

“D.D.” is the first track on the album, and may sound very familiar; it’s a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Dirty Diana”. In all my life, I have never heard a better MJ cover. The Weeknd’s version uses both electronic and industrial beats that are terrific for people like me who nod their head in public. Although beginning very ambient and sinister, when the chorus drops, it’s really, really, heavy. I have to say the most accurate description I can make to this song would be if Nine Inch Nails and James Blake had also teamed up to cover MJ’s legendary song.

“Outside” is the third song on the album, and it’s about at this point that I realize how close to Dubstep The Weeknd’s sound is. The song uses the same reverbed beat and click sounds that are so common in UK Dubstep and Garage. You can find this in the music of James Blake, Burial, and Skream. The song fits in well with the others, with its mellow and trance-like feel.

“XO / The Host” is a two part song. The part titled “XO” has a big chorus and tends to follow the same plan as the other songs, dark, depressing, and tortured. On this song, his voice sounds like Bruno Mars more so than of any of the other tracks. “XO” is also darker than most of the songs, considering it’s powerful electric guitar chords throughout the chorus that accentuate his golden yells of “X… O!” These chords make all the difference. They give off an explosive and immersing effect.

Echoes of Silence is a sort of up and down album. There are many times that you aren’t really feeling it, and times when it’s positively electrifying. This is his third mixtape, so I might just have to listen to all of them soon. Overall, if you are looking for something more mellow and soulful in your life, you definitely should check out The Weeknd.. I give this album, a 3.5 out of 5.