WATCH: The Weeknd heralds new era with disco-powered 'Take My Breath'

Film & TV
06 Aug 21

New music from The Weeknd is here, and it's an instant disco-pop classic.

The Weeknd has released an explosive video for his new single 'Take My Breath'.

Containing epilepsy warnings due to strobe lighting effects used, the Canadian sensation posted the piece online, tweeting that "the Dawn is here! Take My Breath out now!"

Directed by Cliqua, it's likely that this is the first taste of the Grammy Award winner's upcoming new album, although that hasn't been officially announced yet.

The Weeknd teased 'Take My Breath' earlier this week in an ad for the Olympics featuring Team USA’s women’s track and field team. He also shared an instrumental teaser, which paired the song — with its thumping drums and tangled synths — with footage of vast landscapes and a rising sun.

The video was originally due to premiere in IMAX theatres before The Suicide Squad; however, this did not occur due to the aforementioned epilepsy concerns.

This is the first single from the R&B/pop superstar (real name Abel Tesfaye) since his greatest hits album, The Highlights, back in February, ahead of his Superbowl halftime show performance.

The Weeknd spoke a bit about his new music in an interview with GQ published on Monday, describing the new album as “Quincy Jones meets Giorgio Moroder meets the-best-night-of-your-fucking-life party records.” He added, “It’s the album I’ve always wanted to make.”

Last month, the singer appeared on Belly’s 'Better Believe,' featuring Young Thug, and recently announced plans to develop a new HBO series alongside Euphoria creator Sam Levinson.

Playing hits such as 'Starboy', 'Can't Feel My Face' and 'Blinding Lights', he delivered a spell-binding show in between Tampa Bay Buccaneers' win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Despite winning multiple awards in previous years, he decided to boycott The Grammys in the future after not receiving a single nomination at the 2021 ceremony, calling the lack of recognition "an attack".