CrisPek

 "The Mixtape is a breath of fresh air in the contemporary R&B scene and is almost a whisper in the ocean of low-cost industrial music production."

 "The sensation of emptiness proceeds alongside excesses, the impersonation of the young man squeezing life, greedily ingesting the most acclaimed mainstream dose, but it’s a meal that doesn’t satisfy."

House of Balloons, The Weeknd's 2011 debut mixtape, delivers a refreshing contrast to mainstream R&B with dark, introspective themes and innovative musical production. Abel Tesfaye's expressive vocals navigate a landscape of lust and melancholy, supported by experimental beats and influences from soul and hip-hop. The mixtape offered for free initially, highlights genuine artistry over commercial gain, setting a new benchmark in the genre. It stands as an intimate, raw expression from a young artist with a deep awareness of his roots and ambitions. The review praises the project for its emotional depth and sonic intricacies. Dive into The Weeknd's House of Balloons and experience the mixtape that reshaped modern R&B.