The Weeknd’s ‘Beauty Behind the Madness’ Album Available for Streaming

We are about a week away before the Weeknd releases his second album, Beauty Behind the Madness, on Aug. 28. It’s certainly the most anticipated R&B projects of the summer. The Toronto crooner recently posted an 18-minute sampler for his fans to enjoy.

After listening to the sampler, it looks like the Weeknd has delivered his best work yet. There’s no track list to follow but all of the songs feature the Weeknd’s piercing falsetto as he sings about sexual trysts, drugs, love and heartbreak -- sometimes all in one song. Now don’t get it twisted, it’s not all sordid sexual tales and drug-filled escapades. Near the end of the sampler, there’s a yearning love ballad that will fit perfectly on pop radio.

What stands out the most is the instrumentation. There’s downing pianos, trap music-inspired beats, whining synthesizers and twangy electric guitars. The XO singer has toned down his drug-addled soundscapes that he's known for and instead offers alluring songs that could fit easily on the dance floor and/or in the bedroom.

His previously released singles “Often,” “The Hills” and his latest chart-topping hit, “Can’t Feel My Face,” are on the album. The Kanye West-produced “Tell Your Friends” sounds so elegant on here as well.

To promote the 14-track album, the Weeknd will embark on a North American trek called The Madness Tour in the fall. In addition, he will perform at the MTV Video Music Awards on Aug. 30.

Listen to the Weekend’s method to his elegant Madness below. And if you like what you are hearing, you can pre-order the album via iTunes.