**Gasoline (The Weeknd song)**
**Definition:**
„Gasoline” is a song by Canadian singer The Weeknd, featured on his fifth studio album, *Dawn FM* (2022). The track blends synth-pop and electronic elements, showcasing The Weeknd’s signature vocal style and introspective lyricism.
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# Gasoline (The Weeknd song)
„Gasoline” is a track by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, released as part of his fifth studio album, *Dawn FM*, on January 7, 2022. The song exemplifies the album’s thematic exploration of self-reflection, mental health, and existential contemplation, wrapped in a sonic palette influenced by 1980s synth-pop and electronic music. „Gasoline” received critical acclaim for its production, vocal delivery, and lyrical depth, contributing to the overall narrative and atmosphere of *Dawn FM*.
## Background and Release
Following the commercial and critical success of his 2020 album *After Hours*, The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) began working on *Dawn FM*, an album conceptualized as a radio broadcast guiding listeners through a purgatorial experience. The album was announced in late 2021, with a release date set for early 2022.
„Gasoline” was unveiled as part of the *Dawn FM* tracklist upon the album’s release on January 7, 2022. The song was not released as a standalone single but quickly garnered attention due to its distinctive sound and thematic resonance within the album’s narrative framework.
## Composition and Lyrics
### Musical Style and Production
„Gasoline” is characterized by its synth-driven instrumentation, combining pulsating electronic beats with atmospheric layers that evoke a retro-futuristic ambiance. The production incorporates elements reminiscent of 1980s synth-pop, with shimmering synths, a steady drum machine rhythm, and a moody bassline. The song’s arrangement builds gradually, creating a hypnotic and immersive listening experience.
The production credits include The Weeknd himself, alongside longtime collaborators such as Max Martin and Oneohtrix Point Never, who contributed to the album’s distinctive sound. The track’s sonic texture aligns with the overarching aesthetic of *Dawn FM*, which blends nostalgia with modern electronic music trends.
### Vocal Performance
The Weeknd’s vocal delivery on „Gasoline” is marked by his signature falsetto and emotive phrasing. His voice floats over the synth layers, conveying vulnerability and introspection. The vocal production employs subtle effects, including reverb and delay, enhancing the ethereal quality of the track.
### Lyrical Themes
Lyrically, „Gasoline” delves into themes of self-destruction, addiction, and emotional turmoil. The metaphor of gasoline suggests volatility and the potential for ignition, symbolizing the singer’s internal struggles and the destructive tendencies that threaten to consume him. The lyrics explore the tension between desire and self-awareness, reflecting a complex emotional state.
Lines from the song hint at feelings of being trapped in a cycle of pain and escapism, with references to burning out and the consequences of reckless behavior. This aligns with the broader themes of *Dawn FM*, which contemplates mortality, redemption, and the search for meaning.
## Critical Reception
„Gasoline” was widely praised by music critics for its production quality and thematic depth. Reviewers highlighted the track as a standout on *Dawn FM*, noting its ability to balance catchy synth-pop elements with darker lyrical content. The song was commended for its atmospheric soundscape and The Weeknd’s compelling vocal performance.
Some critics interpreted „Gasoline” as a metaphor for the artist’s personal battles, including his struggles with fame, mental health, and substance use. The track’s introspective nature was seen as a continuation of The Weeknd’s evolution as a songwriter, moving beyond the hedonistic themes of earlier works toward more nuanced emotional exploration.
## Music Video
A music video for „Gasoline” was released in conjunction with the *Dawn FM* album rollout. The visual presentation complements the song’s themes, featuring surreal and symbolic imagery that reflects the internal conflict and emotional volatility described in the lyrics.
The video employs a dark, neon-lit aesthetic consistent with the album’s 1980s-inspired visuals. It includes scenes of The Weeknd navigating a dreamlike environment, interspersed with motifs of fire and combustion, reinforcing the gasoline metaphor. The direction emphasizes mood and atmosphere over narrative clarity, inviting viewers to interpret the symbolism.
## Live Performances
The Weeknd incorporated „Gasoline” into his live performances during the *After Hours til Dawn* tour, which supported both *After Hours* and *Dawn FM*. The song’s energetic yet moody vibe translated well to the stage, often accompanied by elaborate lighting and visual effects that enhanced the immersive experience.
Live renditions of „Gasoline” showcased The Weeknd’s vocal range and ability to convey emotional intensity, further solidifying the track’s place in his contemporary repertoire.
## Cultural Impact and Legacy
While not released as a single, „Gasoline” has resonated with fans and critics alike, becoming a notable track within The Weeknd’s discography. Its exploration of vulnerability and self-destructive impulses has contributed to ongoing conversations about mental health in popular music.
The song’s fusion of retro synth-pop with modern production techniques exemplifies The Weeknd’s role in popularizing a nostalgic yet innovative sound. „Gasoline” has influenced other artists exploring similar themes and aesthetics, reinforcing The Weeknd’s status as a trendsetter in contemporary music.
## Personnel
– **The Weeknd** – vocals, songwriting, production
– **Max Martin** – songwriting, production
– **Oneohtrix Point Never (Daniel Lopatin)** – songwriting, production
– **Oscar Holter** – songwriting, production
– **Additional musicians and engineers** – various roles in instrumentation, mixing, and mastering
## Track Placement on *Dawn FM*
„Gasoline” appears as the sixth track on *Dawn FM*, positioned strategically within the album’s narrative arc. Its placement contributes to the album’s progression from themes of confusion and despair toward eventual acceptance and transcendence.
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**Meta Description:**
„Gasoline” is a synth-pop song by The Weeknd from his 2022 album *Dawn FM*, noted for its introspective lyrics and 1980s-inspired production. The track explores themes of self-destruction and emotional turmoil within a retro-futuristic soundscape.