Double Fantasy
by The Weeknd (featuring Future)

Album: The Idol, Vol. 1 (2023)
Charted: 14 18
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Released on April 21, 2023, "Double Fantasy" is the lead single from The Idol, Vol. 1, the soundtrack to the Weeknd's HBO drama television series, The Idol. The song features a guest verse by Future.

    The HBO series is about a pop star played by Lily-Rose Depp who falls in love with the Weeknd's night club owner and cult leader. The Weeknd - real name Abel Tesfaye – co-created The Idol with Reza Fahim and Sam Levinson.
  • The sultry song appears to be from the perspective of Tesfaye's character. He's a sleazy seducer who unleashes the darker side of the lady he's singing to – nothing new for The Weeknd, right?
  • The track kicks off with a pre-chorus where The Weeknd peeps into his lover's soul and digs her shady side. He's the only one who can unravel her true self, and boy, he knows it. There's no sugarcoating in the chorus, as The Weeknd admits that what they're up to is all kinds of wrong.

    In the first verse, Tesfaye savors the power he holds over this person. She's convinced he's the one, but deep down, he knows it's all a lie.

    In the second verse, Future jumps in and describes the relationship as slightly more mutual. Despite it all, sex and money seem to be driving this doomed liaison.
  • The Weeknd and Future go way back when it comes to collabs. They first linked up on Mike WiLL Made-It's 2015 banger "Drinks on Us," which also features Swae Lee. The following year, they teamed up one-on-one for "Low Life" for Future's EVOL record, and "Six Feet Under" and "All I Know" for The Weeknd's Starboy album. Fast forward to 2017 and they brought the heat again with "Comin Out Strong" on Future's HNDRXX album.
  • The Weeknd had a hand in producing this synth-heavy, sax-infused banger, along with heavy-hitters Mike Dean and Metro Boomin. Future also lent his pen to co-write the track. Metro Boomin previously helped the Weeknd and Future "Low Life" and "Six Feet Under" collaborations.
  • The Weeknd first teased "Double Fantasy" in a 17-second clip on Instagram on April 10, 2023 that showed him and Dean prepping an orchestral arrangement in the studio. He debuted the song during Metro Boomin's Coachella set on April 14, 2023.
  • Iconic soundtracks by Pink Floyd and Prince are among the music that fed into The Weeknd's writing for The Idol, Vol. 1. "I've been inspired by The Wall and Purple Rain and when Bowie was doing it, but even films like Shaft, the music is literally telling the story of the film, he told Interview magazine. "But I want to take it to the next level. I want to challenge myself and I feel like, as a musician, I'm the best I've ever been. But I have ADD. I can't focus on just that. It's like, how do I throw a wrench in it?"

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple PilotsSongwriter Interviews

Stone Temple Pilots bass player Robert DeLeo names the songs that have most connected with fans and tells the stories behind tracks from their Tiny Music album.

Carl Sturken

Carl SturkenSongwriter Interviews

Hitmaker Carl Sturken on writing and producing for Rihanna, 'N Sync, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Donny Osmond, Shakira and Karyn White.

British Invasion

British InvasionFact or Fiction

Go beyond The Beatles to see what you know about the British Invasion.

Carol Kaye

Carol KayeSongwriter Interviews

A top session musician, Carol played on hundreds of hits by The Beach Boys, The Monkees, Frank Sinatra and many others.

80s Video Director Jay Dubin

80s Video Director Jay DubinSong Writing

Billy Joel and Hall & Oates hated making videos, so they chose a director with similar contempt for the medium. That was Jay Dubin, and he has a lot to say on the subject.

Kiss

KissFact or Fiction

Kiss is the subject of many outlandish rumors - some of which happen to be true. See if you can spot the fakes.