Weekend Rockstar: Album Review

Despite his playful lyricism and vibrant energy, Feng has recently found himself in headlines due to multiple controversies surrounding his professional relationships and an evolving sound—particularly on the single “Cali Crazy.” The tone once established for the Croydon-based artist seems to have shifted into a somewhat infamous spotlight. Since his breakout album What The Feng, Feng has built a world centered on youth culture, travel, intimacy, and a blissful ignorance that leans into indifference toward the world’s problems. On his debut album Weekend Rockstar, he appears to double down on these themes—which, in all honesty, left me somewhat dissatisfied as a listener.

To be clear, I don’t take issue with the themes Feng explores. My frustration lies in the aloofness with which he approaches them. Much of the album feels insincere or underdeveloped in both tone and songwriting. At times, I found myself growing bored despite genuinely trying to understand what Feng was aiming for. There are moments where it’s difficult to believe he fully stands behind what he’s saying, based on his vocal delivery alone.

Take the single “J*b,” for example. Here, Feng reflects on the struggle of working a 9-to-5 while aspiring to be an artist, and how creativity can feel scrutinized in a workplace environment. The sentiment is present, but the execution drags, ultimately missing its emotional mark. Similarly, “Ex Sex” centers on lingering feelings for a girl he met only a month prior—now someone he’s on bad terms with. It’s a familiar modern teenage love story, but one delivered with a dull and tiring execution. Tracks like “Best Friend,” “Running Wild,” “Superstar,” and “Dopest Girl” suffer from similar issues. While I understand and even appreciate the intent behind these songs, they fail to meet the necessary benchmarks for replay value.

It pains me to acknowledge these shortcomings because I genuinely consider myself a fan of Feng. I believe he is a capable artist who may currently feel somewhat lost in terms of artistic direction. That said, not every song on Weekend Rockstar falls short. The album’s outro, “Wasted Youth,” stands out as a perfect embodiment of the Feng universe. Here, every trope associated with his style—youth, independence, love, and reckless excitement—comes to life in a deeply emotionally compelling way. It feels authentic, both vocally and lyrically. I can say the same for “F’d Up” and “Teenage Famous,” which arrive with the confidence and engagement I expected from the project as a whole.

Ultimately, after sitting with the album and giving it a fair chance, I can’t deny my disappointment. It’s difficult to admit as a fan, but Weekend Rockstar feels half-formed—an album that doesn’t fully showcase Feng’s capabilities as an artist. While the standout tracks soar, the majority fall flat, and unfortunately, they outweigh the highlights.

Rating 4.5/10