The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, The Weeknd rose to prominence in the early 2010s with his unique blend of R&B, pop, and electronic music.
The Weeknd gained attention with his mixtapes, particularly “House of Balloons,” “Thursday,” and “Echoes of Silence,” which he released for free online in 2011. His mysterious persona and atmospheric sound quickly attracted a following, leading to a record deal and mainstream success.
In 2012, The Weeknd released his debut studio album, “Trilogy,” which compiled remastered versions of his mixtape tracks along with new songs. The album’s success propelled him to stardom, with hits like “Wicked Games” and “The Morning” showcasing his distinctive vocals and dark, introspective lyrics.
The Weeknd’s subsequent albums, including “Kiss Land” (2013), “Beauty Behind the Madness” (2015), “Starboy” (2016), and “After Hours” (2020), further solidified his status as one of the leading figures in contemporary R&B and pop music. His singles, such as “Can’t Feel My Face,” “Starboy,” “Blinding Lights,” and “Save Your Tears,” have topped charts worldwide and earned critical acclaim.
Known for his moody, atmospheric production, introspective lyrics, and emotive vocal delivery, The Weeknd has become a defining voice in modern music. He has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including Grammy Awards and American Music Awards.
In addition to his music career, The Weeknd has ventured into acting and philanthropy. He has appeared in films like “Uncut Gems” (2019) and contributed to charitable causes, including donating to organizations supporting racial justice and relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With his distinctive sound, compelling storytelling, and boundary-pushing creativity, The Weeknd continues to captivate audiences and influence the music industry with his artistry.
1. Blinding Lights
“Blinding Lights” is a synth-pop song by The Weeknd, released in 2019 as the second single from his fourth studio album, “After Hours.” The song quickly became one of The Weeknd’s biggest hits, achieving commercial success worldwide and receiving critical acclaim.
Co-written by The Weeknd, Max Martin, Oscar Holter, and Belly, “Blinding Lights” is characterized by its retro-inspired sound, pulsating beats, and catchy melody. The song’s lyrics describe the feeling of being intoxicated by love and the thrill of being with someone who makes everything else fade away.
With its infectious hooks and energetic production, “Blinding Lights” topped the charts in numerous countries and broke several records, including spending a record-breaking number of weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s accompanying music video, directed by Anton Tammi, features The Weeknd wandering the streets of Las Vegas, further capturing the song’s nocturnal and cinematic atmosphere.
“Blinding Lights” received widespread acclaim from music critics, who praised its addictive melody and nostalgic vibes. The song’s success solidified The Weeknd’s status as one of the leading figures in contemporary pop music and remains one of his most iconic and beloved tracks.
2. Starboy (feat. Daft Punk)
“Starboy” is a dynamic and electrifying song by The Weeknd, featuring electronic music duo Daft Punk. Released in 2016 as the lead single from The Weeknd’s third studio album of the same name, “Starboy,” the song quickly became a commercial and critical success.
Co-written by The Weeknd, Daft Punk, and other collaborators, “Starboy” is characterized by its infectious beat, sleek production, and confident lyrics. The song’s lyrics depict The Weeknd’s rise to fame and success, embracing his superstar status while reflecting on the pressures and challenges that come with it.
With its hypnotic chorus and futuristic sound, “Starboy” topped the charts in multiple countries and earned critical acclaim. The collaboration with Daft Punk added an extra layer of depth and innovation to the song, with the duo’s signature electronic elements complementing The Weeknd’s soulful vocals.
The accompanying music video, directed by Grant Singer, features The Weeknd destroying his former self and embracing his new persona as a “starboy.” The video’s stylish visuals and striking imagery further enhance the song’s impact.
“Starboy” received numerous awards and nominations, including a Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album for the album of the same name. It remains one of The Weeknd’s most iconic and successful songs, showcasing his versatility as an artist and his ability to push the boundaries of contemporary R&B and pop music.
3. The Hills
“The Hills” is a song by Canadian singer The Weeknd, released in 2015 as the lead single from his second studio album, “Beauty Behind the Madness.” The song is a dark and moody R&B track with elements of hip-hop and electronic music.
“The Hills” features The Weeknd singing about a toxic relationship and the emotional turmoil that comes with it. The song’s lyrics depict themes of love, lust, and self-destruction, with The Weeknd crooning about the allure of a dangerous romance.
The music video for “The Hills” features The Weeknd wandering through a surreal and apocalyptic landscape, reflecting the song’s dark and brooding atmosphere. The video’s haunting visuals and mysterious narrative added to the song’s enigmatic appeal.
“The Hills” was a critical and commercial success, topping the charts in several countries and earning praise for its atmospheric production and The Weeknd’s soulful vocals. The song’s dark and edgy sound helped solidify The Weeknd’s status as a leading figure in contemporary R&B and pop music.
4. Can’t Feel My Face
“Can’t Feel My Face” is an infectious pop and dance track by The Weeknd, released in 2015 as the third single from his second studio album, “Beauty Behind the Madness.” The song quickly became a massive hit, topping charts worldwide and earning critical acclaim.
Co-written by The Weeknd, Max Martin, Savan Kotecha, Peter Svensson, and Ali Payami, “Can’t Feel My Face” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, funky groove, and catchy melody. The song’s lyrics describe the euphoria of being in love, with The Weeknd singing about feeling invincible and electrified by his romantic relationship.
With its irresistible chorus and energetic production, “Can’t Feel My Face” became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. The song’s accompanying music video, directed by Grant Singer, features The Weeknd performing in a club-like setting, further enhancing its party anthem vibe.
“Can’t Feel My Face” received widespread acclaim from music critics, who praised its infectious hooks and The Weeknd’s charismatic performance. The song’s success solidified The Weeknd’s status as a pop superstar and remains one of his most iconic and beloved tracks.
5. Save Your Tears
“Save Your Tears” is a song by Canadian singer The Weeknd, released in 2020 as the fifth single from his fourth studio album, “After Hours.” The song is an upbeat synth-pop and dance-pop track with a catchy melody and nostalgic ’80s influences.
“Save Your Tears” features The Weeknd singing about a failed relationship and the regrets that come with it. The song’s lyrics depict themes of heartbreak and betrayal, with The Weeknd lamenting a lost love and wishing he could turn back time.
The music video for “Save Your Tears” features The Weeknd wearing prosthetics and makeup to create a distorted and exaggerated version of his face. The video’s surreal and theatrical visuals complement the song’s themes of anguish and longing.
“Save Your Tears” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topping the charts in several other countries. The song’s catchy chorus and The Weeknd’s emotive vocals made it a standout track on “After Hours” and a fan favorite.
6. Earned It
“Earned It” is a song by The Weeknd, released in 2014 as a single from the soundtrack for the film “Fifty Shades of Grey.” The song is a sultry R&B ballad with a cinematic orchestral arrangement.
“Earned It” features The Weeknd singing about desire and longing, with lyrics that explore themes of love, power, and submission. The song’s chorus, with The Weeknd crooning “You’re my favorite kind of night,” captures the passion and intensity of a romantic encounter.
The music video for “Earned It” features The Weeknd performing the song in a dark and moody setting, surrounded by dancers and elaborate set pieces. The video’s stylish visuals and choreography complement the song’s sensual tone and thematic elements.
“Earned It” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning The Weeknd an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. The song’s seductive melody and The Weeknd’s smooth vocals made it a standout track on the “Fifty Shades of Grey” soundtrack and a popular choice for romantic playlists.
7. I Feel It Coming (feat. Daft Punk)
“I Feel It Coming” is a smooth and groovy track by The Weeknd, featuring the electronic music duo Daft Punk. Released in 2016 as the second collaboration between The Weeknd and Daft Punk, the song appears on The Weeknd’s third studio album, “Starboy.”
Co-written by The Weeknd, Daft Punk, and other collaborators, “I Feel It Coming” is characterized by its retro-inspired sound, funky bassline, and dreamy atmosphere. The song’s lyrics convey themes of love, desire, and anticipation, with The Weeknd singing about the euphoria of being in the presence of someone special.
With its infectious melody and nostalgic vibe, “I Feel It Coming” received widespread acclaim from music critics and became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. The song’s accompanying music video, directed by Warren Fu, features The Weeknd performing against a futuristic backdrop, evoking a sense of otherworldly romance.
“I Feel It Coming” showcases The Weeknd’s smooth vocals and Daft Punk’s signature electronic production, creating a captivating blend of R&B and dance music. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to the chemistry between The Weeknd and Daft Punk.
8. Call Out My Name
“Call Out My Name” is a song by The Weeknd, released in 2018 as the lead single from his EP “My Dear Melancholy.” The song is a soulful R&B ballad with emotional lyrics and a haunting melody.
“Call Out My Name” features The Weeknd singing about heartbreak and betrayal, with lyrics that express feelings of pain and disillusionment. The song’s chorus, with The Weeknd singing “So call out my name when I kiss you goodbye,” conveys a sense of longing and resignation.
The music video for “Call Out My Name” features The Weeknd wandering through a deserted cityscape, reflecting the song’s themes of loneliness and isolation. The video’s atmospheric visuals and The Weeknd’s heartfelt performance add to the song’s emotional impact.
“Call Out My Name” was a critical and commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning praise for its raw and honest lyrics. The song’s soulful melody and The Weeknd’s powerful vocals made it a standout track on “My Dear Melancholy” and a fan favorite.
9. Heartless
“Heartless” is a song by The Weeknd, released in 2019 as the lead single from his fourth studio album, “After Hours.” The song showcases The Weeknd’s signature blend of R&B, pop, and electronic music, and it explores themes of heartbreak, hedonism, and self-destructive behavior.
In “Heartless,” The Weeknd reflects on the aftermath of a breakup, expressing feelings of emptiness and disillusionment. The lyrics depict a lifestyle of excess and recklessness as a means of coping with emotional pain. The song’s pulsating beat and haunting melody create an atmospheric and introspective mood, drawing listeners into The Weeknd’s world of late-night escapades and emotional turmoil.
“Heartless” received widespread acclaim from music critics, who praised its dark and atmospheric production, as well as The Weeknd’s emotive vocals. The song’s accompanying music video, directed by Anton Tammi, features The Weeknd wandering through the streets of Las Vegas in a surreal and dreamlike sequence, capturing the song’s themes of isolation and disconnection.
“Heartless” quickly became a commercial success, topping charts around the world and solidifying The Weeknd’s status as one of the most influential artists in contemporary music. It remains a standout track in The Weeknd’s discography, showcasing his ability to blend introspective lyrics with infectious melodies and innovative production.
10. Often
“Often” is a song by The Weeknd, released in 2014 as a single from his second studio album, “Beauty Behind the Madness.” The song is a seductive R&B track with a smooth groove and a dark, atmospheric vibe.
“Often” features The Weeknd singing about his hedonistic lifestyle and his relationships with women. The song’s lyrics are provocative and explicit, with The Weeknd boasting about his sexual prowess and his penchant for luxury and excess.
The music video for “Often” features The Weeknd in various luxurious settings, surrounded by beautiful women and expensive cars. The video’s stylish visuals and The Weeknd’s charismatic performance add to the song’s sensual tone.
“Often” was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning praise for its infectious beat and The Weeknd’s smooth vocals. The song’s provocative lyrics and hypnotic melody made it a standout track on “Beauty Behind the Madness” and a fan favorite.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
