The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada, is a highly influential singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his distinctive voice and genre-blending music. His style incorporates elements of R&B, pop, and electronic music, often featuring moody, atmospheric sounds and introspective lyrics.
The Weeknd first gained prominence with his 2011 mixtapes *House of Balloons*, *Thursday*, and *Echoes of Silence*, which were praised for their innovative production and Tesfaye’s unique vocal style. His debut studio album, *Kiss Land* (2013), established him as a major force in music, but it was his 2015 album, *Beauty Behind the Madness*, that brought him widespread recognition with hits like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills.”
His 2016 album, *Starboy*, solidified his position in the music industry, with the title track and “I Feel It Coming” both achieving commercial success. The Weeknd continued his success with *After Hours* (2020), featuring the chart-topping single “Blinding Lights,” which became a global hit and a defining song of the year.
The Weeknd is known for his dynamic live performances, striking visuals, and the ability to create music that combines emotional depth with commercial appeal. He has won numerous awards, including Grammys and American Music Awards, and continues to be a prominent figure in contemporary music.
1. I Feel it Coming
“I Feel It Coming” is a song by The Weeknd featuring Daft Punk, released on November 22, 2016, as a single from The Weeknd’s third studio album, *Starboy*. The track is a smooth, retro-inspired pop song with a strong influence from 1980s synthwave and disco music.
Produced by Daft Punk, The Weeknd, and others, “I Feel It Coming” features a catchy melody, lush synths, and a groove reminiscent of classic pop and disco tracks. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of romantic anticipation and optimism, with The Weeknd expressing confidence in a relationship and the feeling of something exciting on the horizon.
The music video, directed by Grant Singer, features a futuristic, visually striking narrative that complements the song’s nostalgic yet modern sound. The video includes scenes of The Weeknd and Daft Punk in a surreal, space-themed setting, adding to the song’s atmospheric and dreamy quality.
“I Feel It Coming” was well-received by critics and fans alike, praised for its smooth production and nostalgic feel. It achieved commercial success, charting in multiple countries and further cementing The Weeknd’s collaboration with Daft Punk as a notable moment in his career.
2. Die For You
“Die For You” is a soulful R&B track by The Weeknd, released in 2016 as part of his album *Starboy*. The song features a smooth, retro-inspired production with an 80s synthwave influence, characterized by its atmospheric beats and The Weeknd’s emotive vocals. Lyrically, “Die For You” explores themes of intense love and longing, with the singer expressing a deep emotional connection and willingness to sacrifice for a past relationship. The track stands out for its heartfelt lyrics and nostalgic sound, showcasing The Weeknd’s ability to blend modern R&B with classic influences. “Die For You” has been well-received by fans and critics alike, further cementing The Weeknd’s reputation as a versatile and impactful artist.
3. Earned It
“Earned It” is a sultry R&B ballad by The Weeknd, released in 2015 as part of the *Fifty Shades of Grey* soundtrack. The song features a lush, orchestral production with a smooth, seductive melody and The Weeknd’s signature falsetto vocals. Lyrically, “Earned It” explores themes of devotion and romantic desire, with the singer expressing a sense of deserving love and appreciation. The track’s elegant arrangement, including string sections and a slow, steady rhythm, complements its romantic and sensual lyrics. The music video enhances the song’s theme with its glamorous and dramatic visuals. “Earned It” received widespread acclaim, earning The Weeknd a Grammy nomination and further establishing his reputation as a leading artist in contemporary R&B.
4. The Hills
“The Hills” is a song by The Weeknd, released on May 27, 2015, as the lead single from his second studio album, *Beauty Behind the Madness*. The track is known for its dark, brooding atmosphere and distinct blend of R&B, pop, and electronic music.
Produced by The Weeknd, Mano, and others, “The Hills” features a moody beat, atmospheric production, and The Weeknd’s signature falsetto vocals. The song’s lyrics explore themes of excess, regret, and a tumultuous relationship, with a raw and introspective tone.
The music video, directed by Grant Singer, complements the song’s eerie and intense mood, featuring a surreal narrative with dark, unsettling imagery that enhances the song’s themes of internal conflict and emotional complexity.
“The Hills” was critically acclaimed for its innovative production and The Weeknd’s evocative performance. It achieved significant commercial success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and charting internationally. The song became one of The Weeknd’s signature hits and solidified his reputation as an artist with a unique sound and style.
5. Prisoner
“Prisoner” is a song by The Weeknd, featuring rapper Lil Wayne, released on December 1, 2015. It is a single from The Weeknd’s second studio album, *Beauty Behind the Madness*.
Produced by The Weeknd, Lil Wayne, and others, “Prisoner” combines elements of R&B and pop with a dark, moody atmosphere. The track explores themes of emotional confinement and the complexities of a troubled relationship, with both artists delivering introspective and raw lyrics.
The song’s production features a minimalist, haunting beat that complements its lyrical content, and both The Weeknd’s and Lil Wayne’s performances add to the track’s intense and dramatic feel.
The accompanying music video, directed by Grant Singer, reflects the song’s dark and emotional themes, featuring a visually striking narrative that enhances the song’s mood and message.
“Prisoner” received positive reviews from critics and fans, praised for its emotive performance and production. Although it did not achieve the same level of commercial success as some of The Weeknd’s other hits, it remains a notable track in his discography.
6. Blinding Lights
“Blinding Lights” is a hit synthwave track by The Weeknd, released in 2019 as a single from his album *After Hours*. The song is characterized by its retro 1980s-inspired production, featuring a driving beat, pulsating synthesizers, and an infectious melody. Lyrically, “Blinding Lights” explores themes of longing and nostalgia, with The Weeknd singing about yearning for a past love and the feeling of being blinded by his emotions. The track’s energetic, upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus contributed to its widespread success, making it a global hit. The music video complements the song’s vibrant, nostalgic feel with visually striking, cinematic elements. “Blinding Lights” received critical acclaim and became one of The Weeknd’s most successful and recognizable songs.
7. Starboy
“Starboy” is a song by The Weeknd, released on September 22, 2016, as the title track and lead single from his third studio album, *Starboy*. The track features French electronic duo Daft Punk and is known for its sleek, futuristic production and catchy melody.
Produced by Daft Punk, The Weeknd, and others, “Starboy” blends elements of pop, R&B, and electronic music. The song’s lyrics reflect themes of fame, wealth, and the transformative impact of success, with The Weeknd adopting a confident, almost boastful tone as he embraces his newfound status as a “starboy.”
The music video, directed by Grant Singer, features a visually striking narrative with a dark, cinematic aesthetic. It includes scenes of The Weeknd in a lavish, otherworldly setting, incorporating symbolic imagery and themes that align with the song’s exploration of fame and identity.
“Starboy” received widespread acclaim for its innovative production and The Weeknd’s vocal performance. It achieved significant commercial success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and charting in multiple countries. The song, along with its album, solidified The Weeknd’s position as a leading artist in contemporary pop and R&B music.
8. Save Your Tears
“Save Your Tears” is a poignant synth-pop song by The Weeknd, released in 2020 as a single from his album *After Hours*. The track features a nostalgic 1980s-inspired production, with shimmering synthesizers and a driving beat that evoke a retro yet contemporary sound. Lyrically, “Save Your Tears” addresses themes of regret and reflection, with The Weeknd singing about a past relationship and advising his former lover to move on and save her tears for someone else. The song’s catchy melody and emotionally resonant lyrics are complemented by a music video that features dramatic and visually striking imagery. “Save Your Tears” received critical acclaim and commercial success, further solidifying The Weeknd’s position as a leading artist in modern pop and R&B.
9. Creepin’
“Creepin'” is a song by The Weeknd, featuring rapper Lil Baby, released on February 10, 2023. The track is part of The Weeknd’s album *Dawn FM* and showcases his signature blend of moody, atmospheric R&B with contemporary hip-hop influences.
Produced by The Weeknd, Lil Baby, and others, “Creepin'” features a dark, pulsing beat with a catchy melody and introspective lyrics. The song explores themes of secrecy, desire, and the complexities of relationships, with both The Weeknd and Lil Baby delivering emotive performances that enhance the track’s moody atmosphere.
The music video, directed by a yet-to-be-determined artist, typically complements the song’s dark and intense vibe with visually engaging and symbolic imagery, enhancing the song’s narrative and emotional depth.
“Creepin'” has been well-received for its engaging production and the strong collaboration between The Weeknd and Lil Baby. The track has resonated with fans and critics, further establishing The Weeknd’s reputation for blending introspective lyrics with innovative soundscapes.
10. Can’t Feel My Face
“Can’t Feel My Face” is a dynamic pop and R&B track by The Weeknd, released in 2015 as a single from his album *Beauty Behind the Madness*. The song features a funky, upbeat production with catchy melodies and a blend of retro and contemporary sounds. Lyrically, “Can’t Feel My Face” uses the metaphor of losing feeling in one’s face to describe the intense, sometimes overwhelming effects of a passionate relationship. The track’s infectious rhythm, along with The Weeknd’s smooth vocals, contributed to its widespread popularity. The music video, with its striking and surreal visuals, complements the song’s energetic and slightly edgy vibe. “Can’t Feel My Face” received widespread acclaim and became one of The Weeknd’s signature hits.