As one of the most influential artists of the 21st century, The Weeknd has redefined the sound of modern R&B and pop, captivating fans with his haunting melodies and introspective lyrics. From his breakout mixtapes to chart-topping albums, his unique blend of sensuality and vulnerability resonates deeply with listeners around the globe. With an unmistakable voice and innovative production, The Weeknd has crafted a discography that not only showcases his versatility but also reflects the complexities of love, heartbreak, and fame.
In this article, we’ll delve into the top 10 most popular The Weeknd songs of all time, exploring the tracks that have defined his career and left an indelible mark on the music industry. From the dark yet alluring vibes of “The Hills” to the anthemic celebration of “Blinding Lights,” each song tells a story that captivates audiences and showcases his artistic evolution. Join us as we take a journey through The Weeknd’s greatest hits, celebrating the moments that have made him a cultural icon and a voice for a generation. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, these tracks are sure to evoke powerful emotions and unforgettable memories.
1. “Blinding Lights” (2019)
When “Blinding Lights” dropped in late 2019, it didn’t just become a hit—it became a cultural phenomenon. The song catapulted The Weeknd into a new level of superstardom, thanks to its dazzling mix of retro synths and modern pop flair. Channeling the spirit of 1980s new wave, the track’s driving beat and shimmering production are both nostalgic and electrifying, like racing through a neon-lit city in the middle of the night. Lyrically, it speaks to the desperation of longing for someone, chasing that feeling of connection and emotional clarity through the haze of loneliness. The Weeknd’s vocals are raw yet polished, carrying a sense of vulnerability beneath the polished pop sheen. “Blinding Lights” became the soundtrack to countless moments—TikToks, commercials, night drives, and dance parties alike. Its universal appeal helped it break Billboard records, becoming one of the longest-charting songs of all time. But beyond numbers, the song resonates because it captures something timeless: the ache of love, the thrill of escape, and the way music can make even heartbreak sound like a celebration. It’s not just a hit—it’s an era-defining anthem.
2. “The Hills” (2015)
Dark, brooding, and full of contradictions, “The Hills” is a defining track in The Weeknd’s discography. Released in 2015, it introduced many to the artist’s darker, more emotionally complex world. From the very first distorted beat drop, the song feels like a descent into the shadows of fame and desire. The Weeknd doesn’t hold back—his lyrics are unapologetically honest about late-night encounters, dual identities, and the blurred lines between love and lust. His voice switches from a deep, almost ominous tone to a piercing falsetto, perfectly mirroring the internal conflict he’s describing. What makes “The Hills” so captivating is its rawness—there’s no attempt to sugarcoat the pain or pretend there’s a happy ending. Instead, it embraces the chaos of living fast and loving recklessly. The production is sparse but intense, with eerie synths and booming bass that create a sense of unease. It’s hypnotic, unsettling, and undeniably powerful. “The Hills” cemented The Weeknd’s place as a boundary-pushing artist who’s not afraid to explore the darker sides of human emotion. It’s not just a song—it’s an experience that lingers long after the final note.
3. “Can’t Feel My Face” (2015)
“Can’t Feel My Face” is The Weeknd’s sleekest sleight of hand—a glossy, danceable hit that conceals much deeper themes beneath its pop-perfect surface. Released in 2015, the track marked a major turning point in his career, transforming him from an underground favorite into a global superstar. With a funky, Michael Jackson-inspired groove and production that practically begs you to move, it’s easy to mistake the song for a straightforward love anthem. But listen closely, and the lyrics reveal something darker: an addictive, all-consuming relationship, possibly a metaphor for drugs, fame, or toxic love. The Weeknd delivers each line with playful charisma, his vocals alternating between smooth restraint and ecstatic release. The brilliance of “Can’t Feel My Face” lies in that duality—it’s a song you can lose yourself to on the dance floor while also appreciating its deeper emotional complexity. It became a massive radio hit, earned Grammy nods, and solidified The Weeknd’s ability to create music that works on multiple levels. It’s proof that pop doesn’t have to be shallow—sometimes, the catchiest songs are the ones hiding the heaviest truths.
4. “Starboy” (2016)
With “Starboy,” released in 2016, The Weeknd officially stepped into a new era—sleeker, edgier, and more self-aware. Teaming up with legendary French duo Daft Punk, he created a track that merged his R&B roots with futuristic electro-pop, resulting in something that felt both innovative and deeply personal. The lyrics pull back the curtain on the highs and lows of fame, from fast cars and big houses to the emotional cost of it all. It’s part victory lap, part confession. The Weeknd’s vocals are smooth and restrained, riding over Daft Punk’s crisp, robotic beats and subtle guitar work. “Starboy” isn’t just a braggadocious anthem—it’s a commentary on identity and the way fame can distort who you really are. The title itself reflects this shift; he’s no longer the mysterious outsider—he’s a global icon now, with all the contradictions that brings. The song’s success was massive, topping charts and winning a Grammy. But more than that, it marked a reinvention, one that allowed The Weeknd to experiment sonically and thematically. “Starboy” is the sound of an artist fully in control of his image, his voice, and his vision.
5. “I Feel It Coming” (2016)
“I Feel It Coming,” another standout collaboration with Daft Punk, shows a softer, more romantic side of The Weeknd. Released in 2016, the song is a silky, synth-laden slow jam that radiates warmth and nostalgia. It trades the usual themes of darkness and heartbreak for something more tender—an invitation to intimacy, built on trust and emotional readiness. The production is clean and minimalist, with a retro 80s vibe that makes it feel timeless. Daft Punk’s touch is subtle but unmistakable, giving the track a shimmering glow that complements The Weeknd’s smooth, almost MJ-like vocal delivery. He doesn’t rush the story here—instead, he lets the lyrics unfold gently, reassuring a partner that he’s present, patient, and emotionally open. That vulnerability is what makes the song so resonant. It’s seductive without being aggressive, heartfelt without being corny. “I Feel It Coming” became a massive hit, but more importantly, it offered fans a glimpse into a more grounded, emotionally available version of The Weeknd. It’s a love song for grown-ups—sensual, sincere, and effortlessly cool.
6. “Save Your Tears” (2020)
“Save Your Tears” is one of The Weeknd’s most emotionally layered tracks, blending upbeat retro-pop instrumentals with a story of heartbreak and regret. Released as part of his After Hours album, the song captures a sense of romantic remorse through shimmering synths and a driving, melodic rhythm. The Weeknd reflects on a broken relationship with both longing and distance, almost detached from the emotional fallout. The juxtaposition of the song’s peppy production and melancholic lyrics creates a striking emotional dissonance that keeps listeners hooked. The music video, known for its surreal imagery and commentary on celebrity culture, only deepened the track’s impact. The remix with Ariana Grande gave it a second life, helping it climb back up the charts. With its infectious chorus and haunting undertones, “Save Your Tears” continues to be a standout track in The Weeknd’s career and a testament to his ability to merge introspection with pop sensibilities.
7. “Call Out My Name” (2018)
“Call Out My Name” is a deeply vulnerable ballad that finds The Weeknd grappling with the pain of unrequited love. Released as part of his My Dear Melancholy, EP, the song dives into a relationship that left him feeling used and emotionally scarred. His vocal performance here is raw and impassioned, especially in the soaring chorus where he pleads for acknowledgment from a former lover. The sparse, moody production accentuates the aching in his voice, creating a haunting atmosphere that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt cast aside. The Weeknd’s ability to blend R&B with emotional storytelling is on full display, making “Call Out My Name” one of his most powerful slow-burn tracks. Fans speculated about its autobiographical nature, adding a layer of intrigue that fueled the song’s popularity and connected listeners even more to its vulnerable core.
8. “Starboy” (2016)
“Starboy,” featuring Daft Punk, marked a bold new era for The Weeknd. With its sleek production, driving beat, and futuristic flair, the track introduced a reinvented persona—confident, self-aware, and unafraid to comment on the trappings of fame. The Weeknd embraces his status as a pop icon while also expressing frustration with the pressures that come with it. The lyrics speak to luxury, materialism, and transformation, but there’s a darker undercurrent that explores the emptiness of it all. Daft Punk’s robotic synths and minimalist touch add a high-gloss finish that helped launch the song to worldwide acclaim. “Starboy” won a Grammy for Best Urban Contemporary Album and topped charts globally. The song’s themes of identity and reinvention are central to The Weeknd’s artistic journey, making it a defining moment in his discography.
9. “The Hills” (2015)
Dark, brooding, and atmospheric, “The Hills” is one of The Weeknd’s most hauntingly honest songs. Released in 2015, the track strips away any pop gloss to reveal raw emotion and unfiltered truth. Over distorted basslines and eerie melodies, The Weeknd confesses to a lifestyle filled with late-night affairs, secrecy, and emotional detachment. The line “When I’m faded, I forget, forget what you mean to me” captures the essence of the song’s self-destructive tone. It’s both confessional and cryptic, drawing listeners into a shadowy world of fame and dysfunction. The song’s stark production and unpolished vulnerability resonated with fans, helping it reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. “The Hills” marked a shift toward darker, more introspective material for The Weeknd, solidifying his place as a genre-defying artist unafraid to confront his inner demons.
10. “Earned It” (2015)
“Earned It” introduced a wider audience to The Weeknd’s sultry, cinematic sound. Featured on the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack, the song blends orchestral strings with a slow, sensual groove that evokes classic R&B while retaining his signature moody edge. The lyrics express admiration and desire, framed in a tone of reverence that gives the track an elegant sensuality. Unlike some of his darker material, “Earned It” leans into romanticism, albeit with an undercurrent of power dynamics that fits the theme of the film it accompanied. The Weeknd’s falsetto is on full display, creating an air of vulnerability that contrasts with the song’s commanding arrangement. It earned him his first Academy Award nomination and solidified his transition from underground R&B to mainstream stardom. “Earned It” remains one of his most iconic and sophisticated love songs.
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.
