The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye on February 16, 1990, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer. With his distinct voice, introspective lyrics, and genre-bending sound, The Weeknd has emerged as one of the most innovative and influential artists of his generation.
Initially gaining attention for his mysterious persona and enigmatic mixtapes released online, The Weeknd made a significant breakthrough with his critically acclaimed debut studio album, “Trilogy,” in 2012. The compilation featured reworked versions of his earlier mixtapes and introduced audiences to his dark, atmospheric R&B sound. He continued to captivate listeners with subsequent albums, including “Kiss Land,” “Beauty Behind the Madness,” and “Starboy,” which showcased his evolving artistry and sonic experimentation.
The Weeknd’s music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection, resonating with fans worldwide. His distinctive falsetto vocals and innovative production blend elements of R&B, pop, electronic, and alternative genres, pushing boundaries and defying categorization.
Not only is The Weeknd celebrated for his musical talent, but he is also known for his visually stunning and thought-provoking music videos. His performances are theatrical and visually striking, immersing audiences in his unique artistic vision.
Throughout his career, The Weeknd has been recognized with numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and American Music Awards. His impact extends beyond the music industry, as he has collaborated with renowned artists and producers, expanding his influence on popular culture.
The Weeknd’s success has not hindered his commitment to philanthropy. He has actively supported causes such as Black Lives Matter, COVID-19 relief efforts, and youth homelessness, using his platform to raise awareness and make a positive impact.
With his boundary-pushing music, distinctive style, and philanthropic endeavors, The Weeknd has solidified his place as a trailblazer in contemporary music. His ability to continually reinvent himself and deliver captivating performances ensures that he remains a dominant force in the industry.
1. Less Than Zero
The Weeknd's enigmatic music never fails to mesmerize the audience. 'Less Than Zero' is one of his most iconic tracks that showcases his artistic prowess. The sultry beats accompanied by the electrifying vocals create an unparalleled listening experience for the fans. The enigmatic lyrics perfectly reflect the dark and brooding persona of The Weeknd, making this song a masterpiece that defined his early career.
The haunting melody of 'Less Than Zero' sets it apart from other contemporary songs. The song showcases an intense desire that speaks volumes about love, lust, and obsession. It's a perfect embodiment of The Weeknd's signature production style, blending different genres like R&B, soul, and hip hop into an auditory feast. Its unique sound has captivated millions worldwide and has set a benchmark for modern-day artists to emulate.
While his other tracks may have overshadowed 'Less Than Zero,' it remains an underrated gem in his discography. A must-listen track for any true fan of R&B and soul music, this song promises to deliver a listening experience that is both soulful and electrifying.
Don't miss out on experiencing the brilliance and artistry of The Weeknd's 'Less Than Zero.' Give it a listen, sit back, relax, and let yourself immerse in its haunting beauty.
Get ready for The Weeknd to take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions – from partying like a rockstar to the inevitable morning-after regrets.
2. The Party & the After Party
After Hours is undoubtedly one of the finest works by The Weeknd, known for its dark and reflective lyricism. One of the standout tracks from this album is the soulful and seductive 2. The Party & the After Party. It captures the essence of a wild party followed by its aftermath in an incredible way.
- The song features two distinct parts – The Party and The After Party – that illustrate different aspects of a night out.
- The Party starts off with a thumping beat and pulsating synths, capturing the excitement and adrenaline rush of being at a wild party.
- In contrast, The After Party has a more chilled-out vibe, with slower tempo and haunting vocals that depict the after-effects of indulging in drugs and alcohol.
- With its catchy chorus and mesmerizing beats, it showcases Abel's musical genius brilliantly.
- The music video perfectly complements the song's theme, featuring footage from his tour life alongside an alluring yet eerie narrative.
- The underlying emotions behind this song are typical of The Weeknd's style – rawness, vulnerability, and introspection.
This track serves as an excellent insight into Abel's exploration of pleasure, pain, darkness, and catharsis – concepts that permeate throughout his music constantly.
In one interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music's Beats 1 radio station in August 2019, Abel opens up about how he made 2.The Party & the After Party years back when he only had $400 budget to rent Studio time every weekend until one day it entered into Drake’s hands for a feature but when they were unable to record together due to scheduling conflicts, he kept it back. Eventually, he realized he wished to keep it for himself!
Listening to The Birds Pt. 1 is like taking a dark and twisted journey through The Weeknd's mind – not for the faint of heart.
3. The Birds Pt. 1
This track showcases The Weeknd's cinematic skills as well as his artistic depth. 'The Birds Pt. 1' is a masterpiece with its eerie melody and dark lyrics. It tells the story of lost love and betrayal in a hauntingly beautiful way.
| Song | ||
|---|---|---|
| 'The Birds Pt. 1' | Echoes of Silence |
'The Birds Pt. 1' is a pivotal moment in The Weeknd's career, marking a shift towards darker themes and experimental production techniques. The use of bird calls in the background adds to the surreal atmosphere of the song and complements The Weeknd's haunting vocals perfectly.
This song was released as part of The Weeknd's mixtape 'Echoes of Silence' in 2011, which was highly acclaimed by both critics and fans alike. It paved the way for The Weeknd's mainstream success, leading to collaborations with top artists like Daft Punk, Kendrick Lamar, and Ariana Grande.
Overall, 'The Birds Pt. 1' is an essential listen for any fan of The Weeknd's music, and it remains one of his most compelling tracks to this day.
Rolling Stone may have named The Weeknd as one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time, but we all know he's the one who loves to sing about heartbreak more than anyone else.
4. Rolling Stone
The fourth topic in the list centers on the Rolling Stone. The magazine has been pivotal in shaping popular culture, and it's no surprise they have paid tribute to the Weeknd. Here are some of their thoughts on his best songs to date.
Rolling Stone has long held a reputation as the supreme authority on music, granting recognition to those who have made a significant impact in their respective genres. They named The Weeknd one of "The 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time" back in 2015, and highlighted his ability to showcase intense emotions through dark, sensuous vibes.
One key highlight from the article is that Rolling Stone acknowledges The Weeknd's bravery in blending R&B with modern pop sounds. They describe it as a risk that only very few can manage and still make a lasting impression.
It’s clear that The Weeknd's music resonates with fans worldwide and continues to make waves across multiple generations. For those not yet acquainted with his work, now is the time to explore his discography before you miss out on what could be your new favorite artist.
Time flies when you're listening to The Weeknd's 'Out Of Time', proving that good music is timeless.
5. Out Of Time
This track showcases The Weeknd's versatility and aptitude to experiment with his sound. 'Out Of Time' is a remarkable addition to his discography as it amalgamates various musical elements, including upbeat production, funk-inspired basslines, and vivid lyricism.
The song opens with eerie sirens before transitioning into a groovy chorus that encapsulates the theme of escapism from mundane everyday life. The glossy production and energizing instrumentation make this track immensely captivating.
The Weeknd's transition from melancholic R&B to upbeat pop anthems is evident in 'Out Of Time'. The song is an ode to party culture, where he embraces his hedonistic side and urges people to live in the moment without worrying about tomorrow. It features an infectious hook, "I'm just tryna have some fun (out of time)", which prompts listeners to let go and immerse themselves in the surreal experience.
What sets 'Out Of Time' apart from other songs on this list is its strong emphasis on the danceability factor. Its lively beat inspires even those who are not fans of pop music to groove along. Additionally, The Weeknd's soaring vocals turn every line into a memorable sing-along moment.
Legend has it that 'Out Of Time' was initially meant for another artist but ended up being given to The Weeknd after he heard it during his studio sessions. This serendipitous turn of events transformed what could have been a trivial party anthem into one of his most loved tracks.
House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls: where The Weeknd's high vocals meet low morals.
6. House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls
This Weeknd classic features the soulful production that made his early material so striking. 'House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls' is a mesmerizing journey through feelings of love and lust, highlighting The Weeknd's ability to evoke emotion through his lyricism. The song speaks on some of the darker aspects of life, dealing with themes like drug use and promiscuity. It paints a vivid picture of an ominous party scene, showcasing the danger and allure that drugs can bring. This track was one of the standout cuts from The Weeknd's debut mixtape House of Balloons, which helped propel him to stardom.
Additionally, what sets this track apart is the use of samples from Siouxsie and The Banshees' 1980 hit 'Happy House'. That added texture to an already excellent piece, making 'House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls' stands out as one of his best songs yet.
The success that followed House Of Balloons allowed The Weeknd to continue expanding his sound whilst also retaining elements that made him a fan-favorite in the first place. With its infectious sound hooks yet gritty themes, it's small wonder 'House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls' remains one of Weeknd's most-loved tracks today.
In fact, long-time fans recall how such music impacted their perception toward life itself as well as how it brought them into the world where they felt understood and accepted just for being themselves.
If you're ever in a car chase and need a soundtrack, just put on Blinding Lights and watch the cops struggle to keep up.
7. Blinding Lights
The Weeknd's 'Blinding Lights' is a gem in his musical treasure trove. The song dominated the charts upon release and was critically acclaimed for its engaging synth-pop beats. Its ability to capture the listener's attention with its exhilarating electronic sounds is an absolute feast to the ears.
The vocals infused in the track are emotional yet electrifying, which makes it more enjoyable. The music video complements the song and enhances the listening experience. The Weeknd has indeed outdone himself with this exceptional composition.
This track has won numerous accolades and has raised The Weeknd's popularity to new heights. It remains one of his most famous works produced so far.
For those looking for an energetic hit that provides pure entertainment, 'Blinding Lights' is a must-listen in their playlist. It will make you tap your feet instantly, and you'll find yourself humming it back inadvertently.
To enjoy this masterpiece to its fullest, turn up the volume and get ready to dance!
Tell Your Friends to put on their dancing shoes because this Weeknd track is about to make them move like they're on a mission to save the world.
8. Tell Your Friends
This track is one of the all-time favorites by The Weeknd. It's 8th in the list featuring the ten best songs of his career. In "Tell Your Friends," The Weeknd shares the story of his journey and struggle, which makes this song so popular among his fans.
- The lyrics depict the journey of a young kid, who struggled from rags to riches.
- With a catchy beat and foot-tapping music, this song has become a go-to party anthem for many people.
- "Tell Your Friends" features heavy bass drops that make it difficult for anyone to stay still while listening.
- This song highlights The Weeknd's versatile vocal range as he sings both high and low notes with ease.
- The lyrics are relatable and help listeners find solace in their own struggles while showing them that they can overcome them too.
What sets apart this track is its ability to strike an emotional chord with listeners worldwide; this makes it undoubtedly one of The Weekend's best songs in his entire career.
Pro Tip: To truly enjoy the beauty of "Tell Your Friends," listen to it through noise-canceling headphones or speakers with good bass capabilities.
Listening to 'The Morning' is like taking a shot of espresso straight to the soul – it'll wake you up and leave you buzzing for days.
9. The Morning
As one of the notable tracks from The Weeknd, this song showcases a different perspective on romance and hedonism. With its seductive beats and haunting lyrics, it captures the essence of love that can be both passionate and painful. The introduction of electronic sounds adds an unpredictable element to the otherwise classic melody, making it a fan favorite. Its depiction of drug use and reverie gives listeners a glimpse into The Weeknd's world of excess, powerfully conveying his emotions.
In "The Morning," we witness a raw and personal account of The Weeknd's late-night adventures. His portrayal of lust and longing through vivid images and metaphors is unmatched. The track boasts exceptional production quality with its seamless transitions between chorus and verse, adding to its overall appeal. Ultimately, it is an excellent representation of his genre-defying style.
Listeners will appreciate how the artist grips them in every line as he unpicks the mystery behind his character's actions. His smooth vocals are matched by the beautifully composed instrumentals that compliment his chorus perfectly, keeping even those who don't speak English under their spell.
Pro Tip: "The Morning" is most enjoyed at night-time when you're in a mood for soulful music and introspection alike.
Driving the hills with The Weeknd is the perfect excuse for breaking all the speed limits and getting lost in his seductive voice.
10. The Hills
This track, from the chart-topping album "Beauty Behind the Madness," is a true masterpiece of melancholic R&B. The mesmerizing and haunting beats coupled with brilliant lyrics depicting The Weeknd's inner turmoil make it an instant hit. It climbed to the top of charts worldwide and won multiple awards.
"The Hills" showcases the singer's ability to create an impeccable balance between artistry, commercial appeal and introspection. Its eerie vibe brought out by dark, trap-inspired beats and angsty themes has captured hearts all over the globe.
Notably, this song was written by both The Weeknd and Canadian record producer Illangelo. They have collaborated closely together in the past, crafting hits such as "Wicked Games". Together, they bring an unparalleled authenticity to each track that they produce.
Overall, "The Hills" is not just a song but also a mood-setter that plays with emotions while making you dance your heart out. If you haven't listened to this track yet, you are certainly missing out on one of the most unforgettable pieces of contemporary music.
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.
