The Weeknd, the Canadian superstar with an enigmatic persona and an extraordinary vocal range, has captivated audiences worldwide with his unique blend of R&B, pop, and soul. From his humble beginnings uploading tracks anonymously to his meteoric rise to fame, The Weeknd has consistently pushed the boundaries of contemporary music, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. With an impressive discography spanning over a decade, it’s no easy task to curate a list of the top 10 best songs from his illustrious career. Yet, we embark on this musical journey to celebrate the artistry and brilliance of The Weeknd. In this article, we delve into the sonic landscape created by this gifted artist and explore the tracks that have defined his legacy. From heart-wrenching ballads that evoke raw emotions to electrifying bangers that command the dance floor, each song on this list represents a milestone in The Weeknd’s evolution as an artist. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to his mesmerizing sounds, join us as we count down the 10 best songs of all time by The Weeknd and revel in the sonic mastery of this extraordinary musical genius.
1. “I Feel it Coming”
The Weeknd's mesmerizing beat and captivating lyrics in "I Feel it Coming" prove his talent for crafting an addictive groove that draws listeners in from the start. Partnering up with French electronic duo Daft Punk, this track infuses synthwave with R&B vibes, creating a unique audio landscape.
The dreamy intro gives way to The Weeknd's characteristic falsetto singing lines like "You've been scared of love and what it did to you." The chorus bursts in with Daft Punk's base and glimmering synths, making an irresistible song that is hard to forget.
"I Feel it Coming" stands out from The Weeknd's other hits due to its unforgettable melody, catchy hook, and expert production. Whether you are dancing in a club or cruising with the windows down, this song will get your body moving.
Pro Tip: Listen closely to the lyrics next time you hear "I Feel it Coming". The Weeknd intertwines heartbreak and longing into his upbeat pop song, demonstrating that even the most infectious tunes have depth.
2. “Die For You”
The Weeknd's "Die For You" is a masterpiece of romance. The feelings and obsession of love are expressed in the lyrics. The haunting production matches the emotional depth of the song. It truly shows the ability of The Weeknd to express emotions with artistry.
The track stands out in his catalog for its vulnerability. Unlike some of his more boastful songs, "Die For You" expresses the heartache and desperation that can come with love. Lines like "I'm findin' ways to articulate the feeling I'm goin' through" and "I gave you up, you let me down / But still, you're a love I can't live without" demonstrate this.
The Weeknd's world of love is all-consuming and often painful. As you listen to "Die For You", it's hard not to be affected by the intensity. You can empathize with The Weeknd's lovesick narrator as he pledges his devotion again and again.
If you're looking for more of The Weeknd's songs, there are many. "Wicked Games" and "Call Out My Name" are two standouts. Both show his signature blend of melancholic vocals and lush production. Another romantic song is "Earned It" from the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack.
3. “Earned It”
"Earned It" by The Weeknd is undeniably a hit. It's a departure from his typical sound, as it strays into a more pop-driven arena. But, Abel adapts with ease. His voice, combined with the classical strings and drum beat, is captivating.
What makes this song special is its inclusion in motion pictures, like 50 Shades of Grey. It added an extra layer of eroticism to the movie – and pushed Abel further into mainstream culture.
Don't miss out on this track – it's mesmerizing. Plus, Beyoncé debuted its music video at Coachella 2018, giving us a glimpse of the smoky burlesque club she had in mind. The Weeknd's "Earned It" is an impactful song – one you don't want to miss. The hills may have eyes, but they don't have ears, so this chart-topper passed them by.
4. “The Hills”
"The Hills" is one of The Weeknd's best songs, making it to our top 10 list. It has a dark and haunting melody, featuring themes like betrayal, loss of identity, and paranoia. The lyrics talk of someone struggling with success. This track became a popular hit among his fans with its cathartic quality.
It was initially written for another artist, yet made its way to The Weeknd's second album, "Beauty Behind the Madness." It only took five days to write from start to finish. Yet, here we are, six years later, and "The Hills" still manages to be a staple at parties and clubs globally.
Lana Del Rey's help in this top 10 hit makes being a prisoner sound so enticing. Thanks to The Weeknd's haunting vocals, we can all experience just how captivating "The Hills" is.
5. “Prisoner”
"Prisoner," a sensational track by The Weeknd featuring Lana Del Rey, is an emotionally captivating experience. The duo's performance will have you pressing the replay button! The chilling vocals and distinct instrumentation add depth and emotion to the song.
The powerful tale of love and loss is conveyed through the vocalists' tones. The harmonies are magical, making it relatable and giving insight into others’ emotions. This gem has topped many fans’ lists as one of The Weeknd's best!
Pro Tip: You must give "Prisoner" a listen! It's The Weeknd's most remarkable track yet! Enjoy 'Blinding Lights' – a rollercoaster ride with The Weeknd as your conductor.
6. “Blinding Lights”
The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" has a special spot in many fans' hearts. It stands out with its upbeat, danceable melody. Retro vibes and neon lighting captivate listeners. It's been nearly three years since its release, yet "Blinding Lights" still tops charts.
Amazingly, Billboard reports that it's been on the Hot 100 chart for over a year (83 weeks). This puts it among only four songs to ever reach this milestone!
The Weeknd's achievements are remarkable, and "Blinding Lights" is an iconic highlight. It's no wonder why people feel invincible when they listen to it.
7. “Starboy”
The Weeknd's "Starboy" is number seven on our list of the artist's best songs. It's a smashing hit with Daft Punk's futuristic sound and The Weeknd's signature vocals. Its catchy beat and strong lyrics make it unforgettable.
The song won Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 2018 Grammy Awards. The Weeknd has discussed the challenges of fame, saying he feels like a "star boy" without wanting it.
Still, "Starboy" is one of The Weeknd's most popular songs. It will remain a classic hit of his for years to come. Whenever I listen to 'Save Your Tears', I can't help but feel like The Weeknd is personally giving me relationship advice…and I'm still not listening.
8. “Save Your Tears”
The Weeknd's "Save Your Tears" is a captivating mix of electropop and new wave. It pulses with beats and sneaky synth buildup, and speaks of a past relationship where the singer begs his ex not to act like someone else.
Pitch-shifted vocals, humming, and other layers create an amazing feel. It shows off The Weeknd's skill for telling sad tales and exploring lost love.
Max Martin and Oscar Holter did intricate work on the production. Cliqua's music video was also awesome, showcasing The Weeknd. Perfect for those who love dynamic changes in songs!
If you're a fan of The Weeknd, 'Creepin'' is like being lost in a dark alley with him as your guide.
9. “Creepin'”
The Weeknd's "Creepin" will draw you in with its haunting yet beautiful sound. It is a supremely intense slow-burner that features his vocal and lyrical finesse. The production is sparse, just a few synths and drums providing the backdrop for his soaring vocals.
Lyrically, the song explores obsession and infatuation. It creates vivid images of passionate nights spent chasing pleasure. What's unique about this track is how it manages to evoke feelings without being explicit. The Weeknd lets the listener project their own experiences onto it. This subtlety sets him apart from other R&B artists.
Pro Tip: Listen to the lyrics of "Creepin" closely. You'll find there's more to it than meets the eye.
10. “Can’t Feel My Face”
The Weeknd's career took a turn for the better with the release of his hit single "Can't Feel My Face." Its upbeat tempo and addictive lyrics made it one of his most successful tunes to date. The song is about being in love and losing control over your own actions. Audiences worldwide found themselves dancing to its infectious beat.
Also, it won multiple awards including Grammy nominations. Max Martin, the producer behind many of pop music's biggest names such as Britney Spears and Taylor Swift, was behind this production.
Interesting fact: "Can't Feel My Face" was first written for another artist, but eventually became a massive success for The Weeknd. (Source: Songfacts)
Samuel Moore 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.
