Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known professionally as The Weeknd, stands as one of the most distinctive and influential voices in contemporary R&B and pop music. Born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada, The Weeknd gained prominence with his mysterious persona and soulful vocals that seamlessly blend falsetto and raw emotion.
Initially emerging in 2010 with a series of critically acclaimed mixtapes, including “House of Balloons,” “Thursday,” and “Echoes of Silence,” The Weeknd quickly captured the industry’s attention. His debut studio album, “Kiss Land” (2013), marked a successful transition to mainstream success. However, it was the release of “Beauty Behind the Madness” (2015) that truly catapulted him to global stardom. The album featured hits like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills,” earning him Grammy Awards and widespread acclaim.
The Weeknd’s music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and the darker aspects of fame. His distinct sound combines elements of R&B, pop, and electronic music, showcasing his ability to craft immersive and atmospheric sonic landscapes. Beyond his musical achievements, The Weeknd has also made a mark as a compelling live performer and a creative force in the realms of fashion and visual storytelling. His evolution from enigmatic underground artist to chart-topping global sensation underscores his enduring influence on the contemporary music landscape.
1. Heartless
“Heartless” is a song by The Weeknd, released in 2020 as part of his fourth studio album, “After Hours.” The track showcases The Weeknd’s signature blend of R&B, pop, and synthwave elements, capturing a sense of emotional intensity and vulnerability.
The lyrics of “Heartless” explore themes of heartbreak, loneliness, and the impact of a failed relationship. The song delves into the darker aspects of love and the toll it can take on an individual’s emotional well-being. The Weeknd’s emotive vocals convey a sense of anguish and despair, creating a powerful and relatable listening experience.
The music video for “Heartless” features The Weeknd navigating a surreal and distorted version of Las Vegas, reflecting the disorientation and emotional turmoil depicted in the song. The visual aesthetics complement the atmospheric and cinematic quality of the track.
“Heartless” received widespread acclaim for its production, vocal delivery, and emotional resonance. The song became a commercial success, reaching high positions on music charts globally. The release of “After Hours” and its standout tracks like “Heartless” solidified The Weeknd’s status as a boundary-pushing artist in the contemporary music scene, known for his introspective lyrics and genre-blending sound.
2. Often
“Often” is a song by Canadian singer The Weeknd, released in 2014. The track is part of his second studio album, “Beauty Behind the Madness.” Written by The Weeknd, it reflects his signature style of blending R&B, pop, and electronic elements.
The lyrics of “Often” explore themes of seduction, desire, and The Weeknd’s experiences with the lifestyle that comes with fame. The narrative revolves around the artist’s encounters with women and the frequent nature of his romantic pursuits.
Musically, “Often” is characterized by its smooth vocals, atmospheric production, and a laid-back beat. The Weeknd’s falsetto vocals contribute to the song’s sensual and intimate vibe, creating an alluring atmosphere that aligns with the themes of the lyrics.
“Often” received positive reviews for its production and The Weeknd’s vocal delivery. The track achieved commercial success, charting in various countries and adding to The Weeknd’s growing reputation as a prominent figure in contemporary R&B. The song’s success contributed to the anticipation surrounding “Beauty Behind the Madness” and further solidified The Weeknd’s presence in the music industry.
3. The Hills
“The Hills” is a song by Canadian singer The Weeknd, released in 2015 as a single from his second studio album, “Beauty Behind the Madness.” The track is known for its dark and atmospheric production, blending R&B and electronic elements, and it became one of The Weeknd’s most successful and recognizable songs.
The lyrics of “The Hills” explore themes of excess, hedonism, and the challenges of maintaining relationships amidst a lifestyle of fame and indulgence. The Weeknd sings about the emotional toll of his lifestyle, including the impact on his relationships and personal well-being.
Musically, “The Hills” is characterized by its haunting melody, atmospheric synths, and a driving beat. The production, led by Illangelo and Mano, creates a mysterious and cinematic soundscape that complements the dark themes of the lyrics. The Weeknd’s distinctive falsetto vocals add to the song’s emotional intensity.
The accompanying music video for “The Hills” features surreal and symbolic imagery, enhancing the song’s enigmatic and atmospheric qualities. The video explores themes of transformation and the consequences of The Weeknd’s hedonistic lifestyle.
“The Hills” received critical acclaim and achieved significant commercial success, topping charts worldwide. Its unique sound and introspective lyrics contributed to The Weeknd’s growing influence in the music industry, solidifying his place as a boundary-pushing artist within the R&B genre.
4. Can’t Feel My Face
“Can’t Feel My Face” is a song by The Weeknd, released in 2015 as a single from his second studio album, “Beauty Behind the Madness.” The track is an upbeat and funky pop song with elements of disco and R&B, showcasing The Weeknd’s versatility in blending various musical styles.
The lyrics of “Can’t Feel My Face” are often interpreted as a metaphor for the effects of drug use, particularly cocaine. The catchy chorus and infectious melody, however, contributed to the song’s widespread appeal and commercial success.
The music video for “Can’t Feel My Face” features The Weeknd delivering a lively and energetic performance, showcasing his charismatic stage presence. The video’s visuals complement the song’s upbeat and danceable nature.
“Can’t Feel My Face” became a chart-topping hit, reaching the number one spot on various music charts. Its success marked a significant moment in The Weeknd’s career, propelling him further into mainstream recognition. The song’s pop sensibilities and memorable hooks solidified it as one of The Weeknd’s most recognizable and celebrated tracks.
5. Save Your Tears
“Save Your Tears” is a song by Canadian singer The Weeknd, released in 2020 as a single from his fourth studio album, “After Hours.” The track, written by The Weeknd, Belly, Max Martin, Oscar Holter, and DaHeala, became one of the standout hits from the album.
The lyrics of “Save Your Tears” touch on themes of heartbreak and regret. The Weeknd expresses the pain of a failed relationship and addresses the emotional toll of not being able to save a former lover’s tears. The song’s narrative captures the aftermath of a breakup and the realization of the impact it had on both parties.
Musically, “Save Your Tears” features a synth-heavy and retro-pop production, which is a signature style of The Weeknd’s “After Hours” album. The song combines elements of pop, R&B, and electronic music, creating a nostalgic yet contemporary sound. The Weeknd’s emotive vocals add depth and authenticity to the track.
The accompanying music video, directed by Cliqua, features The Weeknd in a surreal and artistic setting, highlighting the visual storytelling that complements the song’s themes. The video contributes to the overall aesthetic and narrative of The Weeknd’s “After Hours” era.
“Save Your Tears” received positive reviews from critics and achieved commercial success, charting globally. The song’s popularity further solidified The Weeknd’s position as a leading figure in contemporary pop and R&B.
6. Earned It
“Earned It” is a song by The Weeknd, released in 2014 as a single from the soundtrack of the film “Fifty Shades of Grey.” The track is a soulful and seductive ballad, showcasing The Weeknd’s smooth vocals and his ability to capture a mood of intimacy and desire.
The lyrics of “Earned It” convey a mixture of sensuality and vulnerability, with The Weeknd expressing his feelings towards a romantic partner. The song’s title suggests that the emotional and physical connection with the partner has been earned through shared experiences and trust.
The music video for “Earned It” features scenes from the “Fifty Shades of Grey” film, capturing the film’s themes of romance and passion. The video complements the song’s sultry atmosphere, and The Weeknd’s performance adds a layer of sophistication.
“Earned It” received critical acclaim for its emotive delivery and earned The Weeknd an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. The success of the track further solidified The Weeknd’s position as a prominent figure in contemporary R&B and pop music.
7. I Feel It Coming (feat. Daft Punk)
“I Feel It Coming” is a song by Canadian singer The Weeknd featuring French electronic duo Daft Punk. It was released in 2016 as the second single from The Weeknd’s third studio album, “Starboy.”
The song has a distinct retro-futuristic sound, drawing inspiration from ’80s pop and funk. It features smooth vocals from The Weeknd and Daft Punk’s signature electronic production.
Lyrically, “I Feel It Coming” explores themes of love and connection. The lyrics convey a sense of anticipation and celebration as The Weeknd expresses the joy of being with a special person. The chorus includes the repeating line “I feel it coming,” capturing the building excitement of a romantic encounter.
The collaboration with Daft Punk brings a unique blend of styles, with their electronic influences seamlessly integrated into The Weeknd’s R&B and pop sensibilities. The result is a catchy and infectious track that received widespread acclaim for its nostalgic yet contemporary feel.
The music video, directed by Warren Fu, features a sci-fi aesthetic and pays homage to the visual style of the ’80s. The retro-futuristic theme complements the overall vibe of the song.
“I Feel It Coming” became a commercial success, reaching high chart positions globally. The collaboration between The Weeknd and Daft Punk was well-received by both fans and critics, contributing to the success of The Weeknd’s “Starboy” album.
8. Call Out My Name
“Call Out My Name” is a song by The Weeknd, released in 2018 as part of his EP “My Dear Melancholy.” The track is a haunting and emotive ballad that explores themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and the aftermath of a failed relationship.
The lyrics of “Call Out My Name” suggest a deep emotional connection and the pain of unreciprocated love. The Weeknd reflects on his feelings of sacrifice and devotion, contemplating the toll the relationship took on him. The vulnerability in the lyrics is matched by the soulful and melancholic tone of the music.
The song received critical acclaim for its raw emotion and The Weeknd’s powerful vocal delivery. The haunting quality of the production, coupled with the poignant lyrics, created a memorable and impactful listening experience. “Call Out My Name” resonated with listeners, further establishing The Weeknd as an artist capable of conveying complex emotions through his music.
The track’s success contributed to the acclaim surrounding “My Dear Melancholy” and showcased The Weeknd’s ability to connect with his audience on a deep, emotional level.
9. Blinding Lights
“Blinding Lights” is a song by Canadian singer 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 most successful and critically acclaimed tracks.
Musically, “Blinding Lights” is characterized by its synthwave and ’80s-inspired sound, featuring pulsating synthesizers, a driving beat, and The Weeknd’s emotive vocals. The song captures a sense of nostalgia while maintaining a modern and anthemic quality.
Lyrically, “Blinding Lights” touches on themes of loneliness, yearning, and the search for connection. The lyrics convey a sense of driving through the city at night, searching for someone, and the blinding lights symbolize both the allure and disorientation of fame.
The song’s success was bolstered by its prominent use in popular culture, including in commercials, television shows, and social media. The Weeknd’s dynamic performance of “Blinding Lights” during the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2021 further elevated the song’s profile.
The accompanying music video, directed by Anton Tammi, features The Weeknd wandering through a cityscape and emphasizes the song’s themes of isolation and yearning.
“Blinding Lights” achieved widespread commercial success, topping charts globally and receiving numerous awards and nominations. Its distinctive sound and infectious melody contributed to making it one of The Weeknd’s signature songs.
10. Starboy (feat. Daft Punk)
“Starboy” is a song by The Weeknd featuring Daft Punk, released in 2016 as the lead single from his third studio album of the same name. The track marked a departure from The Weeknd’s earlier sound, embracing a more electronic and mainstream pop sound with the collaboration of the renowned French electronic music duo.
The lyrics of “Starboy” explore themes of fame, success, and the impact of stardom on The Weeknd’s life. The term “starboy” is a persona that represents the artist’s evolution and transformation in the music industry. The song’s chorus features a catchy repetition of the phrase “I’m a motherf***ing starboy,” emphasizing confidence and self-assuredness.
The collaboration with Daft Punk brought a futuristic and polished production to the track. The duo’s influence is evident in the song’s electronic elements, funky bassline, and overall sleek production.
The music video for “Starboy” features The Weeknd destroying symbols of his past, signaling a reinvention and shedding of his former self. The visual aesthetics and the incorporation of Daft Punk’s robotic personas added to the overall mystique of the track.
“Starboy” achieved commercial success, topping charts worldwide and earning critical acclaim for its fresh sound and bold artistic direction. The collaboration with Daft Punk showcased The Weeknd’s ability to experiment with his style while maintaining his distinctive voice in the music industry.
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.
