The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The Weeknd gained widespread recognition with his mixtapes, released anonymously on the internet in 2010, which were later compiled into the album “Trilogy” in 2012. His distinct sound, characterized by its atmospheric production, dark themes, and haunting vocals, garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
In 2013, The Weeknd released his debut studio album, “Kiss Land,” followed by “Beauty Behind the Madness” in 2015, which included the chart-topping singles “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills.” The latter earned him his first Grammy Award.
He continued his success with the albums “Starboy” (2016) and “After Hours” (2020), both of which received critical acclaim and produced hit singles such as “Starboy,” “I Feel It Coming,” “Blinding Lights,” and “Save Your Tears.” “Blinding Lights” notably became one of the biggest hits of 2020, breaking multiple records for chart longevity and streaming.
In addition to his solo work, The Weeknd has collaborated with various artists and producers, expanding his influence across different genres. He’s known for his captivating live performances and elaborate stage productions.
Beyond music, The Weeknd has also ventured into acting, with roles in films such as “Uncut Gems” (2019) and the upcoming HBO series “The Idol.”
Overall, The Weeknd is celebrated for his innovative approach to R&B and pop music, pushing boundaries with his sound and visuals while maintaining a mysterious and enigmatic persona.
1. Blinding Lights
“Blinding Lights” is a song by The Weeknd, released as the second single from his fourth studio album, “After Hours,” in 2019. The song was written by The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Ahmad Balshe, Jason Quenneville, Max Martin, and Oscar Holter, with production handled by Max Martin and Oscar Holter.
“Blinding Lights” is characterized by its upbeat synth-pop sound, reminiscent of 1980s electronic music, with pulsating synthesizers and driving percussion. The song’s lyrics depict themes of longing, addiction, and escapism, as The Weeknd sings about driving through the city streets at night, searching for love and connection.
The song’s infectious melody and catchy chorus, “I’m blinded by the lights, no, I can’t sleep until I feel your touch,” contributed to its widespread popularity and commercial success. “Blinding Lights” topped the charts in numerous countries and became one of The Weeknd’s biggest hits.
The accompanying music video for “Blinding Lights” features The Weeknd wandering through a cityscape at night, interspersed with surreal and neon-lit visuals. The video received critical acclaim for its cinematic quality and thematic resonance with the song’s lyrics.
“Blinding Lights” received widespread acclaim from music critics and was nominated for multiple awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards. It also broke several records for chart performance and streaming, solidifying The Weeknd’s status as one of the most influential artists in contemporary pop music.
2. Starboy (feat. Daft Punk)
“Starboy” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd featuring French electronic music duo Daft Punk. It was released in 2016 as the lead single from The Weeknd’s third studio album of the same name. The song blends elements of R&B, pop, and electronic music.
“Starboy” is characterized by its dark and atmospheric production, punctuated by The Weeknd’s smooth vocals and Daft Punk’s signature robotic sound. Lyrically, the song reflects on The Weeknd’s rise to fame and success, as well as the changes that come with it. The term “Starboy” refers to his alter ego, symbolizing his transformation in the music industry.
The song was a commercial success, topping charts in multiple countries and receiving widespread acclaim from music critics. Its music video, directed by Grant Singer, further added to its popularity with its stylish visuals and cinematic feel. “Starboy” became one of The Weeknd’s most successful songs and solidified his status as a major artist in the music industry.
3. The Hills
“The Hills” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, released in 2015 as the lead single from his second studio album, “Beauty Behind the Madness.” The song is characterized by its dark and moody production, featuring haunting synths and a heavy bassline.
Lyrically, “The Hills” explores themes of hedonism, temptation, and the consequences of fame. The Weeknd sings about the highs and lows of his lifestyle, including his encounters with drugs, partying, and romantic relationships. The lyrics depict a sense of disillusionment and emotional detachment, as he grapples with the emptiness of his experiences.
“The Hills” received critical acclaim for its atmospheric sound and introspective lyrics. It became one of The Weeknd’s biggest commercial successes, topping the charts in multiple countries and earning several award nominations. The song’s music video, directed by Grant Singer, features surreal and dark imagery, complementing the song’s themes.
Overall, “The Hills” solidified The Weeknd’s reputation as a boundary-pushing artist and remains one of his most iconic and memorable songs.
4. Can’t Feel My Face
“Can’t Feel My Face” is a song by The Weeknd, released as the third single from his second studio album, “Beauty Behind the Madness,” in 2015. The song was written by The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Max Martin, Peter Svensson, Ali Payami, and Savan Kotecha, with production handled by Max Martin and Ali Payami.
“Can’t Feel My Face” is an upbeat pop and funk-influenced track with elements of dance-pop and R&B. Lyrically, the song portrays themes of infatuation, addiction, and euphoria, with The Weeknd singing about being intoxicated by love to the point where he can’t feel physical pain.
The song’s infectious melody, catchy chorus, and energetic production contributed to its widespread commercial success. “Can’t Feel My Face” topped the charts in several countries and became one of The Weeknd’s most successful singles at the time.
The accompanying music video for “Can’t Feel My Face” features The Weeknd performing the song in a small club, with the audience initially indifferent to his performance until he sets himself on fire, after which they become enthralled. The video received praise for its visual style and thematic interpretation of the song’s lyrics.
“Can’t Feel My Face” received critical acclaim from music critics and was nominated for several awards, including Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance at the Grammy Awards. It further solidified The Weeknd’s crossover appeal and established him as a major force in mainstream pop music.
5. Save Your Tears
“Save Your Tears” is a song by The Weeknd, released as the fifth single from his fourth studio album, “After Hours,” in 2020. The song was written by The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Max Martin, Oscar Holter, and Belly, with production handled by Max Martin and Oscar Holter.
“Save Your Tears” is characterized by its upbeat tempo and 1980s-inspired synth-pop sound, featuring pulsating synthesizers and a driving beat. Lyrically, the song explores themes of heartbreak, regret, and resilience, with The Weeknd singing about a failed relationship and urging his former lover to save their tears for another day.
The song’s catchy melody, emotive vocals, and infectious hook contributed to its commercial success. “Save Your Tears” reached the top ten on charts worldwide and became one of the standout tracks from “After Hours.”
The accompanying music video for “Save Your Tears” features The Weeknd wearing elaborate facial prosthetics and makeup, performing in front of a masked audience in a surreal and dystopian nightclub setting. The video received praise for its visual creativity and thematic resonance with the song’s lyrics.
“Save Your Tears” received positive reviews from music critics and was nominated for several awards, including Best Pop Solo Performance at the Grammy Awards. It further solidified The Weeknd’s reputation as a boundary-pushing artist with a knack for crafting memorable pop hits.
6. Earned It
“Earned It” is a song by Canadian singer The Weeknd, released in 2014 as part of the soundtrack for the film “Fifty Shades of Grey.” The song served as the lead single for the soundtrack and received widespread acclaim.
“Earned It” is a sultry and atmospheric R&B ballad characterized by its haunting melody and The Weeknd’s emotive vocals. Lyrically, the song explores themes of desire, passion, and intimacy, reflecting the themes of the “Fifty Shades of Grey” film.
The song’s title refers to the idea of deserving someone’s affection or attention through actions and effort, rather than simply expecting it. The Weeknd’s smooth vocals and the song’s seductive production contributed to its success, earning it both commercial success and critical acclaim.
“Earned It” received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song and won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance. Its music video, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, features scenes from the “Fifty Shades of Grey” film and further added to the song’s popularity.
Overall, “Earned It” solidified The Weeknd’s status as a rising star in the music industry and remains one of his most iconic songs.
7. I Feel It Coming (feat. Daft Punk)
“I Feel It Coming” is a song by Canadian singer The Weeknd featuring French electronic music duo Daft Punk. It was released in 2016 as the second single from The Weeknd’s third studio album, “Starboy.”
The song is characterized by its smooth, retro-inspired production and funky vibe. It draws heavily from 80s pop and funk influences, with Daft Punk’s signature electronic sound complementing The Weeknd’s soulful vocals. Lyrically, “I Feel It Coming” explores themes of love, desire, and anticipation, with The Weeknd singing about the excitement of being with someone special.
The song received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its infectious groove and nostalgic feel. It became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The accompanying music video, directed by Warren Fu, features The Weeknd performing against a futuristic backdrop, reminiscent of classic sci-fi films.
“I Feel It Coming” further solidified The Weeknd’s reputation as a versatile artist and showcased his ability to blend different musical styles seamlessly. The collaboration with Daft Punk added to the song’s appeal, making it a standout track on the “Starboy” album.
8. Call Out My Name
“Call Out My Name” is a song by The Weeknd, released as the first single from his EP “My Dear Melancholy,” in 2018. The song was written by The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Nicolas Jaar, Frank Dukes, and Mike McTaggart, with production handled by Frank Dukes and Nicolas Jaar.
“Call Out My Name” is a mid-tempo ballad characterized by its haunting melody, atmospheric production, and emotive vocals. Lyrically, the song addresses themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and emotional vulnerability, with The Weeknd singing about a tumultuous relationship and the pain of realizing that his love was unreciprocated.
The song’s melancholic tone, introspective lyrics, and raw emotion resonated with both critics and audiences. “Call Out My Name” received widespread acclaim for its powerful vocal performance and evocative storytelling.
The accompanying music video for “Call Out My Name” features The Weeknd wandering through a surreal and dreamlike landscape, interspersed with symbolic imagery and visual effects. The video received praise for its artistic direction and thematic resonance with the song’s lyrics.
“Call Out My Name” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on charts worldwide and becoming one of the standout tracks from “My Dear Melancholy.” The song further solidified The Weeknd’s reputation as a versatile and introspective artist capable of crafting deeply personal and emotionally resonant music.
9. Heartless
“Heartless” is a song by American rapper Kanye West, released in 2008 as the lead single from his fourth studio album, “808s & Heartbreak.” The song is notable for its introspective lyrics and innovative use of auto-tune.
“Heartless” features a minimalist electronic production, with a prominent drum beat and melancholic synths. Lyrically, the song explores themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and emotional numbness. Kanye West reflects on the pain of a failed relationship and the feelings of emptiness that follow.
The song received widespread acclaim from music critics, who praised its emotional depth and experimental sound. “Heartless” became a commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries and earning several award nominations.
The accompanying music video for “Heartless” features animated visuals created using rotoscope animation, giving it a distinct and artistic aesthetic. The song’s success helped to solidify Kanye West’s reputation as an innovative and boundary-pushing artist.
“Heartless” remains one of Kanye West’s most iconic songs and is often cited as a standout track from the “808s & Heartbreak” album. Its raw emotion and unique production continue to resonate with listeners.
10. Often
“Often” is a song by The Weeknd, released as a single in 2014. It later appeared on his second studio album, “Beauty Behind the Madness.” The song was written by The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Ben Billions, and Jason “DaHeala” Quenneville, with production handled by Ben Billions and DaHeala.
“Often” is an R&B and hip hop-infused track with a seductive vibe. Lyrically, the song revolves around themes of hedonism, promiscuity, and indulgence, with The Weeknd boasting about his sexual prowess and lifestyle of luxury and excess.
The song’s smooth production, catchy melody, and suggestive lyrics contributed to its commercial success and popularity. “Often” received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its infectious hook and The Weeknd’s vocal performance.
The accompanying music video for “Often” features The Weeknd in various luxurious settings, surrounded by beautiful women and indulging in lavish activities. The video further emphasizes the song’s themes of pleasure and opulence.
“Often” became one of The Weeknd’s signature songs and helped to solidify his status as one of the leading figures in contemporary R&B and pop music. It remains a fan favorite and a standout track in The Weeknd’s discography.