The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, has revolutionized the music industry with his enigmatic persona and unique sound that blends R&B, pop, and alternative influences. Since his debut in 2010 with the mixtape “House of Balloons,” he has consistently captivated audiences worldwide with his evocative lyrics, atmospheric production, and distinctive voice. His rise from the underground music scene to global superstardom is marked by a series of groundbreaking albums and chart-topping hits that have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including Grammy Awards and Billboard Music Awards. Each of his songs tells a story, often delving into themes of love, heartbreak, and the darker side of fame. In this article, we explore the Top 10 Best Songs by The Weeknd, a curated selection that showcases his artistic evolution and the profound impact he has had on contemporary music. From early masterpieces that cemented his status as a cult favorite to mainstream anthems that dominated the charts, these tracks represent the pinnacle of his illustrious career, illustrating why The Weeknd remains one of the most influential and celebrated artists of our time.
1. I Feel it Coming
“I Feel It Coming” stands as a timeless masterpiece in The Weeknd’s repertoire, captivating listeners with its mesmerizing blend of futuristic funk and soulful vocals. Released in 2016 as part of his chart-topping album “Starboy,” the track effortlessly transports listeners to a retro-futuristic landscape, reminiscent of the golden age of disco. With its infectious melody and Michael Jackson-esque falsetto, the song became an instant hit, topping charts worldwide and solidifying The Weeknd’s status as a pop icon.
The collaboration with Daft Punk adds a layer of electronic magic, elevating the song to new heights and creating a sonic experience that is both nostalgic and innovative. Lyrically, “I Feel It Coming” explores themes of love, desire, and anticipation, with The Weeknd’s smooth vocals delivering each line with irresistible charm.
Whether it’s played in a crowded club or during a quiet night in, “I Feel It Coming” has a universal appeal that transcends boundaries of genre and era. Its timeless sound continues to resonate with fans around the globe, earning it a well-deserved place as one of The Weeknd’s most popular and enduring songs of all time.
2. Die For You
“Dive For You” emerges as a poignant declaration of devotion and vulnerability within The Weeknd’s discography. Released as part of his critically acclaimed album “Starboy” in 2016, the track showcases The Weeknd’s raw emotion and distinctive vocal prowess.
Set against a backdrop of lush production and haunting melodies, “Die For You” delves into the complexities of love and sacrifice. The Weeknd’s heartfelt lyrics lay bare his willingness to go to extraordinary lengths for the object of his affection, capturing the intensity of romantic devotion with honesty and sincerity.
The song’s captivating rhythm and evocative instrumentation draw listeners into its emotional narrative, creating a powerful connection that resonates long after the music fades. Each note is infused with a sense of longing and longing, as The Weeknd pours his heart out in every soul-stirring refrain.
“Dive For You” stands as a testament to The Weeknd’s ability to craft deeply personal and resonant music that speaks to the human experience. Its timeless appeal and universal themes have solidified its place as one of The Weeknd’s most beloved songs, earning it a spot among his top hits of all time.
3. Earned It
“Earned It” represents a sultry and seductive departure from The Weeknd’s signature sound, yet it remains one of his most unforgettable tracks to date. Featured prominently in the soundtrack for the blockbuster film “Fifty Shades of Grey” in 2015, the song captivated audiences with its intoxicating blend of R&B sensuality and cinematic grandeur.
From its haunting piano melody to The Weeknd’s smooth and emotive vocals, “Earned It” exudes an aura of sophistication and allure. The lyrics, dripping with desire and longing, explore the complexities of intimacy and power dynamics, perfectly complementing the film’s themes.
The track’s lush orchestration and soulful delivery earned it widespread acclaim, propelling it to the top of the charts and earning The Weeknd an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. Its cinematic quality and undeniable magnetism make it a standout in The Weeknd’s discography.
“Earned It” continues to captivate audiences with its timeless appeal, serving as a testament to The Weeknd’s ability to push artistic boundaries while maintaining his distinctive style. Its status as one of his most popular and enduring songs of all time is a testament to its undeniable impact on both music and culture.
4. The Hills
“The Hills” emerges as a dark and enigmatic anthem within The Weeknd’s repertoire, captivating listeners with its brooding atmosphere and hauntingly honest lyrics. Released in 2015 as a lead single from his album “Beauty Behind the Madness,” the track quickly rose to prominence, solidifying The Weeknd’s status as a trailblazer in contemporary R&B.
From its ominous opening notes to its pulsating beat, “The Hills” immerses listeners in a world of hedonistic excess and emotional turmoil. The Weeknd’s raw and emotive vocals convey a sense of desperation and yearning as he navigates themes of fame, love, and self-destruction.
Lyrically, the song explores the dark underbelly of celebrity culture, offering a candid glimpse into The Weeknd’s psyche as he grapples with the trappings of success. Each verse is a confessional outpouring of emotion, delivered with a rawness and vulnerability that resonates with audiences worldwide.
“The Hills” became a massive commercial success, topping charts around the globe and earning critical acclaim for its innovative production and evocative storytelling. Its impact on popular culture is undeniable, solidifying its place as one of The Weeknd’s most iconic and enduring songs of all time.
5. Prisoner
“Prisoner” serves as a haunting duet that encapsulates the tumultuous journey of love and heartache. The collaborative effort between The Weeknd and Lana Del Rey, released in 2015 as part of The Weeknd’s album “Beauty Behind the Madness,” delivers a mesmerizing blend of their distinct styles.
From the outset, “Prisoner” envelopes listeners in a hazy soundscape, characterized by pulsating synths and ethereal melodies. The Weeknd and Lana Del Rey’s vocals intertwine seamlessly, their voices weaving together to evoke a sense of shared pain and longing.
Lyrically, the song delves into themes of addiction, desire, and emotional dependency, painting a vivid portrait of a toxic yet irresistible relationship. Each verse is a confessional plea, as The Weeknd and Lana Del Rey lay bare their vulnerabilities and innermost thoughts.
“Prisoner” resonated deeply with audiences, earning praise for its lush production and emotional depth. The track’s atmospheric soundscapes and evocative storytelling transport listeners to a world of passion and despair, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and minds.
As one of The Weeknd’s standout collaborations, “Prisoner” continues to captivate audiences with its raw emotion and haunting beauty, solidifying its place as one of his most memorable and beloved songs of all time.
6. Blinding Lights
“Blinding Lights” emerges as a pulsating anthem of resilience and longing within The Weeknd’s repertoire. Released in 2019 as a single from his album “After Hours,” the track swiftly captivated audiences worldwide with its infectious energy and nostalgic synth-pop sound.
From its euphoric opening notes to its irresistible beat, “Blinding Lights” transports listeners to a neon-soaked dreamscape, evoking images of late-night drives and urban landscapes. The Weeknd’s emotive vocals soar over the pulsating rhythm, delivering a sense of urgency and yearning that is both intoxicating and electrifying.
Lyrically, the song explores themes of love, escapism, and self-destruction, offering a poignant commentary on the highs and lows of fame and fortune. Each verse is a confessional outpouring of emotion, as The Weeknd lays bare his vulnerabilities and innermost desires.
“Blinding Lights” became an instant sensation, topping charts around the globe and earning critical acclaim for its infectious hooks and innovative production. Its retro-inspired sound and timeless appeal have solidified its place as one of The Weeknd’s most iconic and enduring songs of all time, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.
7. Starboy
“Starboy” marks a bold departure for The Weeknd, a sonic exploration of reinvention and rebirth. Released in 2016 as the title track of his album “Starboy,” the song announced a new era for the artist, shedding his former persona to embrace a more confident and assertive identity.
From its electrifying opening beat to its swaggering chorus, “Starboy” exudes a sense of unapologetic confidence and defiance. The Weeknd’s vocals are delivered with a newfound swagger, reflecting his ascent to superstardom and his determination to carve out his own path in the music industry.
Lyrically, the song serves as a manifesto of self-assurance and ambition, as The Weeknd reflects on his rise to fame and the sacrifices he’s made along the way. Each verse is a testament to his resilience and determination, as he declares himself a “motherf**king starboy” with unwavering conviction.
“Starboy” became an instant phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and earning critical acclaim for its bold sound and infectious energy. Its sleek production and irresistible hooks catapulted it to the forefront of popular culture, solidifying The Weeknd’s status as a true icon of the modern music landscape.
8. Save Your Tears
“Save Your Tears” emerges as a poignant anthem of heartache and resilience within The Weeknd’s discography. Released in 2020 as part of his critically acclaimed album “After Hours,” the track captivates listeners with its infectious melody and emotive lyrics.
From its haunting opening chords to its pulsating rhythm, “Save Your Tears” immerses listeners in a world of emotional turmoil and longing. The Weeknd’s soulful vocals convey a sense of vulnerability and defiance, as he grapples with the pain of a failed relationship.
Lyrically, the song explores themes of betrayal, regret, and self-preservation, offering a candid glimpse into The Weeknd’s psyche as he navigates the complexities of love and loss. Each verse is a raw and honest confession, delivered with a rawness and vulnerability that resonates with audiences worldwide.
“Save Your Tears” resonated deeply with fans, earning praise for its lush production and evocative storytelling. The track’s emotional depth and infectious energy make it a standout in The Weeknd’s discography, solidifying its place as one of his most beloved and enduring songs of all time.
9. Creepin’
“Creepin'” emerges as a haunting exploration of desire and obsession within The Weeknd’s repertoire. Released as part of his mixtape “Echoes of Silence” in 2011, the track showcases The Weeknd’s early experimentation with dark, atmospheric R&B.
From its eerie production to its hypnotic rhythm, “Creepin'” draws listeners into a shadowy world of forbidden desires and nocturnal thrills. The Weeknd’s falsetto vocals exude a sense of urgency and longing, as he navigates themes of lust and infatuation with captivating intensity.
Lyrically, the song delves into the darker aspects of human nature, offering a visceral portrayal of obsession and longing. Each verse is a confession of forbidden desires, delivered with a rawness and vulnerability that leaves a lasting impression.
“Creepin'” served as a precursor to The Weeknd’s later success, earning praise for its innovative sound and evocative storytelling. Its haunting melodies and provocative lyrics make it a standout in The Weeknd’s early discography, solidifying its place as a fan favorite among his devoted following.
10. Can’t Feel My Face
“Can’t Feel My Face” emerges as an electrifying anthem of euphoria and addiction within The Weeknd’s repertoire. Released in 2015 as a single from his album “Beauty Behind the Madness,” the track quickly became a global sensation, captivating audiences with its infectious energy and irresistible groove.
From its pulsating beat to its catchy melody, “Can’t Feel My Face” exudes an undeniable sense of euphoria and hedonism. The Weeknd’s smooth vocals glide effortlessly over the pulsating rhythm, delivering lyrics that blur the lines between pleasure and pain.
Lyrically, the song explores themes of addiction and infatuation, offering a candid glimpse into the highs and lows of romantic obsession. Each verse is a confession of vulnerability and desire, delivered with a rawness and honesty that resonates with listeners worldwide.
“Can’t Feel My Face” became an instant smash hit, topping charts around the globe and earning critical acclaim for its infectious hooks and innovative production. Its irresistible blend of pop sensibility and dark subject matter solidified The Weeknd’s status as a true icon of contemporary music, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.
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.
