Delving into the ethereal realm of The Weeknd’s music unveils a tapestry of soulful melodies and poignant lyrics that have captivated audiences worldwide. From his enigmatic beginnings to his meteoric rise, The Weeknd has carved a niche in contemporary music, blending R&B, pop, and alternative sounds with effortless finesse. As we embark on a journey through his discography, we unravel the top ten most beloved tracks that have defined his illustrious career. Each song resonates with raw emotion and narrative depth, offering a glimpse into The Weeknd’s introspective world of love, loss, and redemption.
Through his haunting falsetto and evocative storytelling, The Weeknd has garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. From club anthems to introspective ballads, his versatility as an artist shines through in every composition. Each song selected for this list represents a milestone in his evolution, showcasing his ability to push boundaries while maintaining an authentic connection to his audience.
Join us as we celebrate The Weeknd’s musical legacy and explore the songs that have stood the test of time, solidifying his place as one of the most influential artists of his generation.
1. Blinding Lights
Blinding Lights stands as The Weeknd’s magnum opus, a sonic marvel that encapsulates his evolution from alternative R&B to global pop sensation. Released in 2019, its infectious synth-driven melody and anthemic chorus captivated listeners worldwide, dominating charts for months and becoming a cultural phenomenon. The song’s nostalgic 80s-inspired production, paired with Abel Tesfaye’s emotive vocals, creates a timeless appeal that resonates across generations.
Blinding Lights isn’t just a song; it’s a journey through euphoria and introspection, reflecting themes of longing and nightlife escapades. Its music video, featuring Tesfaye’s electrifying performance through neon-lit cityscapes, further solidified its iconic status. Beyond its commercial success, the track earned critical acclaim for its innovative sound and polished production, cementing The Weeknd’s reputation as a boundary-pushing artist.
Fans and critics alike herald Blinding Lights as a modern classic, defining a new era in pop music and inspiring countless covers, remixes, and dance routines. Its enduring popularity underscores its cultural impact, making it not only The Weeknd’s biggest hit but also one of the top songs of the decade, resonating deeply with listeners worldwide.
2. Starboy (feat. Daft Punk)
“Starboy,” featuring Daft Punk, marks a pivotal moment in The Weeknd’s career, showcasing his transition from underground sensation to mainstream superstar. Released in 2016 as the title track of his album, the song blends The Weeknd’s soulful vocals with Daft Punk’s signature electronic soundscapes, creating a mesmerizing fusion of pop, R&B, and EDM.
The track’s lyrics delve into themes of fame, excess, and transformation, reflecting The Weeknd’s personal journey and evolution as an artist. Its catchy hooks and infectious beat propelled it to the top of charts worldwide, earning critical acclaim for its innovative production and captivating storytelling.
The accompanying music video, directed by Grant Singer, further elevated “Starboy” with its stylish visuals and symbolism, depicting The Weeknd shedding his past personas and embracing a new, more confident identity. The collaboration with Daft Punk not only added a futuristic edge to the song but also solidified its place as a cultural milestone in contemporary music.
“Starboy” remains a standout in The Weeknd’s discography, celebrated for its bold experimentation and genre-blurring approach. It continues to resonate with fans globally, embodying the essence of artistic reinvention and pushing creative boundaries in the modern music landscape.
3. The Hills
“The Hills” stands as a haunting anthem of desire and disillusionment, etching its place as one of The Weeknd’s most iconic tracks. Released in 2015, the song immediately captivated audiences with its brooding atmosphere, driven by dark, atmospheric production and Abel Tesfaye’s evocative vocals.
The track explores themes of hedonism, fame, and complex relationships, offering a glimpse into The Weeknd’s introspective storytelling. Its hypnotic beat, courtesy of producers Illangelo and Mano, draws listeners into a shadowy world where pleasure and pain intertwine.
“The Hills” soared to the top of charts globally, showcasing The Weeknd’s ability to blend alternative R&B with mainstream appeal. Its music video, directed by Grant Singer, amplifies the song’s narrative with surreal imagery and symbolic motifs, reinforcing its enigmatic allure.
Beyond its commercial success, “The Hills” earned critical acclaim for its innovative sound and raw emotional depth, solidifying The Weeknd’s reputation as a groundbreaking artist. It remains a fan favorite and a cultural touchstone, resonating with audiences who connect with its themes of yearning and existential angst.
“The Hills” continues to influence contemporary music, serving as a testament to The Weeknd’s ability to craft evocative narratives that push the boundaries of pop and R&B.
4. Can’t Feel My Face
“Can’t Feel My Face” is a pop-infused masterpiece that catapulted The Weeknd into global stardom in 2015. Known for its infectious groove and irresistible hooks, the song marked a departure from The Weeknd’s darker, more introspective tracks, embracing a more upbeat and radio-friendly sound.
Released as the lead single from his album “Beauty Behind the Madness,” “Can’t Feel My Face” blends elements of pop, funk, and R&B, showcasing The Weeknd’s versatility as an artist. Its catchy chorus and energetic rhythm quickly made it a chart-topping hit worldwide, garnering widespread acclaim for its infectious energy and polished production.
Lyrically, the song explores themes of addiction and infatuation, delivered through Abel Tesfaye’s soulful vocals and dynamic performance. Its music video, directed by Grant Singer, complements the track’s narrative with vibrant visuals and a captivating dance sequence, further solidifying its appeal.
“Can’t Feel My Face” became an anthem of summer 2015, dominating airwaves and playlists with its undeniable catchiness and universal appeal. It remains a defining moment in The Weeknd’s career, showcasing his ability to blend pop sensibilities with his trademark soulful voice, ultimately cementing his status as one of the decade’s most influential artists.
5. Save Your Tears
“Save Your Tears” emerges as a standout track from The Weeknd’s acclaimed album “After Hours,” released in 2020. This synth-pop gem combines infectious beats with poignant lyrics, showcasing The Weeknd’s evolution as both a musician and a storyteller.
The song explores themes of heartbreak and regret, delivered through Abel Tesfaye’s emotive vocals layered over pulsating electronic production. Its catchy chorus and melodic hooks create an irresistible blend of nostalgia and modernity, resonating deeply with listeners worldwide.
“Save Your Tears” gained significant attention for its compelling music video, which features The Weeknd in a visually striking persona, adorned with prosthetics and makeup. The video, directed by Cliqua, explores themes of identity and transformation, adding a cinematic depth to the song’s narrative.
Released as a single, “Save Your Tears” quickly climbed the charts, earning critical acclaim for its infectious energy and polished production. It exemplifies The Weeknd’s ability to craft anthems that blend introspective lyrics with danceable rhythms, solidifying his reputation as a boundary-pushing artist in contemporary pop music.
“Save Your Tears” continues to resonate with audiences for its emotional resonance and artistic innovation, further cementing The Weeknd’s position as a visionary artist capable of pushing the boundaries of pop music.
6. Earned It
“Earned It,” released in 2014 as part of the “Fifty Shades of Grey” soundtrack, showcases The Weeknd’s signature blend of sensuality and soulful introspection. The song marked a significant moment in his career, catapulting him to mainstream recognition and earning critical acclaim for its evocative lyrics and sultry vocals.
The track’s lush orchestration, featuring haunting strings and a slow-burning tempo, sets a seductive tone that perfectly complements its themes of desire and intimacy. Abel Tesfaye’s emotive delivery underscores the song’s narrative, capturing the complexities of love and longing with raw vulnerability.
“Earned It” became a chart-topping hit, receiving widespread praise for its cinematic quality and atmospheric production. Its music video, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, further elevated the song’s allure with its artistic visuals and dramatic storytelling, reflecting the theme of dominance and submission depicted in the “Fifty Shades” franchise.
Beyond its commercial success, “Earned It” garnered accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, showcasing The Weeknd’s ability to resonate across diverse audiences with his distinctive style. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to The Weeknd’s artistry, blending contemporary R&B with cinematic grandeur to create a timeless piece of music.
7. I Feel It Coming (feat. Daft Punk)
“I Feel It Coming,” featuring Daft Punk, is a standout collaboration that showcases The Weeknd’s seamless fusion of retro funk and contemporary pop. Released in 2016 as part of his album “Starboy,” the song captivates listeners with its infectious groove, dreamy melodies, and futuristic production.
The track channels influences from 80s pop and funk, blending Daft Punk’s electronic textures with The Weeknd’s soulful vocals to create a mesmerizing atmosphere of romance and nostalgia. Its smooth, uptempo rhythm and catchy hooks make it a perfect blend of dance floor anthem and introspective ballad.
Lyrically, “I Feel It Coming” explores themes of love and connection, delivered through Abel Tesfaye’s emotive performance that resonates with sincerity and longing. The song’s music video, directed by Warren Fu, pays homage to retro sci-fi aesthetics, further enhancing its retro-futuristic charm.
Upon its release, “I Feel It Coming” quickly ascended the charts, earning critical acclaim for its infectious energy and polished production. It showcases The Weeknd’s growth as an artist, demonstrating his ability to craft timeless melodies that transcend genres and eras.
“I Feel It Coming” remains a fan favorite and a testament to The Weeknd’s ability to collaborate with musical innovators like Daft Punk, creating music that resonates with both mainstream audiences and critics alike.
8. Call Out My Name
“Call Out My Name,” released in 2018 as part of The Weeknd’s EP “My Dear Melancholy,” is a haunting ballad that delves deep into themes of heartbreak and emotional turmoil. The song showcases Abel Tesfaye’s raw vulnerability and soulful vocals, delivering a powerful narrative of love and loss.
The track’s minimalist production allows Tesfaye’s vocals to shine, accompanied by atmospheric synths and subtle instrumentation that heighten its emotional impact. Lyrically, “Call Out My Name” reflects on a past relationship, exploring feelings of betrayal and longing with poignant honesty.
The song’s music video, directed by Grant Singer, complements its introspective tone with evocative visuals, capturing the melancholic essence of the lyrics through surreal imagery and symbolism.
“Call Out My Name” received widespread acclaim for its introspective lyrics, emotive delivery, and haunting melodies. It quickly resonated with listeners, becoming a critical and commercial success. The track’s soul-baring honesty and Tesfaye’s vocal prowess solidified its place as one of the standout moments in The Weeknd’s discography.
As a testament to his artistic evolution and ability to connect deeply with his audience, “Call Out My Name” remains a poignant reflection of personal introspection and emotional catharsis, showcasing The Weeknd’s ability to craft timeless music that leaves a lasting impression.
9. Heartless
“Heartless,” released in 2019 as a lead single from The Weeknd’s album “After Hours,” is a visceral exploration of hedonism and emotional numbness. The track catapulted The Weeknd back into the spotlight with its bold lyrics and pulsating production.
The song’s dark, atmospheric beat, produced by Metro Boomin and Illangelo, sets a hypnotic backdrop for Abel Tesfaye’s introspective lyrics, which delve into themes of excess, fame, and self-destructive behavior. “Heartless” captures the essence of a wild night out, where emotions are suppressed in favor of indulgence and temporary pleasure.
The accompanying music video, directed by Anton Tammi, further enhances the song’s narrative with its surreal and cinematic visuals, depicting The Weeknd’s descent into a surreal Las Vegas-like landscape filled with decadence and debauchery.
Upon its release, “Heartless” received widespread acclaim for its raw honesty and infectious energy, topping charts globally and solidifying The Weeknd’s status as a boundary-pushing artist in contemporary pop music. Its success underscored The Weeknd’s ability to blend introspective lyricism with mainstream appeal, resonating deeply with fans and critics alike.
“Heartless” remains a standout track in The Weeknd’s repertoire, showcasing his ability to confront personal demons and societal pressures through his music, while delivering an electrifying sonic experience that leaves a lasting impression.
10. Often
“Often,” released in 2014, is a sultry and seductive track that solidified The Weeknd’s reputation for crafting atmospheric R&B with a provocative edge. Known for its smooth production and explicit lyrics, the song quickly became a fan favorite and a staple in The Weeknd’s discography.
The track’s minimalist beat, produced by Ben Billions and The Weeknd himself, creates an intimate backdrop for Abel Tesfaye’s sensual vocals and candid lyrics. “Often” explores themes of desire, hedonism, and late-night encounters, painting a vivid portrait of a lifestyle filled with indulgence and fleeting connections.
Lyrically, The Weeknd’s trademark blend of vulnerability and bravado shines through, as he navigates the complexities of modern romance with a mix of confidence and introspection. The song’s infectious hook and hypnotic rhythm captivated listeners, propelling it to commercial success and earning critical acclaim for its innovative production.
The accompanying music video, directed by Sam Pilling, further heightened the song’s allure with its stylish visuals and seductive imagery, perfectly complementing the song’s nocturnal atmosphere.
“Often” remains a standout moment in The Weeknd’s career, showcasing his ability to push the boundaries of contemporary R&B while maintaining a distinctive blend of dark sensuality and emotional depth. Its enduring popularity solidifies its place as one of The Weeknd’s most iconic and influential tracks.