The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, he first gained attention for his mysterious persona and distinctive musical style, blending elements of R&B, pop, and electronic music.
The Weeknd gained widespread acclaim with the release of his mixtapes “House of Balloons,” “Thursday,” and “Echoes of Silence” in 2011, which were later compiled into the album “Trilogy” (2012). His debut studio album “Kiss Land” followed in 2013, solidifying his status as a rising star in the music industry.
However, it was his sophomore album, “Beauty Behind the Madness” (2015), that propelled The Weeknd to mainstream success. The album featured hit singles like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills,” earning him critical acclaim, multiple Grammy Awards, and widespread commercial success.
Since then, The Weeknd has continued to release highly successful albums, including “Starboy” (2016) and “After Hours” (2020), which have produced chart-topping hits like “Starboy,” “I Feel It Coming,” and “Blinding Lights.” Known for his emotive vocals, atmospheric production, and introspective lyrics, The Weeknd has become one of the most influential and successful artists of his generation.
1. Blinding Lights
“Blinding Lights” is a synth-pop and 1980s-inspired song by The Weeknd, released in 2019 as the second single from his fourth studio album “After Hours.” The song is characterized by its infectious melody, pulsating beat, and nostalgic yet futuristic production.
Lyrically, “Blinding Lights” explores themes of love, longing, and escapism. The Weeknd sings about feeling lost and seeking solace in the bright lights and distractions of the city, particularly during the nighttime. The song’s catchy hooks and anthemic chorus resonated with audiences worldwide, making it one of The Weeknd’s most successful and acclaimed songs.
“Blinding Lights” topped charts in numerous countries and broke several records, including spending over a year in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its accompanying music video, featuring The Weeknd wandering through a cityscape at night, further enhanced its popularity and solidified its status as a modern pop classic.
2. Starboy (feat. Daft Punk)
“Starboy” is a funky and atmospheric song by The Weeknd featuring the French electronic duo Daft Punk, released in 2016 as the lead single from his third studio album of the same name. The song is characterized by its groovy beat, infectious melody, and sleek production.
Lyrically, “Starboy” explores themes of fame, success, and reinvention. The Weeknd sings about his rise to stardom and the changes that come with it, including shedding his old persona to embrace a new, more confident identity as a “starboy.” The collaboration with Daft Punk adds a futuristic and enigmatic quality to the song, with their signature electronic sound complementing The Weeknd’s smooth vocals.
“Starboy” became a commercial success, topping charts in numerous countries and earning critical acclaim for its innovative production and catchy hooks. Its accompanying music video, featuring The Weeknd destroying his old self and embracing his new persona, further enhanced its popularity and solidified its status as one of The Weeknd’s most iconic songs.
3. The Hills
“The Hills” is a song by The Weeknd, released in 2015 as the second single from his album *Beauty Behind the Madness*. Written by The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Ahmad Balshe, Emmanuel Nickerson, Carlo Montagnese, and Jason Quenneville, the song is a dark, atmospheric R&B track with elements of hip-hop and electronic music. “The Hills” features The Weeknd’s haunting vocals and explores themes of hedonism, desire, and emotional detachment. The song’s production includes moody synths, deep bass, and a hypnotic beat that intensify its atmospheric feel. “The Hills” was a critical and commercial success, topping charts worldwide and showcasing The Weeknd’s distinctive sound and lyrical depth.
4. Can’t Feel My Face
“Can’t Feel My Face” is a pop and funk-influenced song by The Weeknd, released in 2015 as the third single from his second studio album “Beauty Behind the Madness.” The song is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and infectious groove.
Lyrically, “Can’t Feel My Face” explores themes of addiction and infatuation. The Weeknd sings about the euphoric highs of being in love and how it can feel similar to being under the influence of drugs. The song’s lyrics juxtapose feelings of pleasure and pain, creating a compelling narrative that resonated with listeners.
“Can’t Feel My Face” became a massive commercial success, topping charts in numerous countries and earning critical acclaim for its catchy hooks and energetic production. Its accompanying music video, featuring The Weeknd performing the song in a club-like setting, further enhanced its popularity and solidified its status as one of his signature songs.
5. Save Your Tears
“Save Your Tears” is a song by The Weeknd, released in 2020 as part of his album *After Hours*. Written by The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Max Martin, Oscar Holter, and Belly (Ahmad Balshe), the song is an upbeat pop track with elements of synth-pop and 1980s-inspired music. “Save Your Tears” features The Weeknd’s emotive vocals and explores themes of heartbreak, regret, and resilience. The song’s production includes pulsating beats, catchy hooks, and a nostalgic melody that contrasts with its melancholic lyrics. “Save Your Tears” received positive reviews for its infectious sound and emotional depth, becoming a commercial success worldwide.
6. Earned It
“Earned It” is a soulful and seductive R&B song by The Weeknd, released in 2014 as the lead single from the soundtrack of the film “Fifty Shades of Grey.” The song is characterized by its haunting melody, lush orchestration, and The Weeknd’s smooth and emotive vocals.
Lyrically, “Earned It” explores themes of desire, temptation, and longing. The Weeknd sings about the complexities of a passionate and intense relationship, where he expresses his willingness to go to great lengths to please his lover. The song’s lyrics are sensual and evocative, perfectly capturing the mood of the film.
“Earned It” became a commercial success, topping charts in several countries and earning critical acclaim for its atmospheric production and The Weeknd’s captivating performance. Its accompanying music video, featuring scenes from “Fifty Shades of Grey” alongside The Weeknd performing the song in a grandiose setting, further enhanced its popularity and solidified its status as one of his most memorable songs.
7. I Feel It Coming (feat. Daft Punk)
“I Feel It Coming” is a song by The Weeknd featuring Daft Punk, released in 2016 as part of The Weeknd’s album *Starboy*. Written by The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Thomas Bangalter, Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, and Eric Chedeville, the song is a throwback to 1980s-inspired pop and disco music. “I Feel It Coming” showcases The Weeknd’s smooth vocals alongside Daft Punk’s signature electronic soundscapes. The song’s lyrics express a sense of anticipation and romance, with a dreamy atmosphere and infectious groove. “I Feel It Coming” was well-received critically and commercially, reaching high positions on charts worldwide and further solidifying The Weeknd’s reputation as a versatile and innovative artist.
8. Call Out My Name
“Call Out My Name” is a haunting and emotional R&B ballad by The Weeknd, released in 2018 as the lead single from his EP “My Dear Melancholy.” The song is characterized by its atmospheric production, moody melody, and The Weeknd’s soulful vocals.
Lyrically, “Call Out My Name” explores themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and longing. The Weeknd sings about the pain of a failed relationship and the sense of abandonment he feels from a former lover. The song’s lyrics are introspective and raw, reflecting the vulnerability of the singer’s emotions.
“Call Out My Name” received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike for its powerful lyrics and The Weeknd’s emotive delivery. Its accompanying music video, featuring surreal and artistic visuals, further enhanced its impact and solidified its status as one of The Weeknd’s standout songs.
9. Heartless
“Heartless” is a song by The Weeknd, released in 2019 as a single from his album *After Hours*. Written by The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Metro Boomin, Illangelo, and Dre Moon, the song is a dark and moody track that delves into themes of heartbreak, pain, and emotional numbness. “Heartless” features The Weeknd’s emotive vocals over a haunting instrumental backdrop, blending elements of R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music. The song’s lyrics reflect on toxic relationships and the toll they take on emotional well-being, portraying a sense of detachment and disillusionment. “Heartless” was a commercial success, topping charts worldwide and receiving praise for its introspective lyrics and atmospheric production.
10. Often
“Often” is a seductive R&B track by The Weeknd, released in 2014 as a single and later included on his album “Beauty Behind the Madness.” The song is characterized by its smooth production, catchy melody, and suggestive lyrics.
Lyrically, “Often” explores themes of lust, desire, and hedonism. The Weeknd sings about his frequent encounters with women and his lavish lifestyle, with lyrics that depict indulgence and excess. The song’s lyrics are provocative and explicit, reflecting The Weeknd’s unapologetic embrace of pleasure and sensuality.
“Often” received positive reviews from critics and became a commercial success, charting in multiple countries. Its infectious beat and catchy chorus resonated with listeners, making it one of The Weeknd’s popular songs. The song’s music video, featuring The Weeknd in various luxurious settings, further enhanced its appeal and solidified its status as a fan favorite.