The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada, is a highly influential and acclaimed singer, songwriter, and record producer. Known for his distinct voice and genre-blending style, he has become one of the most prominent figures in contemporary music.
The Weeknd first gained attention with his 2011 mixtapes *House of Balloons*, *Thursday*, and *Echoes of Silence*. His debut studio album, *Kiss Land* (2013), was followed by the critically acclaimed *Beauty Behind the Madness* (2015), which included hits like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills.” His 2016 album *Starboy* further solidified his status with tracks such as “Starboy” and “I Feel It Coming,” featuring Daft Punk.
His 2018 album, *My Dear Melancholy*, and his 2020 release, *After Hours*, continued his success, with hits like “Heartless,” “Blinding Lights,” and “Save Your Tears.” The latter track, “Blinding Lights,” became particularly notable for its massive commercial success and its influence on the resurgence of 1980s-inspired pop music.
The Weeknd is known for his innovative sound, blending elements of R&B, pop, and electronic music. His distinctive style, characterized by his high-pitched voice and moody, atmospheric production, has earned him numerous awards, including Grammy Awards and American Music Awards.
1. I Feel it Coming
“I Feel It Coming” is a song by The Weeknd featuring Daft Punk, released on November 22, 2016, as the second single from The Weeknd’s third studio album, *Starboy*. The track is a smooth, retro-inspired pop song with strong influences from 1980s synth-pop and disco.
Written by The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Daft Punk (Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo), and Nicolas Jaar, “I Feel It Coming” features a catchy melody, upbeat rhythm, and lush, synth-driven production. The song’s lyrics revolve around themes of romance and the anticipation of a relationship, with a focus on the feeling of inevitable connection and emotional resonance.
The music video for “I Feel It Coming” is visually striking, with a futuristic, cinematic aesthetic that complements the song’s retro vibe. It features The Weeknd and Daft Punk in a stylized, sci-fi setting, enhancing the track’s nostalgic and otherworldly atmosphere.
“I Feel It Coming” was well-received for its nostalgic sound and the synergy between The Weeknd and Daft Punk. The song achieved commercial success, reaching the top 10 in various countries and contributing to the overall success of the *Starboy* album.
2. Die For You
“Die for You” by The Weeknd is a soulful track from his 2016 album *Starboy*. The song features a smooth, retro-inspired R&B sound, with lush synths and a slow groove that highlight The Weeknd’s emotive vocal delivery. Lyrically, “Die for You” explores themes of deep emotional attachment and longing, with The Weeknd expressing a willingness to sacrifice everything for the person he loves. The track stands out for its heartfelt lyrics and atmospheric production, capturing the essence of vulnerability and devotion. “Die for You” has been well-received by fans for its emotional depth and is often noted for its introspective and romantic tone.
3. Earned It
“Earned It” by The Weeknd is a sultry, R&B track from the 2015 soundtrack of the film *Fifty Shades of Grey*. The song features a smooth, orchestral arrangement with a vintage, seductive feel, blending elements of soul and contemporary R&B. The Weeknd’s vocals are delivered with a velvety, emotional intensity that complements the song’s romantic and intimate theme. Lyrically, “Earned It” speaks to the idea of a deep, deserving love and the feeling of having worked hard for a meaningful relationship. The track was well-received, earning The Weeknd critical acclaim and a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The music video further enhances the song’s sensual atmosphere with its elegant and cinematic visuals.
4. The Hills
“The Hills” by The Weeknd is a dark, atmospheric track from his 2015 album *Beauty Behind the Madness*. The song features a brooding, moody production with heavy bass and haunting synths, reflecting The Weeknd’s signature sound. Lyrically, “The Hills” delves into themes of excess, troubled relationships, and the consequences of a hedonistic lifestyle. The Weeknd’s vocal performance is intense and raw, conveying a sense of urgency and vulnerability. The music video, known for its surreal and cinematic style, visually complements the song’s eerie and enigmatic vibe. “The Hills” was a commercial success and is noted for its distinctive production and introspective lyrics, becoming one of The Weeknd’s most memorable hits.
5. Prisoner
“Prisoner” is a song by The Weeknd featuring rapper Lil Uzi Vert, released on November 19, 2020, as part of The Weeknd’s fourth studio album, *After Hours*. The track is a dynamic, synth-heavy pop song with a blend of upbeat and melancholic elements.
Written by The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Lil Uzi Vert (Symere Woods), and producers The Weeknd, Metro Boomin, and others, “Prisoner” combines a catchy, danceable beat with introspective lyrics about the struggles of a turbulent relationship and the feeling of being trapped emotionally.
The music video for “Prisoner” features a visually intense narrative with vibrant colors and dramatic imagery, aligning with the song’s themes of entrapment and emotional conflict. The video complements the song’s energetic and slightly dark vibe.
“Prisoner” was well-received for its infectious rhythm and the collaboration between The Weeknd and Lil Uzi Vert, adding a distinctive flavor to The Weeknd’s *After Hours* album.
6. Blinding Lights
“Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd is an infectious, synth-driven pop track from his 2019 album *After Hours*. The song features an 80s-inspired sound with vibrant, retro synths and a driving beat that evokes a sense of nostalgia. Lyrically, “Blinding Lights” explores themes of longing and the desire to rekindle a lost love, with The Weeknd expressing a deep yearning for connection. The song’s catchy chorus and energetic production have made it a standout hit, and its music video, set in a neon-lit cityscape, visually captures the song’s nostalgic and cinematic feel. “Blinding Lights” became one of The Weeknd’s biggest hits, topping charts worldwide and receiving widespread acclaim for its catchy melody and evocative sound.
7. Starboy
“Starboy” is a song by The Weeknd featuring Daft Punk, released on September 22, 2016, as the lead single from The Weeknd’s third studio album, *Starboy*. The track is a sleek, futuristic pop song with a blend of R&B and electronic influences, showcasing a signature collaboration between The Weeknd and Daft Punk.
Written by The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Daft Punk (Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo), and producers Daft Punk and Nicolas Jaar, “Starboy” features a pulsating beat, smooth synths, and The Weeknd’s distinctive vocal style. The lyrics reflect themes of fame, success, and the challenges that come with it, with a focus on The Weeknd’s transformation and reinvention as a “starboy.”
The music video for “Starboy” is visually striking, featuring The Weeknd in a stylized, high-energy narrative where he destroys symbols of his past persona and embraces a new, more glamorous identity. The video enhances the song’s themes of change and the impact of celebrity.
“Starboy” received widespread acclaim for its innovative production and memorable hook, achieving commercial success and topping the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s popularity contributed significantly to the success of *Starboy* as an album, solidifying The Weeknd’s position as a leading figure in contemporary pop and R&B music.
8. Save Your Tears
“Save Your Tears” by The Weeknd is a reflective, synth-pop track from his 2020 album *After Hours*. The song features a smooth, retro sound with 80s-inspired synths and a driving beat that complements The Weeknd’s emotive vocals. Lyrically, “Save Your Tears” deals with the aftermath of a breakup, offering a message of moving on and advising an ex-partner to save their tears and not dwell on past mistakes. The track’s catchy melody and nostalgic production have made it a popular hit. The music video, which features a surreal and visually striking storyline, further enhances the song’s emotional impact and has been praised for its cinematic quality.
9. Creepin’
“Creepin'” is a song by The Weeknd featuring Metro Boomin and 21 Savage, released on January 5, 2024. The track blends The Weeknd’s signature R&B style with Metro Boomin’s atmospheric production and 21 Savage’s gritty rap verses.
Written by The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Metro Boomin (Leland Tyler Wayne), 21 Savage (Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph), and additional collaborators, “Creepin'” explores themes of infidelity and the emotional fallout of a secretive relationship. The song features moody, synth-driven instrumentation and introspective lyrics that delve into the complexities of trust and betrayal.
The music video for “Creepin'” is visually striking, with a cinematic aesthetic that enhances the song’s themes of secrecy and emotional tension. It features dramatic imagery and a narrative that complements the track’s introspective and edgy vibe.
“Creepin'” has been well-received for its compelling blend of styles and its exploration of nuanced emotional themes, contributing to The Weeknd’s reputation for creating emotionally resonant and genre-blending music.
10. Can’t Feel My Face
“Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd is a vibrant, upbeat track from his 2015 album *Beauty Behind the Madness*. The song blends pop, R&B, and funk influences, characterized by its infectious rhythm and catchy chorus. The Weeknd’s vocal performance is smooth and engaging, capturing a sense of euphoria and intoxication. Lyrically, “Can’t Feel My Face” uses the metaphor of losing sensation to describe the intense highs and lows of a passionate, yet troubled relationship. The track’s upbeat, danceable sound and memorable hooks contributed to its widespread success, making it one of The Weeknd’s most iconic songs. The music video, featuring dynamic choreography and stylish visuals, complements the song’s energetic vibe.