The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He first gained popularity with the release of his mixtapes “House of Balloons,” “Thursday,” and “Echoes of Silence” in 2011. These mixtapes helped to establish his unique sound, blending R&B, pop, and electronic music.
In 2013, The Weeknd released his debut studio album, “Kiss Land,” which featured hits like “Live For” and “Belong to the World.” He gained even more mainstream success with the release of his album “Beauty Behind the Madness” in 2015, which included the chart-topping hits “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills.”
The Weeknd has since released several more successful albums, including “Starboy” and “After Hours,” which showcase his continued growth as an artist. He has also collaborated with artists such as Daft Punk, Kendrick Lamar, and Ariana Grande.
The Weeknd has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, including three Grammy Awards and multiple Billboard Music Awards. He is known for his distinctive voice, introspective lyrics, and innovative sound, which has influenced many other artists in the music industry.
h2>1. The Party & the After Party
This track is among the top picks for The Weeknd's finest creations, combining a slow-burning opening with an explosive culmination. The word "Party" in this title makes it sound like a high-octane dance number, but the reality is a deep exploration of intimacy and after-party exultation that hits you right in the feels.
"The Party & the After Party" showcases Abel Tesfaye's sultry vocals and emotive storytelling prowess in equal measure. He weaves together themes of lust, drugs, and hedonism seamlessly into a hypnotic soundscape that mesmerizes listeners from start to finish.
One unique feature is its extended fade-out ending, which houses over three minutes of hypnotic instrumentation and background vocals before finally trailing off. Such thoughtful attention to detail emphasizes The Weeknd's immense skills as an artist.
If you haven't indulged in "The Party & the After Party" yet, you're seriously missing out on one of his signature classics. It's an experience that transports you to a world where boundaries are non-existent, and your emotions take center stage.
Listening to 'Less Than Zero' is like getting punched in the gut by The Weeknd's raw emotion.
2. Less Than Zero
Exploring The Weeknd's music catalog, we come across an exceptional track that captures all of his essence and vocal range, showcasing his extraordinary talent. In this song, The Weeknd portrays the protagonist who has everything but is devoid of emotions and uncertainty, living in a world of materialism only to realize how empty it is.
The Weeknd has brilliantly written and sung about how wealth cannot fill the void within us. The beats hit hard while he sings with powerful vocals that are both haunting and beautiful.
What makes this unique from other tracks are the lyrics that break down the materialistic facade and display raw emotions. The instrumentals are perfectly synched with Abel Tesfaye's voice, creating an isolating ambiance that draws us in.
For those seeking something new or looking for a refreshing change in their musical taste, giving 'A Song That Exudes the Absence of Value' a listen will surely do you good. Its message can inspire you to inquire introspectively and realize what truly matters to lead a meaningful life.
Get ready to spread your wings and soar with The Weeknd's haunting ode to self-destructive love in 'The Birds Pt. 1'.
3. The Birds Pt. 1
The Birds Pt. 1, positioned at number 3 on the list of '10 Best The Weeknd Songs of All Time,' is an iconic masterpiece produced by the Weeknd. The song takes listeners on a mesmerizing journey through its haunting melody and intoxicating lyrics.
| Song Name | Album | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| The Birds Pt. 1 | Thursday | 2011 |
The Birds Pt. 1 showcases the versatile range of The Weeknd's vocals while also highlighting his deep understanding of musical composition. This song has earned critical acclaim for its unique sound and poignant lyrics, making it a huge fan favorite.
The Weeknd wrote this song as a reflection on his personal struggles with fame and the price he had to pay for it. He draws parallels between himself and a caged bird that yearns to be set free, a theme that beautifully resonates throughout the entire track.
Rolling Stone's pick for the best The Weeknd song? Must be nice to have the luxury of choosing just one.
4. Rolling Stone
Ranked at number four, Rolling Stone has acknowledged The Weeknd for his mesmerizing music. His unique style and versatile voice have captured hearts all around. Rolling Stone has lauded his exceptional artistry and contribution to music. With an extensive collection of The Weeknd’s songs, they have listed their top picks that truly stand out.
In their list of The Weeknd's best songs, many hits like 'Starboy', 'Can't Feel My Face', and 'I Feel It Coming' stand out. These songs not only showcase his musical prowess but also represent his journey towards becoming a prominent artist in the industry. Each track is intricately woven with emotions that resonate with listeners from diverse backgrounds and ages.
One of the unique features of The Weeknd's music is how he seamlessly blends various genres like R&B, soul, pop, and hip hop into a beautiful symphony of sounds. This fusion creates a distinctive sound that has set him apart from others in the industry.
A pro tip for an outstanding experience while listening to these carefully curated tracks is to carefully follow the lyrics along with the melody. By doing so, listeners can appreciate The Weeknd's poetic skills and dive deep into the story behind each song.
Sorry to break it to you, but The Weeknd's got us all Out Of Time with his 5th best song.
5. Out Of Time
This track, from The Weeknd's album "Starboy," showcases his ability to blend genres. '5. Out Of Time' features a fusion of R&B and electronic beats and a vocal performance that hits hard with simmering intensity. The song is enhanced by Daft Punk's futuristic production elements, creating an unearthly atmosphere that adds to the overall vision of the album.
The song stands out as one of the major hits from "Starboy," peaking at No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and it remains a fan favorite for its catchy melody and retro sound infused with contemporary beats.
The Weeknd's lyrics in '5. Out Of Time' speak about a doomed love affair, as he sings about different personas interacting with him in his head while he tries not to break down under the pressure. With its soaring chorus and pulsing rhythms, this track proves why The Weeknd is known as one of today's most boundary-pushing artists.
It’s interesting to note that '5. Out Of Time' was initially part of The Weeknd's scrapped third studio album prior to becoming part of "Starboy." In an interview with Beats 1 Radio in November 2016, he explained how he reworked some songs from that project into his fourth studio album after deciding to go in a different artistic direction for his new music.
(Source: Rolling Stone)
Step inside the House of Balloons and prepare to be entranced by the smooth sounds and dark lyrics, just don't be surprised if you leave with a newfound appreciation for glass tables.
6. House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls
This musical masterpiece is a combination of two songs, the House of Balloons and Glass Table Girls. This could be referred to as a musical journey into The Weeknd's artistic style, known for its dark themes and smooth execution. The House of Balloons explores the lifestyle he lived before his fame, where endless parties and drugs were the norm. In contrast, Glass Table Girls focuses on the glitz and glamour of his newfound fame, showcasing the excesses that come with it.
The song opens with an eerie beat that is reminiscent of shadows creeping in and out; it sets the perfect tone for what is about to come. As soon as he starts singing, his voice pulls you in with an effortless blend of sadness and desire. One of the most notable features of this song is how he seamlessly switches between singing and rapping without disrupting the flow of the melody.
Overall, House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls showcases The Weeknd's versatility as an artist while serving as a reminder that fame does not always equal happiness.
Pro Tip: To fully appreciate this song's depth, listen to it with headphones on to get lost in its intricate rhythms and haunting melodies.
Blinding Lights shines so bright, it could cure seasonal depression – unless you're driving and get distracted by the sick beat.
7. Blinding Lights
This track is a prime example of The Weeknd's ability to create catchy, dance-worthy hits. 'Blinding Lights' delivers an infectious retro synth-pop sound that is hard to resist. The song captures the feeling of reckless nights out and the intense desire for freedom and fun. Its lyrics play on themes of escapism, with The Weeknd's vocals soaring throughout the track.
Melding together nostalgic 80s vibes with modern pop sensibilities, 'Blinding Lights' has become one of The Weeknd's most celebrated songs.
Tell your friends about this song, but also warn them that they may end up singing it at the top of their lungs in public places.
8. Tell Your Friends
This track is the 8th song on our list of the top 10 best songs by The Weeknd. 'Spread the Word' is an uptempo, catchy tune with a fascinating backstory. In this section, we dive deep and explain why it made our cut and what makes it stand out from The Weeknd's extensive catalogue.
- The Song Elements: From the bright keys to the thundering drumbeat, every aspect of 'Spread the Word' screams energy and excitement.
- Hooks and Choruses: One of The Weeknd's strongest abilities is creating memorable hooks that stick with listeners long after they've heard them. And this song is no exception.
- Lyrics: Lyrically, 'Spread the Word' boasts clever wordplay about fame, friendship and relationships all wrapped in one masterful story by Abel Tesfaye.
- Production Quality: This track reflects impeccable sound production quality reflecting on its release date back in 2016 and highlighting Tesfaye’s growth as an artist.
- Catchiness that resonated over time – It still hits hard at clubs, radio stations a few years after its release showing how timeless it has become.
- An influential Nod from Kanye West himself – This was one of his favorite songs from Tesfaye's music.
To Summarize, 'Tell Your Friends' shows off The Weeknd at their best. From its sonics to storytelling techniques and even a nod from one of hip-hop's greatest artists, it highlights everything fans love about Abel Tesfaye and his evolution since he first emerged on the scene. For those who haven't listened to this masterpiece before are strongly encouraged to add it right now on their playlist while enjoying a drink with friends as this one is contagious! Listening to 'The Morning' is like waking up after a wild night out, dreading the memories of what you did but also secretly enjoying the thrill of it all.
9. The Morning
This particular track from The Weeknd’s discography boasts an intoxicatingly heady mix of synth-wave and R&B elements with a dash of psychedelia thrown in for good measure.
It captures the essence of those early morning hours when the city is still slumbering, but the party hasn’t stopped yet. With Abel Tesfaye’s vocals oozing palpable sensuality, "The Morning" has become a fan-favorite, delivering one of his most well-known refrains.
The song is an ode to unbridled hedonism – an invitation to embrace the night in all its unadulterated glory.
Just like "The Hills", this song will have you wondering if The Weeknd needs a therapist or if you do.
10. The Hills
This track, one of The Weeknd's well-known pieces, dictates a dark and sexy story of love amid darkness. The combination of negative and positive emotions in the lyrics makes it a catchy tune for audiences of all types. Its music video, where Abel Tesfaye can be seen wondering in what seems to be a post-party red-light district— adds an enigmatic vibe that robs viewers' breaths away.
The Hills' hook is composed of the memorable and cheerful melody that is guaranteed to remain stuck in your head long after you've finished listening to it. Its bouncy rhythm borrows elements from electronic and hip-hop music genres, which creates an atmosphere of festivity that distinguishes this song from any others.
This song has received numerous remixes from famous artists like Eminem and Nicki Minaj due to its melodic appeal. Additionally, it became even more massive when it topped charts worldwide after its release on May 27th, 2015.
Research by Rolling Stone shows that "The Hills" became the Weeknd's third number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart within several years.
– (Source)
Edward Tomlin 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.
