When it comes to modern music icons, few have made as lasting an impact as The Weeknd. With his signature blend of haunting vocals, genre-bending production, and raw, emotionally-charged lyrics, the Canadian artist has skyrocketed to global stardom. From underground mixtapes to topping the charts with record-breaking hits, The Weeknd has consistently pushed the boundaries of R&B, pop, and electronic music, leaving fans eagerly awaiting each new release.
In this article, we’re diving deep into The Weeknd’s musical catalog to highlight the Top 10 Most Popular Songs of All Time. These tracks have defined not only his career but also the sound of an entire generation. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting introduced to his music, this list will take you on a journey through the sultry, dark, and infectious melodies that have captivated millions worldwide. From club anthems to heart-wrenching ballads, The Weeknd’s versatility is unmatched, and these songs are a testament to his evolution as one of the greatest artists of our time. So, get ready to rediscover some classics and perhaps find a new favorite as we count down The Weeknd’s most iconic hits!
1. Blinding Lights (2019)
Released in November 2019, “Blinding Lights” is arguably The Weeknd’s most iconic track, representing a turning point in his career. This song is a perfect blend of retro and modern pop, drawing heavy inspiration from 1980s synthwave while maintaining a contemporary edge. Its pulsating beats, shimmering synths, and infectious melody instantly captured listeners worldwide, making it an international sensation. The song tells a tale of longing and desperation, with The Weeknd expressing a sense of emotional vulnerability as he yearns for a lost love. The lyrics, “I’m blinded by the lights / No, I can’t sleep until I feel your touch,” encapsulate a feeling of love slipping through his fingers, evoking a relatable emotional depth. What truly set “Blinding Lights” apart, however, was its perfect timing. Released at the cusp of a new decade, it resonated deeply with listeners who were craving nostalgia wrapped in a modern package. The song went on to break numerous records, including spending over a year on the Billboard Hot 100, with several weeks at number one. The Weeknd’s emotive vocal performance, paired with the song’s nostalgic yet forward-thinking production, solidified “Blinding Lights” as an enduring pop anthem for years to come.
2. Starboy (2016)
In September 2016, The Weeknd dropped “Starboy,” the title track of his third studio album, marking a significant evolution in his artistic journey. This bold track, featuring the legendary Daft Punk, showcased a fusion of futuristic electronic beats with The Weeknd’s signature dark lyrical themes. The song captures the complexity of The Weeknd’s relationship with fame, materialism, and identity, all while maintaining an infectious energy that propels it forward. In “Starboy,” he grapples with the dichotomy of his success: the thrill of stardom intertwined with feelings of alienation and excess. Lines like “Look what you’ve done / I’m a mother****ing starboy” convey a sense of both triumph and inner conflict, offering a glimpse into the highs and lows of his newfound celebrity. The sleek production, driven by Daft Punk’s mastery of electronic music, elevates the song, giving it a polished yet edgy feel. Upon its release, “Starboy” shot straight to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming an instant commercial success. Beyond its chart performance, “Starboy” cemented The Weeknd’s place among the elite in pop music, marking a bold new chapter in his career as a global icon and boundary-pushing artist.
3. Can’t Feel My Face (2015)
Released in June 2015, “Can’t Feel My Face” represented a watershed moment in The Weeknd’s career, propelling him from alternative R&B star to mainstream pop sensation. This upbeat track, with its funky groove and infectious rhythm, showcased a different side of The Weeknd’s musical persona. Drawing clear inspiration from the king of pop, Michael Jackson, “Can’t Feel My Face” exudes a vibrant energy that instantly hooked listeners worldwide. The song’s bouncy production, paired with The Weeknd’s silky-smooth vocals, made it an undeniable summer anthem. But beneath its feel-good exterior lies a darker undercurrent. The lyrics, while seemingly about the euphoric highs of love, also touch on themes of addiction and escapism. Lines like “I can’t feel my face when I’m with you / But I love it” can be interpreted as both a romantic metaphor and a nod to self-destructive behavior, giving the song a layer of complexity that resonates deeply with fans. The juxtaposition of its dark themes and upbeat sound made it a cultural phenomenon. “Can’t Feel My Face” not only dominated the airwaves but also solidified The Weeknd as a versatile artist capable of blending dark, introspective themes with mainstream appeal.
4. The Hills (2015)
In May 2015, The Weeknd released “The Hills,” a haunting, atmospheric track that quickly became one of his signature songs. Unlike the upbeat energy of “Can’t Feel My Face,” “The Hills” dives deep into the darker, more raw side of The Weeknd’s music. The track is characterized by its moody, brooding production, heavy with bass and eerie synths, which perfectly complement The Weeknd’s chilling falsetto. Lyrically, the song explores themes of toxic relationships, secrecy, and self-destructive behavior, with The Weeknd reflecting on the darker aspects of fame and personal life. The confessional nature of the lyrics, such as “When I’m messed up, that’s the real me,” struck a chord with listeners who appreciated the song’s raw vulnerability. The Weeknd doesn’t shy away from admitting his flaws, and that honesty is what makes “The Hills” resonate so powerfully. The song’s haunting production and emotional depth helped it climb to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing The Weeknd’s reputation for creating emotionally charged, genre-defying music. Years after its release, “The Hills” remains a fan favorite, a testament to its lasting impact on both The Weeknd’s career and the music landscape.
5. Save Your Tears (2020)
Released in March 2020 as part of After Hours, “Save Your Tears” is another standout track that blends retro elements with The Weeknd’s unique brand of emotional storytelling. The song’s shimmering production, with its 80s-inspired synths and driving beat, creates an infectious, melancholic atmosphere that perfectly complements the song’s themes of regret and longing. Lyrically, The Weeknd reflects on a past relationship, delivering lines like “I don’t know why I run away / I’ll make you cry when I run away,” which encapsulate the emotional distance he struggles with. The song’s chorus, where he sings “Save your tears for another day,” conveys a sense of unresolved pain, as if he’s encouraging his former lover to move on, while he remains stuck in his own regret. The accompanying music video, with its surreal imagery and dark, theatrical aesthetic, added another layer to the song’s emotional depth, amplifying its narrative of heartbreak and isolation. Despite its melancholic tone, the track’s catchy melody and sleek production helped it become a massive hit, topping charts worldwide. “Save Your Tears” is now regarded as one of The Weeknd’s most beloved songs, capturing the bittersweet essence of love and loss with precision.
6. Earned It (2014)
“Earned It,” released in December 2014, marked a pivotal moment in The Weeknd’s career as it introduced him to a wider audience through the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack. The song is a sultry, slow-burning ballad that showcases The Weeknd’s ability to seamlessly blend sensuality with emotional depth. Backed by lush orchestral strings and a smooth, hypnotic beat, “Earned It” exudes a luxurious, seductive vibe, perfectly aligning with the themes of the film. The Weeknd’s vocals are rich and velvety, gliding effortlessly over the sensual production as he sings about a love that feels both earned and deserved. Lyrics like “You make it look like it’s magic” highlight the intensity of the emotions at play, with The Weeknd balancing both vulnerability and confidence in his delivery. The song was not only a commercial success, charting in multiple countries, but also earned critical acclaim, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. “Earned It” remains one of The Weeknd’s most recognizable tracks, a testament to his ability to create music that is both emotionally resonant and irresistibly seductive. It helped solidify his status as a versatile artist capable of transcending genres and audiences.
7. I Feel It Coming (2016)
“I Feel It Coming,” released in November 2016, stands as one of The Weeknd’s most upbeat and romantic tracks, offering a refreshing contrast to his typically darker themes. The song, a second collaboration with the legendary Daft Punk, is a smooth, disco-infused track that exudes warmth and optimism. Its breezy production, characterized by its soft beats and shimmering synths, instantly transports listeners to a place of nostalgia, reminiscent of classic 80s love songs. The Weeknd’s vocal delivery is light and effortless, as he croons about love and connection with a sense of ease and confidence. Lyrics like “You’ve been scared of love and what it did to you / You don’t have to run, I know what you’ve been through” convey a message of reassurance, offering comfort to a partner who has been hurt before. The song’s feel-good vibe, coupled with its timeless melody, made it a commercial success, appealing to fans across different generations. “I Feel It Coming” received widespread acclaim for its polished production and romantic undertones, further solidifying The Weeknd’s ability to craft hits that span genres and emotions, making it a beloved staple in his catalog.
8. In The Night (2015)
Released in November 2015, “In The Night” is a powerful track that juxtaposes upbeat, retro-inspired production with dark, haunting storytelling. The song, reminiscent of 80s pop anthems, features driving synths and energetic percussion that make it instantly danceable. However, beneath the vibrant sound lies a grim tale of trauma and survival, with The Weeknd narrating the story of a woman who has endured immense hardship but continues to persevere. The song’s lyrics, like “She was young and all she had was the city,” paint a vivid picture of pain and resilience, offering a glimpse into the darker side of life often hidden behind glamour and allure. The contrast between the song’s upbeat tempo and its heavy lyrical content creates a powerful emotional tension, making “In The Night” both thought-provoking and captivating. The music video, with its noir-inspired visuals and intense narrative, further amplified the song’s impact, drawing attention to its underlying themes. “In The Night” became a fan favorite, showcasing The Weeknd’s ability to fuse light and darkness in his music, and proving that even his most danceable tracks can carry deep emotional weight.
9. Call Out My Name (2018)
In March 2018, The Weeknd released “Call Out My Name,” a heart-wrenching ballad that delves into themes of betrayal and unrequited love. As part of his My Dear Melancholy EP, the song marked a return to the darker, more introspective style that initially defined The Weeknd’s music. The slow, ethereal production allows his vocals to take center stage, with each note dripping in raw emotion. Lyrics like “I almost cut a piece of myself for your life” highlight the depth of the pain he’s expressing, as he recounts the emotional toll of loving someone who didn’t fully reciprocate those feelings. Many fans and critics speculated that the song was inspired by The Weeknd’s real-life relationships, adding another layer of vulnerability to the track. The haunting melody and confessional lyrics resonated deeply with listeners, making it an instant hit. “Call Out My Name” charted in multiple countries and solidified The Weeknd’s ability to create music that speaks to the deepest human emotions. It’s a song that perfectly captures the pain of heartbreak and the difficulty of moving on, making it a standout in The Weeknd’s discography.
10. Die For You (2016)
“Die For You,” released in November 2016 as part of The Weeknd’s Starboy album, is a tender, emotionally charged song that explores the depths of love and devotion. The track features a smooth, downtempo beat that allows The Weeknd’s vocals to shine as he sings about a love so intense that he’s willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. Lyrics like “Even though we’re going through it / If it makes you feel alone, just know that I would die for you” convey a deep sense of loyalty and emotional connection, making the song resonate with anyone who has experienced the intensity of unconditional love. While not initially released as a major single, “Die For You” gained a cult following over time, with fans appreciating its heartfelt lyrics and stripped-down production. Years later, the song saw a resurgence in popularity, proving that its emotional depth and timeless theme of love stood the test of time. “Die For You” showcases The Weeknd’s ability to craft deeply personal, relatable music that continues to resonate with listeners long after its initial release, solidifying it as one of his most beloved tracks.
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.
