The Weeknd, one of the most enigmatic and influential artists of the 21st century, has taken the music world by storm with his haunting vocals, moody production, and genre-defying sound. From his early days as a mysterious figure in the underground music scene to becoming a global superstar, The Weeknd has consistently pushed boundaries, delivering hit after hit that resonates deeply with fans across the world. His songs, often tinged with themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection, have not only topped charts but also become iconic anthems of our time.
In this article, we’re counting down the top 10 most popular songs by The Weeknd, showcasing the tracks that have defined his career and left an indelible mark on the music industry. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering his music, these songs highlight the evolution of an artist who continues to reinvent himself while staying true to his unique sound. So, get ready to dive into the world of dark, hypnotic beats and unforgettable melodies as we explore the songs that have made The Weeknd an unstoppable force in music!
1. “Blinding Lights” (2019)
Released in 2019 as part of The Weeknd’s After Hours album, “Blinding Lights” became a global sensation, propelling the artist to new heights of fame and solidifying his place in pop culture. The song’s infectious 80s-inspired synth-pop beat, with its retro vibes and bright, upbeat tempo, perfectly complements The Weeknd’s signature haunting and emotive vocals. The production, crafted by Max Martin and Oscar Holter, blends nostalgia with a fresh sound, making it an instant classic. “Blinding Lights” became an anthem for a new generation, with its lyrics about longing, heartache, and redemption striking a chord with listeners worldwide. Its anthemic quality made it just as suitable for the energetic nightlife as it was for introspective moments. The song shattered records, topping charts across the globe and becoming one of the most-streamed songs of all time. Its chart longevity, particularly on the Billboard Hot 100, has cemented “Blinding Lights” as one of the defining songs of the 2020s. What truly set it apart was its emotional depth and infectious melody, allowing it to resonate with fans from all walks of life. Despite its upbeat, danceable rhythm, the song’s lyrics of emotional vulnerability and a desire for connection elevated it to something much deeper. As a result, “Blinding Lights” became more than just a catchy pop song—it turned into a soundtrack for both celebration and personal reflection. With its perfect blend of energetic pop and melancholic longing, “Blinding Lights” remains a testament to The Weeknd’s unique ability to merge powerful storytelling with irresistible sound.
2. “Starboy” (2016)
When The Weeknd released “Starboy” in 2016, it marked a bold new chapter in his career. Collaborating with the legendary electronic duo Daft Punk, the song introduced a sleek, futuristic sound that felt fresh yet familiar, blending the darkness of The Weeknd’s earlier work with cutting-edge production. “Starboy” was a song about transformation—both personal and public. The lyrics explore the complexities of fame, success, and the sacrifices that come with them. The Weeknd sings about his shift from an underground artist to an international superstar, grappling with his newfound identity. The hook, “I’m a starboy,” serves as both an assertion of confidence and a critique of the price of stardom, showing his awareness of the cost of fame. Daft Punk’s signature electronic touch brought a sense of otherworldliness to the song, with their robotic vocals adding to the track’s sense of mystery. This collaboration helped propel “Starboy” to the top of the charts, where it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The sleek production and moody atmosphere make “Starboy” an iconic moment in The Weeknd’s career, showcasing his ability to evolve musically while staying true to his signature sound. The song became a fan favorite not only for its infectious beat but for its introspective take on the life of a superstar. With its blend of R&B, pop, and electronic influences, “Starboy” perfectly captured the duality of The Weeknd’s public persona, cementing it as one of his most memorable tracks.
3. “The Hills” (2015)
Released in 2015 as part of Beauty Behind the Madness, “The Hills” is one of The Weeknd’s darkest and most intense tracks, both musically and lyrically. The song features eerie, cinematic production that perfectly matches its bleak, unsettling themes. With its deep bass, haunting synths, and sparse instrumentation, “The Hills” creates an atmosphere of tension and discomfort, pulling listeners into the dark world The Weeknd describes. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life filled with excess, hedonism, and complicated relationships, all centered around a dangerous, self-destructive lifestyle. “The Hills” is a raw exploration of the darker side of fame, the toll it takes on relationships, and the emotional isolation that often comes with it. The Weeknd’s haunting falsetto delivery adds an extra layer of vulnerability to the track, making it feel personal and intimate. The song’s repeated refrain, “I only call you when it’s half past five,” encapsulates the emotional disconnection and fleeting nature of his relationships. Upon its release, “The Hills” became an instant hit, topping the charts and gaining widespread acclaim for its unapologetic honesty. The track resonated with fans who were drawn to its unflinching portrayal of the complexities of modern life and love. “The Hills” became a standout anthem for those embracing the darker side of life, and its success solidified The Weeknd as a master of blending pop accessibility with deeply personal themes.
4. “Can’t Feel My Face” (2015)
When “Can’t Feel My Face” dropped in 2015, it marked a dramatic shift in The Weeknd’s musical direction. The song, with its infectious melody and funky, Michael Jackson-inspired groove, was a departure from the moody, atmospheric tracks that had defined his earlier work. The track’s upbeat tempo and irresistible hook made it a perfect fit for mainstream pop, and it quickly became a global summer anthem. However, true to The Weeknd’s style, there’s a darker side to the song. Despite its infectious, feel-good rhythm, “Can’t Feel My Face” explores themes of love, addiction, and the emotional chaos of being involved with someone who is both intoxicating and destructive. The Weeknd’s falsetto delivery, full of yearning and passion, combined with the song’s funky production, created a juxtaposition between joy and pain that has become a hallmark of his music. “Can’t Feel My Face” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of his most beloved hits. The song’s catchy chorus and high-energy beat made it an instant classic, and it was widely praised for its blend of retro pop and modern R&B. The accompanying music video, with its playful narrative and vibrant colors, only enhanced the song’s universal appeal, showing The Weeknd’s ability to balance humor with heartache. “Can’t Feel My Face” is a perfect example of The Weeknd’s unique ability to craft songs that are both pop hits and deeply emotional, making it a track that’s equally suited for dancing as it is for reflection.
5. “Save Your Tears” (2020)
Released in 2020 as part of After Hours, “Save Your Tears” was an instant fan favorite, and for good reason. The song combines a catchy, retro-inspired production with some of The Weeknd’s most emotive vocal work to date. It’s an upbeat track with a melancholy undercurrent, telling the story of a relationship gone wrong and the pain that comes with realizing that things are over. The lyrics, with their mix of sadness and self-reflection, are enhanced by the shimmering synths and bouncy beat, creating a track that’s both danceable and deeply emotional. What makes “Save Your Tears” stand out is its ability to merge different musical elements—from 80s-inspired synths to contemporary pop production—while still feeling entirely fresh. The Weeknd’s vocal delivery captures a sense of resignation and sorrow, as he sings about a love that’s fallen apart. The song’s catchy hook, “Save your tears for another day,” became an instant singalong and highlighted The Weeknd’s ability to write songs that stick with listeners long after they’ve stopped playing. “Save Your Tears” gained even more attention after a remix featuring Ariana Grande, which helped it achieve even greater success on the charts. However, the original version of the song is what truly solidified its place in The Weeknd’s catalog as one of his most enduring tracks. With its blend of sadness, introspection, and undeniable pop appeal, “Save Your Tears” is a perfect representation of The Weeknd’s ability to craft songs that are both emotionally resonant and commercially successful.
6. “I Feel It Coming” (2016)
Another standout collaboration with Daft Punk, “I Feel It Coming” was released in 2016 as part of Starboy. This track marked a refreshing departure from the darker themes that often defined The Weeknd’s music, bringing a more optimistic, breezy vibe to his catalog. The song’s smooth, disco-inspired production, combined with The Weeknd’s soft falsetto, creates a laid-back, feel-good atmosphere that’s hard to resist. The lyrics, about the anticipation and excitement of a blossoming love, reflect a sense of hopefulness and romantic optimism that’s often absent from The Weeknd’s usual exploration of love’s darker aspects. Daft Punk’s signature electronic production added a layer of warmth and nostalgia to the track, and their contributions helped elevate “I Feel It Coming” into a danceable anthem with universal appeal. Unlike some of The Weeknd’s more introspective songs, this track embraces the excitement of romantic connection, making it a perfect fit for the carefree spirit of summer. “I Feel It Coming” was both a commercial success and a critical favorite, praised for its smooth production and refreshing tone. The song’s retro influences, combined with The Weeknd’s emotive vocal delivery, made it stand out as one of the most memorable tracks on Starboy. “I Feel It Coming” demonstrated The Weeknd’s versatility as an artist, showing that he could blend upbeat, feel-good sounds with his signature emotional depth, making it a standout moment in his career.
7. “Earned It” (2014)
Released in 2014 as part of the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack, “Earned It” quickly became one of The Weeknd’s most iconic songs. The track, with its sultry, orchestral production and seductive lyrics, perfectly captured the mood of the film and became synonymous with its steamy scenes. The Weeknd’s vocal delivery is dripping with sensuality, as he sings about a love that feels both intoxicating and dangerous. The song’s lush string arrangements, paired with its slow, hypnotic beat, create an atmosphere of tension and desire. “Earned It” helped cement The Weeknd’s place in the mainstream, introducing his music to a wider audience and showcasing his ability to blend R&B with cinematic, orchestral elements. The track became a chart-topping hit, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning The Weeknd his first Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. The song’s success also helped solidify his place as one of the most innovative and unique artists of his generation, combining sensuality with artistry in a way that few others could match. “Earned It” is a perfect example of The Weeknd’s ability to craft music that feels both intimate and grand, and its success helped propel him into the pop culture stratosphere. With its haunting melody and emotional depth, “Earned It” remains one of The Weeknd’s signature songs, a timeless track that showcases his ability to make even the most sensual moments feel cinematic and profound.
8. “Often” (2014)
Released in 2014, “Often” is a quintessential Weeknd track, embodying the dark, moody, and sensual themes that defined his early career. With its hypnotic beat and sparse, minimalist production, the song perfectly encapsulates The Weeknd’s unique approach to R&B, blending elements of electronic music with soulful melodies. The track’s lyrics, which explore themes of indulgence, pleasure, and fleeting relationships, are unapologetically explicit, showcasing the artist’s ability to create music that’s both daring and emotionally raw. “Often” features some of The Weeknd’s most hypnotic vocal runs, with his falsetto gliding effortlessly over the moody production. While the song didn’t achieve the same commercial success as some of his later hits, it quickly became a fan favorite and is often cited as one of the standout tracks of Kiss Land. “Often” captures the essence of The Weeknd’s early sound, with its brooding atmosphere and emotional intensity, and remains a staple of his live performances. The song’s sensual, hypnotic vibe and bold lyrics perfectly embody The Weeknd’s ability to blend sensuality with emotional complexity, making it one of his most distinctive tracks. Despite not being a chart-topping hit, “Often” holds a special place in The Weeknd’s discography, reflecting his artistic evolution and solidifying his place as one of R&B’s most intriguing voices.
9. “Call Out My Name” (2018)
Released in 2018 as part of My Dear Melancholy, “Call Out My Name” is one of The Weeknd’s most emotionally raw and vulnerable songs. The track opens with a haunting, atmospheric beat that sets the tone for the song’s exploration of heartbreak and longing. The Weeknd’s vocal performance is incredibly powerful, filled with emotion as he sings about a love that he’s still not ready to let go of. The lyrics reflect a deep sense of loss and regret, with the Weeknd pleading for the person to “call out my name” in an attempt to reclaim what was lost. The song’s production is sparse, allowing The Weeknd’s voice to take center stage, and the haunting instrumental backdrop only serves to enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics. “Call Out My Name” is widely believed to be inspired by The Weeknd’s real-life relationship struggles, and its authenticity is what makes the song so relatable to fans who’ve experienced similar heartache. The track was an instant hit, topping the charts and receiving widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and vulnerability. The Weeknd’s ability to convey raw emotion through his music has always been one of his strongest qualities, and “Call Out My Name” is a perfect example of this. The song’s mix of melancholy and longing struck a chord with listeners, making it one of his most beloved tracks.
10. “In The Night” (2015)
“In The Night,” released in 2015 as part of Beauty Behind the Madness, is a high-energy pop track that combines upbeat, Michael Jackson-esque production with deep, emotional storytelling. The song’s infectious rhythm and catchy chorus contrast with its darker lyrics, which tell the story of a woman who overcomes trauma and finds strength in the face of adversity. The Weeknd’s powerful vocal performance gives the track a sense of urgency, while the song’s upbeat tempo makes it feel like a celebration of resilience. “In The Night” stands out for its ability to blend catchy pop elements with darker themes of survival and redemption. The track’s dynamic production, with its driving beat and retro influences, helped it become one of the standout hits from Beauty Behind the Madness. The Weeknd’s ability to tell a compelling, emotional story while maintaining a danceable energy is what has made “In The Night” so memorable. The song’s ability to mix joy and sadness in a way that feels uplifting and empowering is what has resonated with so many listeners. “In The Night” is a perfect example of The Weeknd’s unique talent for creating music that’s both infectious and emotionally powerful, making it one of his most celebrated 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.
