The Weeknd, the enigmatic superstar whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, has captivated audiences around the globe with his unique blend of R&B, pop, and hip-hop. Since bursting onto the music scene in the early 2010s, he has redefined the sound of modern music, infusing it with dark, moody aesthetics and introspective lyrics. With chart-topping hits and critically acclaimed albums, The Weeknd has not only amassed a dedicated fanbase but has also left an indelible mark on the industry.
In this article, we delve into the top 10 most popular songs of The Weeknd, highlighting the tracks that have defined his career and resonated with millions. From the sultry melodies of “Can’t Feel My Face” to the hauntingly beautiful “Call Out My Name,” each song showcases his extraordinary talent and artistic evolution. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his music, join us as we explore the anthems that have made The Weeknd a household name and solidified his status as one of the most influential artists of our time. Prepare to relive the magic and discover what makes these songs unforgettable!
1. Blinding Lights (2019)
“Blinding Lights” is an electrifying journey through nostalgia, combining an irresistible synth-pop beat with The Weeknd’s captivating vocals. This track, infused with a dazzling retro vibe, evokes the neon-lit streets of the 1980s, creating an experience that’s as cinematic as it is musical. The pulsating rhythm and infectious energy make it impossible not to move, while the lyrics dive into themes of longing and desperation, capturing the ache of yearning for connection.
From the opening notes, the song grabs you, transporting listeners to a world of shimmering lights and emotional highs. The Weeknd’s delivery balances vulnerability and confidence, making each line resonate deeply. It’s a track that feels personal yet universal, a love letter to the nights we can’t forget. The production, helmed by Max Martin and Oscar Holter, is flawless, with layers of lush instrumentation that keep building, creating an exhilarating soundscape.
The accompanying music video amplifies this energy, with The Weeknd navigating a surreal, fast-paced cityscape, embodying the song’s mix of thrill and tension. Its record-breaking success on the Billboard charts and widespread acclaim cemented it as not only one of The Weeknd’s defining tracks but also a cultural phenomenon. “Blinding Lights” isn’t just a song—it’s an anthem of longing, escape, and pure euphoria that transcends time and genre.
2. The Hills (2015)
“The Hills” is a haunting exploration of fame, love, and the fractured realities that lie beneath the surface. With its eerie, bass-heavy production and raw, confessional lyrics, this track delves deep into the complexities of relationships and personal turmoil. The Weeknd’s chilling vocal delivery captures a sense of vulnerability hidden behind a mask of bravado, pulling listeners into a world of late-night confessions and unspoken truths.
The song opens with a distorted crash, setting a dark and mysterious tone that permeates throughout. Its lyrics reveal an intimate narrative about fleeting connections and the dissonance between public perception and private struggles. Lines like “When I’m faded, I forget / Forget what you mean to me” showcase The Weeknd’s ability to merge stark honesty with poetic artistry.
“The Hills” resonates as a stark contrast to conventional pop hits, embracing a moody, atmospheric vibe that stands out. The accompanying music video, with its cryptic visuals of fiery car wrecks and surreal encounters, adds another layer of depth, complementing the song’s themes of chaos and introspection. As one of The Weeknd’s standout tracks, “The Hills” cemented his reputation as a masterful storyteller who isn’t afraid to delve into the shadows of the human experience.
3. Can’t Feel My Face (2015)
“Can’t Feel My Face” is a dazzling, funk-infused anthem that showcases The Weeknd’s ability to create universally appealing music while retaining his signature style. The song radiates energy and playfulness, combining a slick production with clever metaphors about love and its intoxicating effects. Its blend of upbeat rhythms and dark undertones makes it a track that’s as catchy as it is compelling.
From the first pulsating beat, the song draws listeners in with its irresistible groove, evoking the spirit of iconic pop-funk tracks. The Weeknd’s smooth falsetto glides effortlessly over the vibrant instrumentals, creating a soundscape that’s both retro and contemporary. The lyrics play on themes of obsession and allure, painting a picture of love’s addictive highs and the pain it can bring.
The track’s music video, featuring The Weeknd performing in a smoky club before literally igniting, captures the song’s fiery intensity. As the flames rise, so does the energy, mirroring the euphoric crescendo of the music. “Can’t Feel My Face” marked a turning point in The Weeknd’s career, propelling him into global superstardom. It’s a song that invites everyone to the dance floor while showcasing the multifaceted artistry that makes The Weeknd a force in modern music.
4. Starboy (feat. Daft Punk) (2016)
“Starboy” is a sleek, futuristic anthem that marks The Weeknd’s evolution as an artist. Teaming up with the legendary Daft Punk, the track delivers a perfect fusion of electronic innovation and R&B smoothness. It’s a reflective yet bold exploration of fame and the double-edged sword of success, juxtaposing glamorous excess with personal struggles.
The song’s production is a masterclass in minimalism, with Daft Punk’s signature touch evident in its crisp beats and atmospheric synths. The Weeknd’s delivery is equal parts swagger and introspection, as he navigates themes of reinvention and self-awareness. Lines like “Look what you’ve done / I’m a starboy” encapsulate the tension between pride and the weight of celebrity.
The music video adds another layer to the song’s narrative, with The Weeknd destroying symbols of his old identity and embracing a new persona. Its dark, cinematic visuals perfectly complement the song’s brooding energy, making it a complete artistic package. “Starboy” is more than just a chart-topping hit—it’s a statement of artistic reinvention, solidifying The Weeknd’s place as a genre-defying innovator.
5. I Feel It Coming (feat. Daft Punk) (2016)
“I Feel It Coming” is a tender, romantic track that showcases a softer, more introspective side of The Weeknd. Another collaboration with Daft Punk, the song blends smooth R&B melodies with a dreamy, retro-inspired production, creating an atmosphere that’s both intimate and timeless.
The lyrics explore themes of love, trust, and vulnerability, with The Weeknd inviting his partner to embrace connection without fear. His vocal performance is warm and inviting, perfectly complemented by Daft Punk’s lush, shimmering instrumentation. The song’s simplicity is its strength, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics and melody to shine.
The music video enhances the track’s ethereal vibe, featuring cosmic landscapes and moments of serene connection. With its heartfelt message and elegant production, “I Feel It Coming” stands out as a poignant ode to love and intimacy. It’s a song that resonates deeply, making it a favorite for romantic moments and reflective playlists alike.
6. Call Out My Name (2018)
“Call Out My Name” is a heart-wrenching ballad that showcases The Weeknd’s ability to convey raw emotion through music. This track is a haunting exploration of love, loss, and unfulfilled devotion, pulling listeners into an intimate narrative of heartbreak. From the very first note, the atmospheric production sets a somber tone, perfectly complementing The Weeknd’s emotive vocal performance.
The song’s lyrics delve into the aftermath of a deeply emotional relationship, with lines like “I almost cut a piece of myself for your life” highlighting the sacrifices made for love that ultimately went unreciprocated. The Weeknd’s delivery oscillates between tenderness and anguish, capturing the fragility of someone grappling with rejection and longing for closure. The sparse, echoing instrumentation further amplifies the song’s melancholy, making every word resonate with profound weight.
The music video takes this emotional intensity to a visual level, with surreal imagery that mirrors the song’s themes of love lost and the passage of time. As The Weeknd navigates a desolate landscape, the haunting visuals add depth to the song’s narrative, painting a picture of emotional isolation and introspection. “Call Out My Name” stands out as a testament to The Weeknd’s artistry, blending vulnerability with powerful storytelling in a way that resonates universally.
7. Often (2014)
“Often” is a provocative and sultry track that epitomizes The Weeknd’s early sound, characterized by its blend of sensuality and edgy lyricism. This song delves into themes of desire, intimacy, and fleeting connections, pulling listeners into a world of hedonistic indulgence. The hypnotic beat and layered production create an immersive atmosphere that perfectly complements The Weeknd’s smooth and seductive vocal delivery.
The lyrics are unapologetically bold, exploring the highs and lows of transient relationships with a raw honesty that has become a hallmark of The Weeknd’s music. Lines like “She asked me if I do this every day, I said, ‘Often'” encapsulate the song’s carefree yet alluring tone, balancing confidence with a touch of vulnerability. The repetitive hook and intricate instrumental layers make the track not only catchy but also deeply atmospheric, enveloping the listener in its sensuality.
Visually, the music video matches the song’s steamy vibe, featuring dimly lit rooms and an air of mystery that heightens its allure. The track solidified The Weeknd’s reputation as an artist unafraid to push boundaries, blending provocative themes with innovative soundscapes. “Often” is more than just a song about fleeting passion—it’s a moody and intoxicating experience that highlights The Weeknd’s talent for crafting music that is both evocative and unforgettable.
8. Heartless (2019)
“Heartless” is a compelling dive into the darker side of fame and self-indulgence. This track explores themes of emotional detachment, loneliness, and excess, all wrapped in The Weeknd’s signature blend of haunting vocals and atmospheric production. The song’s fast-paced beat and chilling undertones perfectly reflect the chaos and emptiness that often accompany a life of indulgence.
The Weeknd’s vocal performance captures the essence of inner turmoil, with lyrics like “Tryna be a better man, but I’m heartless” revealing a conflict between self-awareness and the pull of destructive behavior. The song’s production, helmed by Metro Boomin, features an addictive beat that drives the track forward, creating a sense of urgency and disarray. It’s a sonic representation of a life spinning out of control, making it one of The Weeknd’s most introspective tracks.
The music video mirrors the song’s themes, showcasing The Weeknd navigating a neon-drenched Vegas, spiraling deeper into excess and surreal experiences. The visual imagery perfectly complements the song’s dark energy, creating a narrative that feels both personal and larger-than-life. “Heartless” resonates with listeners for its unflinching honesty and its ability to capture the complexities of fame, making it a standout in The Weeknd’s discography.
9. Save Your Tears (2020)
“Save Your Tears” is a masterful blend of upbeat pop production and melancholic storytelling, showcasing The Weeknd’s ability to juxtapose emotional depth with infectious melodies. This track reflects on heartbreak and regret, with lyrics that explore the pain of seeing someone you once loved move on. Its bittersweet tone, combined with a catchy chorus, makes it both relatable and irresistibly danceable.
The production features a bright, synth-driven melody that recalls the retro sounds of the ’80s, creating a sense of nostalgia that perfectly complements the song’s themes. The Weeknd’s vocal delivery is vulnerable yet assured, capturing the conflicted emotions of someone grappling with love and loss. Lines like “Save your tears for another day” reveal a mix of longing and resignation, making the song resonate deeply with listeners.
The music video adds a layer of intrigue, with The Weeknd donning a surreal and unsettling persona while performing in lavish settings. The visuals reflect the song’s themes of facade and vulnerability, adding a compelling narrative to the already emotionally charged track. “Save Your Tears” has become a fan favorite, celebrated for its ability to make heartbreak sound both beautiful and cathartic, cementing its place as one of The Weeknd’s most iconic songs.
10. In the Night (2016)
“In the Night” is a mesmerizing exploration of love, pain, and survival, set against a backdrop of pulsating beats and atmospheric production. This track tells a poignant story of a woman’s resilience in the face of trauma, with The Weeknd’s haunting vocals capturing both the darkness and hope within the narrative. The song’s driving rhythm and intricate layering create a sense of urgency, making it as powerful musically as it is thematically.
The Weeknd’s delivery is both tender and impassioned, lending an emotional weight to lyrics like “She was young and all she had was the city” that delve into themes of innocence lost and the fight for freedom. The track’s production, influenced by the sounds of the ’80s, adds an anthemic quality, making it a standout in The Weeknd’s repertoire.
The music video amplifies the song’s intensity, featuring dramatic visuals that portray both the vulnerability and strength of its central character. With its striking imagery and emotional depth, the video adds another layer of meaning to the song, making it an unforgettable experience. “In the Night” is a testament to The Weeknd’s ability to craft music that is not only sonically rich but also deeply evocative, leaving a lasting impression on all who listen.
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.
