The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has become one of the most influential and innovative artists of the modern era. His unique blend of R&B, pop, and hip-hop has earned him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim, with his music often described as dark, brooding, and emotive. Over the course of his career, The Weeknd has released numerous hit songs, with many of them reaching the top of the charts and becoming fan favorites. From his early mixtapes to his most recent albums, his music has consistently pushed boundaries and challenged conventions, with his distinctive voice and style earning him a reputation as one of the most talented and visionary artists of his generation. This list of the best The Weeknd songs of all time showcases some of his most popular and influential tracks, spanning his entire career. From the haunting and moody sounds of “House of Balloons” and “The Morning,” to the upbeat and catchy melodies of “Can’t Feel My Face” and “Blinding Lights,” each song on this list represents a different aspect of The Weeknd’s artistic vision and style. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer to his music, this list provides a comprehensive and diverse overview of The Weeknd’s incredible body of work, and highlights why he is one of the most important and celebrated artists of our time.
1. BLINDING LIGHTS
“Blinding Lights” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, released as the lead single from his fourth studio album “After Hours” in 2019. The track features a retro 80s-inspired production, with a focus on the use of synthesizers, electronic drums, and The Weeknd’s smooth and soulful vocals. Lyrically, the song is about a man who is looking for love and companionship in the midst of a dark and lonely world. The track’s upbeat and infectious sound, combined with its themes of hope and perseverance, create a sense of joy and empowerment that is characteristic of The Weeknd’s music. “Blinding Lights” was a commercial and critical success, and became one of the most popular songs of 2020, winning several awards and nominations for its innovative sound and style.
2. STARBOY
“Starboy” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, featuring French electronic music duo Daft Punk. It was the lead single from his third studio album of the same name, released in 2016. The track features a groovy and catchy production, with a focus on the use of funk-influenced basslines, synthesizers, and The Weeknd’s signature falsetto vocals. Lyrically, the song is about a man who has achieved great success and fame, but is now looking to distance himself from his old life and start anew. The track’s upbeat and energetic sound, combined with its themes of reinvention and transformation, create a sense of excitement and optimism that is characteristic of The Weeknd’s music. “Starboy” was a commercial and critical success, and helped to solidify The Weeknd’s position as one of the most versatile and innovative artists of his generation.
3. THE HILLS
“The Hills” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, released as the second single from his second studio album “Beauty Behind the Madness” in 2015. The track features a dark and moody production, with a focus on eerie synths, heavy basslines, and The Weeknd’s haunting and raw vocals. Lyrically, the song is about a man who is struggling with the difficulties of fame and fortune, and the negative effects that they have on his personal relationships. The track’s intense and brooding sound, combined with its emotive and introspective lyrics, create a sense of melancholy and despair that is characteristic of The Weeknd’s music. “The Hills” was a commercial and critical success, and helped to cement The Weeknd’s position as one of the most talented and innovative artists of his generation.
4. CAN’T FEEL MY FACE
“Can’t Feel My Face” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, released as the lead single from his third studio album “Beauty Behind the Madness” in 2015. The track features an upbeat and funky production, with a focus on the use of synthesizers and The Weeknd’s energetic vocals. Lyrically, the song is about a man who is deeply in love with someone, to the point that he is willing to overlook the negative aspects of the relationship. The track’s infectious and danceable beat, combined with its optimistic and romantic lyrics, create a sense of joy and happiness that is characteristic of The Weeknd’s music. “Can’t Feel My Face” was a commercial and critical success, and helped to showcase The Weeknd’s ability to blend elements of pop and R&B into a cohesive and exciting sound.
5. EARNED IT
“Earned It” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, taken from the soundtrack of the 2015 film “Fifty Shades of Grey”. The track features a dramatic and cinematic production, with a focus on orchestral strings and The Weeknd’s smooth and seductive vocals. Lyrically, the song is about a man who is willing to do anything to earn the love and affection of his partner. The track’s lush and atmospheric sound, combined with its emotive and provocative lyrics, create a sense of sensuality and romance that is characteristic of The Weeknd’s music. “Earned It” was a commercial and critical success, and helped to showcase The Weeknd’s ability to craft music that is both evocative and accessible. The track was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song, further cementing The Weeknd’s position as one of the most talented and innovative artists of his generation.
6. I FEEL IT COMING
“I Feel It Coming” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, featuring French electronic duo Daft Punk. The track was released as the second single from The Weeknd’s fourth studio album, “Starboy”. The song features a dreamy and atmospheric production, with a focus on Daft Punk’s signature use of synthesizers and The Weeknd’s smooth and soulful vocals. Lyrically, the song is about a man who is falling in love and sensing that the relationship will be different than his past experiences. The track’s evocative and romantic lyrics, combined with its infectious and danceable beat, create a sense of joy and optimism that is characteristic of The Weeknd’s music. “I Feel It Coming” was a commercial and critical success, and helped to showcase The Weeknd’s ability to blend different genres and styles into a unique and cohesive sound.
7. SAVE YOUR TEARS
“Save Your Tears” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, taken from his fourth studio album “After Hours”. The track features a driving and upbeat production, with a focus on 1980s-style synthesizers and The Weeknd’s soaring vocals. Lyrically, the song is about a man who has moved on from a failed relationship and is urging his ex-lover to do the same. The track’s infectious melody and anthemic chorus, combined with its introspective and reflective lyrics, create a sense of both empowerment and vulnerability that is characteristic of The Weeknd’s music. “Save Your Tears” was a commercial and critical success, and helped to showcase The Weeknd’s ability to blend elements of pop, R&B, and rock into a cohesive and exciting sound.
8. OFTEN
“Often” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, released as a single in 2014. The track features a dark and seductive production, built around a minimalist beat and The Weeknd’s smooth and suggestive vocals. Lyrically, the song is about a man who is addicted to casual sex and the wild and hedonistic lifestyle that comes with it. The track’s sultry and hypnotic melody, combined with its explicit and provocative lyrics, create a sense of danger and eroticism that is characteristic of The Weeknd’s music. “Often” was a commercial success, and helped to cement The Weeknd’s position as one of the most innovative and exciting R&B artists of his generation.
9. CALL OUT MY NAME
“Call Out My Name” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, taken from his six-track EP “My Dear Melancholy”. The track features a stripped-down and intimate production, with a focus on piano and The Weeknd’s haunting vocals. Lyrically, the song is about the aftermath of a failed relationship and the feelings of betrayal and heartbreak that come with it. The track’s emotive and vulnerable lyrics, combined with The Weeknd’s powerful and soulful vocals, create a sense of raw emotion and honesty that is characteristic of his music. “Call Out My Name” was a commercial and critical success, and helped to showcase The Weeknd’s range and versatility as an artist.
10. PRAY FOR ME
“Pray for Me” is a collaborative song by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd and American rapper Kendrick Lamar, taken from the soundtrack album of the Marvel superhero film “Black Panther”. The track features a moody and atmospheric production, with The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar taking turns to deliver emotive and introspective verses. Lyrically, the song is about the challenges and struggles that come with fame and success, and the toll it takes on the artists’ mental health. The track’s haunting melody and evocative lyrics, combined with the unique vocal styles of both artists, create a sense of depth and emotional intensity that is characteristic of their music. “Pray for Me” was a commercial and critical success, and helped to solidify The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar’s positions as two of the most innovative and influential artists of their generation.
11. IN YOUR EYES
“In Your Eyes” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, taken from his fourth studio album “After Hours”. The track features a retro and upbeat production, inspired by 1980s synthpop and new wave, and showcases The Weeknd’s smooth and powerful vocals. Lyrically, the song is about a man who is desperate to win back his lover’s affection, despite the fact that she is with someone else. The track’s catchy chorus and infectious melody, combined with its wistful and romantic lyrics, create a sense of yearning and nostalgia that is characteristic of The Weeknd’s music. “In Your Eyes” was a commercial and critical success, and helped to solidify The Weeknd’s position as one of the most innovative and exciting R&B artists of his generation.
12. REMINDER
“Reminder” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, taken from his fourth studio album “Starboy”. The track features a groovy and upbeat production, inspired by 1980s funk and R&B, and showcases The Weeknd’s confident and powerful vocals. Lyrically, the song is a boastful statement of The Weeknd’s success and wealth, with the artist reminding his listeners of his rise from obscurity to superstardom. The track’s catchy chorus and infectious melody, combined with its confident and braggadocious lyrics, create a sense of swagger and energy that is characteristic of The Weeknd’s music. “Reminder” was a commercial and critical success, and helped to cement The Weeknd’s status as one of the most popular and influential R&B artists of his generation.
13. PARTY MONSTER
“Party Monster” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, taken from his fourth studio album “Starboy”. The track features a pulsing and hypnotic production, built around a sample of the song “Apache” by The Shadows, and showcases The Weeknd’s smooth and seductive vocals. Lyrically, the song is about a man who is addicted to drugs and partying, and the dark and dangerous lifestyle that comes with it. The track’s catchy chorus and infectious beat, combined with its dark and brooding lyrics, create a sense of excitement and danger that is characteristic of The Weeknd’s music. “Party Monster” was a commercial success, and helped to solidify The Weeknd’s position as one of the most innovative and exciting R&B artists of his generation.
14. HEARTLESS
“Heartless” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, taken from his fourth studio album “After Hours”. The track features a synth-heavy production, inspired by 1980s synthpop and new wave, and showcases The Weeknd’s confident and powerful vocals. Lyrically, the song is about a man who has become numb to love and is focused solely on his own pleasures and desires. The track’s infectious melody and catchy chorus, combined with its dark and brooding lyrics, create a sense of exhilaration and intensity that is characteristic of The Weeknd’s music. “Heartless” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, and helped to solidify The Weeknd’s position as one of the most popular and innovative R&B artists of his generation.
15. WICKED GAMES
“Wicked Games” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, taken from his debut mixtape “House of Balloons”. The track features a haunting and atmospheric production, built around a sample of the song “Let Me In” by the group Hounds of Love, and showcases The Weeknd’s sultry and seductive vocals. Lyrically, the song is about a toxic and destructive relationship, with The Weeknd exploring the dark and erotic side of love. The track’s moody melody and evocative lyrics create a sense of emotional intensity and rawness that is characteristic of The Weeknd’s music. “Wicked Games” is widely regarded as a classic in the R&B genre, and helped to establish The Weeknd as a unique and innovative voice in contemporary music.
16. IN THE NIGHT
“In the Night” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, taken from his third studio album, “Beauty Behind the Madness”. The track features a groovy and uptempo production, inspired by 1980s synthpop and new wave, and showcases The Weeknd’s smooth and powerful vocals. Lyrically, the song is about a girl who works as a stripper, and the dark and dangerous world she inhabits. The track’s catchy chorus and irresistible beat, combined with its haunting lyrics, create a sense of exhilaration and unease that is characteristic of The Weeknd’s music. “In the Night” is a standout track on “Beauty Behind the Madness”, and helped to cement The Weeknd’s status as one of the most innovative and exciting R&B artists of his generation.
17. Out of Time
“Out of Time” is a song by American indie rock band Blur, taken from their seventh studio album, “Think Tank”. The track features a mellow and introspective production, built around a hypnotic guitar riff and frontman Damon Albarn’s melancholic vocals. Lyrically, the song explores themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the passing of time. The track’s haunting melody and reflective lyrics create a sense of nostalgia and wistfulness that is both beautiful and poignant. “Out of Time” is a standout track on “Think Tank”, and is widely regarded as one of Blur’s most moving and mature works, showcasing the band’s ability to craft powerful and emotionally resonant songs.
18. The Morning
“The Morning” is a song by Canadian R&B artist The Weeknd, taken from his debut mixtape “House of Balloons”. The track features a dreamy and atmospheric production, built around a sample of the song “Love Has Come Around” by jazz-funk artist Donald Byrd, and showcases The Weeknd’s smooth and soulful vocals. Lyrically, the song is about a one-night stand, with The Weeknd describing the experience in explicit detail. The track’s frank and explicit lyrics, combined with its seductive and immersive production, helped to establish The Weeknd as a unique and provocative voice in R&B, and set the stage for his subsequent success in the genre.
19. House of Balloons
“House of Balloons” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, taken from his debut mixtape of the same name. The track features a hypnotic and immersive production, built around a sample of the song “Gila” by Beach House, and showcases The Weeknd’s signature dark and seductive vocals. Lyrically, the song explores themes of drug use, partying, and the emptiness and isolation that can come with such a lifestyle. “House of Balloons” was a breakout hit for The Weeknd, helping to establish him as one of the most exciting and innovative R&B artists of his generation, and is still regarded as a classic in the genre.
20. Sidewalks
“Sidewalks” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, featuring American rapper Kendrick Lamar. The track is taken from The Weeknd’s fourth studio album, “Starboy”. The song features a slow-burning, atmospheric production that perfectly complements The Weeknd’s sultry vocals and Kendrick Lamar’s gritty verse. Lyrically, the track explores themes of fame, success, and the challenges that come with them, such as losing touch with one’s roots and relationships. “Sidewalks” is a standout track on “Starboy”, showcasing the chemistry between The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar and their ability to craft a memorable and thought-provoking collaboration.
Jared Parker 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.
