Few artists have reshaped the music industry quite like The Weeknd. With his hypnotic voice, enigmatic persona, and genre-defying sound, Abel Tesfaye—better known as The Weeknd—has become a global superstar and a modern-day icon. From haunting ballads to pulsating party anthems, his music has a way of transporting listeners to a world drenched in emotion, mystery, and raw passion. With every new release, The Weeknd continues to shatter charts, break records, and cement his place in the hearts of millions.
In this article, we’re diving into the very best of The Weeknd’s discography: the top 10 most popular songs of all time. Whether you’ve been a devoted fan since his House of Balloons days or discovered him through his record-breaking hits like Blinding Lights, this list captures the essence of an artist who has mastered the art of storytelling through music. From sultry R&B vibes to electrifying pop beats, these tracks have not only dominated airwaves but also marked unforgettable moments in music history.
So buckle up and take this sonic journey through The Weeknd’s greatest hits—a collection of songs that have redefined modern music and left an indelible mark on listeners worldwide.
1. Blinding Lights (2019)
Released in 2019, Blinding Lights quickly became a cultural phenomenon and solidified The Weeknd’s status as one of the biggest stars of the decade. As the lead single from his critically acclaimed album After Hours, this synth-pop gem blends the retro vibes of the ’80s with modern, polished production to create a sound that feels both nostalgic and entirely fresh. From the very first note, the song grabs your attention with its infectious melody and driving beat, instantly making it impossible to resist moving to the rhythm. What truly sets Blinding Lights apart, however, is its emotional depth. The Weeknd’s signature falsetto, combined with the track’s pulsating energy, perfectly conveys a sense of longing and yearning for connection. The lyrics reflect themes of redemption, loneliness, and vulnerability, giving the song a deeply introspective quality that resonated with listeners across the globe. It became not just a radio hit, but a song for every occasion—whether you were getting ready to hit the dance floor or reflecting on a late-night drive through the city. The Weeknd’s ability to pair upbeat, infectious dance rhythms with poignant lyrics created a unique contrast, making Blinding Lights an anthem for both joy and heartbreak. The song quickly became one of the most-streamed tracks of all time, topping charts worldwide and garnering countless accolades. Its influence on pop music in the 2020s cannot be overstated, and it remains a defining track in The Weeknd’s expansive catalog. Blinding Lights is not just a song—it’s an era-defining piece of art that captures the complexities of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness, all while getting us to dance along the way.
2. Starboy (2016)
When Starboy dropped in 2016 as the lead single from his album of the same name, The Weeknd made a bold statement with this darker, more electronic sound. Collaborating with the legendary Daft Punk, Starboy introduced a slick, futuristic production that seamlessly blended the duo’s signature electronic beats with The Weeknd’s sultry vocals. The result was a track that felt both timeless and of-the-moment, marking a clear evolution in his musical style. The song’s lyrics explore themes of fame, self-image, and reinvention, with The Weeknd embracing his “Starboy” persona—a symbol of his success and transformation as an artist. The track’s catchy hook, pulsating rhythm, and haunting melodies capture the feeling of both liberation and isolation that comes with fame. While The Weeknd has often explored themes of love and heartbreak in his music, Starboy was a departure, offering a glimpse into the internal struggle that accompanies celebrity. The chorus, which blends dark undertones with an almost celebratory feel, epitomizes the song’s juxtaposition of hedonism and self-awareness. The track quickly became a global hit, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing its place as one of the most iconic songs of the year. The accompanying music video, with its visually striking imagery and futuristic setting, further emphasized the song’s exploration of identity and transformation. Starboy marked a turning point in The Weeknd’s career, demonstrating his ability to continuously evolve while still staying true to his distinctive sound. The song’s impact continues to be felt today, as it remains a fan favorite and a quintessential piece of his musical legacy.
3. The Hills (2015)
With The Hills, The Weeknd released a dark, moody, and captivating track that solidified his place as one of the most unique voices in contemporary music. Released in 2015 as part of Beauty Behind the Madness, the song’s atmospheric production, eerie synths, and haunting melodies created a sound that felt both cinematic and deeply personal. The Weeknd’s signature falsetto glides effortlessly through the track, delivering lyrics that delve into themes of temptation, duality, and the blurred lines between love and destruction. The lyrics are raw and confessional, with The Weeknd singing about the complexities of relationships and the dangerous allure of excess. As with much of his music, The Hills is a juxtaposition of vulnerability and hedonism, reflecting the internal conflict that often accompanies fame and romance. The song’s slow-building intensity and ominous atmosphere set it apart from other pop hits at the time, drawing listeners into its dark world. The Hills’ success was undeniable, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning widespread critical acclaim. It became one of The Weeknd’s signature tracks, showcasing his ability to blend dark, introspective themes with an unforgettable, hook-driven sound. The song’s memorable hook—“I only call you when it’s half past five”—became instantly recognizable, further cementing its place in the cultural zeitgeist. The Hills is a perfect example of The Weeknd’s unique ability to craft songs that are both emotionally complex and sonically innovative, making it a standout track in his catalog. Its impact continues to resonate with fans and remains a favorite in his live performances.
4. Can’t Feel My Face (2015)
In 2015, The Weeknd released Can’t Feel My Face, a track that showcased his versatility and firmly cemented his place in pop music. With its infectious, upbeat groove and undeniable Michael Jackson-inspired energy, the song quickly became a worldwide sensation. Featured on Beauty Behind the Madness, Can’t Feel My Face marked a departure from the darker, moody themes of his earlier work, presenting a more mainstream, danceable side of The Weeknd. The song’s upbeat rhythm and funk-inspired production made it impossible to ignore, and its hook—“I can’t feel my face when I’m with you”—became an instantly recognizable lyric. Despite its upbeat, party-ready vibe, the song still retains the emotional complexity that defines The Weeknd’s music. The lyrics touch on the intoxicating effects of love, as well as the vulnerability that comes with it. The song’s layered production, combined with The Weeknd’s smooth falsetto, creates a dynamic contrast that draws listeners in from the first beat. Can’t Feel My Face quickly became a chart-topping hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Grammy nominations. The accompanying music video, which features The Weeknd performing in a fiery, energetic setting, further emphasized the song’s electrifying energy. While the track was undeniably fun, its underlying themes of addiction and dependence on love made it more than just a typical pop song. Can’t Feel My Face showcased The Weeknd’s ability to blend pop sensibilities with emotional depth, making it one of his most memorable and influential tracks. Its global success solidified his place as a pop icon and demonstrated his ability to craft music that was both catchy and thought-provoking.
5. Save Your Tears (2020)
Released as part of After Hours in 2020, Save Your Tears is one of The Weeknd’s most emotionally charged tracks. Combining retro synth production with poignant lyrics about regret, heartbreak, and longing, the song captures the vulnerability and emotional complexity that have become synonymous with The Weeknd’s music. The track’s nostalgic sound, influenced by the ’80s, transports listeners to a different era while still feeling contemporary and fresh. The Weeknd’s smooth, emotive delivery takes center stage, as he sings about the pain of unspoken emotions and the desire for reconciliation. The song’s production, which blends electronic beats with lush synths, creates a dreamy, melancholic atmosphere that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics. Save Your Tears is a song about self-reflection, offering a sense of regret and longing for something that was lost. Its themes of vulnerability, lost love, and the hope for healing resonated deeply with fans, making it one of the standout tracks on After Hours. The song later gained additional acclaim with a remix featuring Ariana Grande, which further amplified its emotional intensity and earned praise for their stunning vocal chemistry. The accompanying music video, which features surreal and visually striking imagery, adds another layer of depth to the song, enhancing its cinematic quality. Save Your Tears is a testament to The Weeknd’s ability to blend retro influences with modern production, creating a song that feels timeless yet unmistakably his own. Its emotional power and cinematic appeal make it one of his most memorable tracks to date.
6. Earned It (2014)
Released in 2014 as part of the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack, Earned It was a bold step for The Weeknd, showcasing his softer, more seductive side. The orchestral arrangement, combined with his sultry vocals, gave the track a cinematic, luxurious feel, making it the perfect fit for the sultry and dramatic atmosphere of the Fifty Shades franchise. The song’s lyrics, which focus on themes of devotion, love, and sensuality, were an immediate departure from The Weeknd’s usual darker, more brooding subject matter. Instead, Earned It captures a sense of romance and vulnerability, with the singer expressing gratitude for a love that feels both exhilarating and empowering. The lush instrumentation—featuring sweeping strings and minimalist percussion—gives the song an epic, almost cinematic quality, while The Weeknd’s vocal performance is smooth and restrained, heightening the sensual tension. Earned It quickly became a fan favorite and earned The Weeknd his first Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. It was a major milestone in his career, as it introduced his music to a wider audience and demonstrated his ability to craft music that resonated with both mainstream pop fans and filmgoers. The song’s success also marked a significant moment in The Weeknd’s trajectory as an artist, proving that he was not only capable of creating atmospheric, emotionally charged pop music but also versatile enough to deliver songs for a wide range of contexts. Earned It remains one of his most iconic tracks, and its smooth, sultry vibe continues to captivate listeners to this day.
7. I Feel It Coming (2016)
“I Feel It Coming,” another collaboration with Daft Punk from Starboy, stands as one of The Weeknd’s most effortlessly smooth and romantic tracks. Released in 2016, the song brings a sense of nostalgia with its breezy, laid-back vibe and classic ’80s influences, while still feeling entirely contemporary. The Weeknd’s falsetto takes center stage, delivering heartfelt lyrics about love and vulnerability, while Daft Punk’s signature electronic production adds a lush, almost dreamy texture to the track. I Feel It Coming is a track about the inevitability of love, with the singer expressing a sense of anticipation and excitement for the future. The song’s sensual, easygoing feel makes it a perfect fit for both laid-back moments and romantic settings. The Weeknd’s smooth delivery, combined with the track’s uplifting energy, makes it one of his most accessible and universally loved songs. It’s a song about surrendering to the moment and embracing the emotions that come with love, and the combination of electronic beats with smooth, soulful vocals creates a perfect balance. I Feel It Coming was a critical success, receiving praise for its production, lyrics, and overall vibe. The song’s timeless feel, combined with its infectious groove, made it a fan favorite, further solidifying The Weeknd’s ability to craft memorable tracks that resonate with a wide audience. Its positive energy, combined with a sense of longing and anticipation, makes I Feel It Coming one of the most standout tracks in The Weeknd’s impressive catalog.
8. 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 heart-wrenching tracks. The song deals with the pain of heartbreak and unrequited love, with The Weeknd singing about the desperate yearning for a lost connection. The track’s sparse production, with its haunting synths and minimalist beats, creates a stark, melancholic atmosphere that perfectly complements the vulnerability of the lyrics. The Weeknd’s falsetto is particularly haunting on this track, delivering every line with an emotional weight that draws listeners in. Call Out My Name is a deeply personal song, with the singer opening up about his emotional turmoil following a breakup. The rawness of the lyrics, combined with the haunting production, creates an intensity that feels both intimate and universal. The song’s chorus, which features the repeated line “Call out my name,” is a powerful expression of longing and desperation, echoing the pain of wanting someone who is no longer there. Despite its sadness, the song is also a reflection of strength, as The Weeknd sings about his ability to move on and regain control. Call Out My Name quickly became a fan favorite, earning praise for its emotional depth and vulnerability. The song’s success further cemented The Weeknd’s ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable, making it a standout in his catalog. It remains one of his most beloved tracks, and its emotional rawness continues to resonate with listeners around the world.
9. Die For You (2016)
A fan favorite from Starboy, Die For You was released in 2016 as one of the album’s standout tracks. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and lush production made it an instant hit, with The Weeknd singing about the unwavering devotion and loyalty that come with deep, unconditional love. The lyrics express a willingness to sacrifice everything for the person you love, and The Weeknd’s emotive vocal delivery brings a sense of sincerity and intensity to every line. The track’s production, with its smooth beats and atmospheric synths, complements the emotional weight of the lyrics, creating a song that feels both intimate and grand in scale. Die For You was a standout in Starboy, showcasing The Weeknd’s ability to craft emotionally charged tracks that speak to the heart. Despite its initial success, the song gained even more popularity in subsequent years, thanks in part to viral moments on social media and its widespread use in fan videos and playlists. The song’s timeless themes of love and devotion, combined with its infectious melody, made it a fan favorite and a track that continues to be beloved by listeners. Die For You is a perfect example of The Weeknd’s ability to combine emotional depth with unforgettable hooks, making it one of his most enduring and beloved songs.
10. Wicked Games (2011)
The Weeknd’s career took flight with Wicked Games, a haunting, atmospheric track from his debut mixtape House of Balloons. Released in 2011, this song introduced the world to The Weeknd’s unique sound—a mix of R&B, electronic, and atmospheric pop that would come to define his musical style. The track’s slow, haunting production and confessional lyrics set the tone for the rest of House of Balloons, an album that would go on to change the landscape of modern R&B. Wicked Games is a track about love, lust, and the consequences of emotional vulnerability. The Weeknd’s falsetto cuts through the dark production, delivering raw, unfiltered lyrics about his struggles with a complicated relationship. The song’s themes of betrayal, heartache, and longing resonated deeply with listeners, and its emotional honesty helped to define The Weeknd’s sound. Despite its minimalistic production, the song carries a heavy emotional weight, with The Weeknd’s voice conveying a sense of desperation and pain that feels palpable. Wicked Games was a breakthrough moment for The Weeknd, showcasing his ability to blend emotional complexity with innovative sound. The track quickly became a fan favorite, and it remains one of the most iconic songs in his catalog. Wicked Games set the stage for The Weeknd’s meteoric rise to fame, and its impact continues to be felt today. It remains a testament to his artistry and his ability to create songs that resonate on both an emotional and sonic level.
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.
