Few artists have captured the hearts of music lovers quite like The Weeknd. From his mysterious mixtape beginnings to becoming a global pop icon, Abel Tesfaye has redefined the boundaries of R&B, pop, and electronic music. With his hauntingly smooth vocals, genre-defying soundscapes, and unforgettable lyrics, The Weeknd has created a catalog of hits that resonate across generations. Whether you’re a long-time fan who’s been there since the House of Balloons days or someone who fell in love with the glitz and grit of After Hours, there’s no denying the power of his music.
In this article, we dive into The Weeknd’s top 10 most popular songs of all time—tracks that have dominated the charts, sparked viral trends, and become anthems for millions. From sultry slow jams to electrifying pop hits, these songs have not only cemented his place in music history but have also shaped the sound of contemporary music. So, turn up the volume and prepare to relive the magic as we count down the tracks that made The Weeknd a household name. Which of your favorites made the cut? Let’s find out as we journey through the best of The Weeknd’s discography!
1. Blinding Lights (2019)
Released in November 2019, Blinding Lights became an unstoppable force in modern pop music. As the second single from The Weeknd’s After Hours album, the song seamlessly blends nostalgia with innovation, channeling the infectious energy of 80s synthwave while maintaining a fresh, contemporary edge. With its pulsating bassline, shimmering synths, and driving beat, Blinding Lights creates an exhilarating sonic experience that mirrors the rush of chasing love and escaping loneliness.
Lyrically, the song delves into themes of heartbreak, longing, and the intoxicating pull of an old flame. The Weeknd’s vocals, drenched in emotion, paint a picture of a man searching through the night for someone he can’t let go of. The song’s cinematic feel, enhanced by its music video featuring high-speed chases and neon-lit cityscapes, adds to its allure.
Blinding Lights shattered records, becoming one of the longest-charting songs in Billboard Hot 100 history. It topped the charts in multiple countries and became an anthem of resilience and euphoria. Whether played in clubs, commercials, or major events, the track continues to captivate listeners, proving that The Weeknd has mastered the art of crafting timeless, genre-defying hits.
2. The Hills (2015)
Few songs capture the raw intensity of desire and self-destruction quite like The Hills. Released in May 2015 as part of The Weeknd’s Beauty Behind the Madness album, the song quickly became a defining moment in his career. With its eerie, distorted production and ominous bass, The Hills immerses listeners in a dark, intoxicating world of excess and regret.
The lyrics lay bare The Weeknd’s conflicted emotions—his struggles with fame, fleeting relationships, and the emptiness that accompanies them. The chorus, with its haunting refrain of “I only call you when it’s half-past five”, speaks to the shallow, transient nature of his connections. Unlike many of his pop-friendly hits, The Hills embraces a grittier, more experimental sound, featuring cinematic crashes and a spine-chilling melody that intensifies the track’s brooding atmosphere.
The song became an instant success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning multi-platinum status. Its impact extended beyond music, influencing the darker R&B sound that has since dominated the genre. The Hills remains one of The Weeknd’s most iconic tracks, a perfect blend of raw emotion and hypnotic production that continues to mesmerize listeners.
3. Starboy (2016)
Released in September 2016 as the lead single from the album of the same name, Starboy signified a bold reinvention for The Weeknd. Teaming up with legendary electronic duo Daft Punk, he delivered a sleek, pulsating track that seamlessly blends synth-pop, R&B, and electronic elements. The song’s futuristic production, driven by a hypnotic beat and smooth, robotic undertones, perfectly complements The Weeknd’s confident and introspective lyrics.
At its core, Starboy explores the duality of fame—its allure and its emptiness. The lyrics reflect on The Weeknd’s meteoric rise, material success, and the challenges that come with being a global superstar. Lines like “Look what you’ve done, I’m a mother****** Starboy”* capture both triumph and the darker realities of celebrity life.
The track was an instant hit, topping charts worldwide and earning critical acclaim for its innovative sound. Its music video, filled with symbolism of reinvention and destruction, further emphasized The Weeknd’s evolution as an artist. Starboy not only cemented his status as a genre-defying artist but also became one of the defining songs of his career.
4. Can’t Feel My Face (2015)
With Can’t Feel My Face, The Weeknd took a bold step into mainstream pop, blending funk, R&B, and disco influences to create an unforgettable anthem. Released in June 2015 as part of Beauty Behind the Madness, the track marked a turning point, proving his ability to craft radio-friendly hits while maintaining his signature dark undertones.
On the surface, the song feels like a high-energy love song, with its upbeat tempo and Michael Jackson-inspired vocal delivery. However, beneath the infectious groove, the lyrics metaphorically depict the highs and lows of addiction, using love as an allegory for dependence. The contrast between the song’s vibrant sound and its underlying themes adds depth, making it more than just a catchy tune.
The track dominated the charts, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning widespread acclaim. Its success propelled The Weeknd into a new stratosphere of fame, broadening his audience while staying true to his artistic roots. Years later, Can’t Feel My Face remains a staple at parties and playlists, a testament to The Weeknd’s genius in crafting timeless hits.
5. Save Your Tears (2020)
Released in March 2020 as part of After Hours, Save Your Tears is a mesmerizing blend of nostalgia and heartbreak. The song’s dreamy, retro-inspired production, infused with shimmering synths and an infectious beat, gives it a timeless quality reminiscent of 80s new wave and synth-pop. Beneath its upbeat melody, however, lies a poignant reflection on regret and lost love.
The Weeknd’s lyrics tell a story of emotional distance and missed chances, capturing the bittersweet realization that a past lover has moved on. Lines like “I don’t know why I run away” convey self-sabotage and the inability to fix a broken relationship. His smooth yet melancholic vocal delivery enhances the song’s emotional weight, making it resonate deeply with listeners.
Save Your Tears became one of the biggest hits from After Hours, topping charts globally. A remix featuring Ariana Grande in 2021 elevated the song’s success even further, introducing a stunning vocal interplay between the two artists. The song’s music video, filled with eerie and surreal imagery, added another layer to its mystique. With its perfect balance of heartbreak and danceable energy, Save Your Tears stands as one of The Weeknd’s most iconic songs.
6. Wicked Games (2011)
A cornerstone of The Weeknd’s early career, Wicked Games introduced the world to his raw, moody, and emotionally charged sound. Originally released in March 2011 on his debut mixtape House of Balloons, the song quickly became a fan favorite, later receiving a polished version for his major-label debut Trilogy in 2012.
With haunting guitar chords, atmospheric production, and deeply personal lyrics, Wicked Games immerses listeners in a tale of loneliness and toxic love. The Weeknd’s voice drips with desperation as he pleads, “Bring your love, baby, I could bring my shame”, embodying a character lost in indulgence, pain, and emotional emptiness. The track’s stripped-down, slow-burning intensity enhances its raw vulnerability, making it one of his most haunting songs.
Though not a commercial smash in its initial release, Wicked Games became a cult classic, symbolizing the darker, more introspective side of The Weeknd’s artistry. It set the tone for his career, establishing him as a master of blending sorrow and sensuality in a way few artists can. Even years later, the song remains a defining moment in his discography.
7. I Feel It Coming (2016)
Few songs in The Weeknd’s catalog radiate warmth and romance quite like I Feel It Coming. Released in November 2016 as part of the Starboy album, this dazzling collaboration with Daft Punk embraces a smooth, disco-inspired groove that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
With its breezy melody and effortless charm, I Feel It Coming offers a stark contrast to The Weeknd’s typically brooding style. The lyrics exude tenderness, depicting a love that is patient, reassuring, and genuine. His velvety vocals, paired with Daft Punk’s signature electronic touches, create an irresistible blend of R&B and retro pop.
The song was a commercial and critical success, drawing comparisons to Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall era. Its universal appeal made it a favorite among fans and casual listeners alike. More than just a radio hit, I Feel It Coming demonstrated The Weeknd’s versatility, proving he could masterfully navigate both dark, moody themes and uplifting, feel-good anthems.
8. Earned It (2014)
Released in December 2014 as part of the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack, Earned It brought The Weeknd’s signature sultry style into the mainstream. This slow-burning ballad is a masterclass in seduction, with its orchestral arrangement, sensual lyrics, and hypnotic vocal delivery creating a luxurious and intoxicating atmosphere.
The song’s lyrics convey devotion and admiration, with lines like “You make it look like it’s magic” painting a picture of deep passion and desire. The classical instrumentation, featuring lush strings and dramatic crescendos, elevates the song beyond traditional R&B, giving it a cinematic quality that perfectly suited the film’s themes.
Earned It became one of The Weeknd’s biggest early hits, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. It also played a crucial role in expanding his audience, proving that his signature blend of dark romance and moody production could captivate the mainstream. Even today, Earned It remains one of his most alluring and memorable tracks.
9. Die For You (2016)
One of The Weeknd’s most emotionally charged songs, Die For You was released in November 2016 as part of the Starboy album. With its melancholic yet soaring production, the song delves into themes of devotion, sacrifice, and the pain of a love that endures despite separation.
The lyrics express deep, conflicted emotions, as The Weeknd sings about a love that persists despite distance and hardship. His vocal delivery is raw and heartfelt, making lines like “I just can’t hide it, I just can’t fight it” feel intensely personal. The song’s combination of synth-driven instrumentals and emotional storytelling creates an atmosphere of longing and nostalgia.
Though not an immediate chart-topper upon release, Die For You experienced a massive resurgence in popularity years later, thanks to viral trends and fan support. A remix featuring Ariana Grande in 2023 further propelled it into mainstream consciousness, proving that the song’s emotional depth and universal themes had an enduring impact.
10. Call Out My Name (2018)
Few songs capture heartbreak as raw and unfiltered as Call Out My Name. Released in March 2018 as part of the My Dear Melancholy, EP, the song is a deeply personal ballad filled with sorrow, regret, and lingering attachment.
The track’s minimalist production allows The Weeknd’s voice to take center stage, with his anguished delivery intensifying the song’s emotional weight. Lyrics like “I almost cut a piece of myself for your life” suggest profound sacrifice and unreciprocated love, making it one of his most gut-wrenching performances. The aching falsettos and dramatic build-up add to the song’s cathartic impact.
Call Out My Name quickly became a fan favorite, resonating with anyone who has experienced heartbreak. Its stark vulnerability, combined with The Weeknd’s haunting vocals, cemented its place as one of his most powerful breakup anthems. Even years after its release, the song remains a testament to his ability to turn personal pain into breathtaking music.
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.
