The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, has established himself as one of the most iconic and influential artists of the 21st century. With his signature blend of hauntingly beautiful vocals, electrifying beats, and deeply emotional lyrics, he has redefined modern R&B and pop music. From his mysterious mixtape beginnings to his meteoric rise as a global superstar, The Weeknd has delivered hit after hit, crafting songs that resonate with millions of fans worldwide. His music explores themes of love, heartbreak, passion, and self-discovery, often wrapped in an intoxicating mix of dark, cinematic soundscapes.
In this article, we dive into the top 10 most popular songs from one of music’s most enigmatic talents. These tracks have not only dominated charts but have also become cultural touchstones, soundtracking unforgettable moments in fans’ lives. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new listener, these songs showcase the evolution of The Weeknd’s artistry—from his moody, underground anthems to his dazzling, stadium-ready pop masterpieces. So, get ready to relive the magic, the heartbreak, and the euphoria as we count down The Weeknd’s most unforgettable hits of all time. Let’s see which of your favorites made the list!
1. Blinding Lights (2019)
Few songs in recent history have had the same cultural impact as Blinding Lights. Released in 2019 as part of After Hours, this electrifying synth-pop anthem became The Weeknd’s biggest hit, blending nostalgic 1980s production with modern storytelling. From the very first pulsating beats, the song immerses listeners in a whirlwind of love, obsession, and reckless abandon.
Lyrically, Blinding Lights tells the story of someone desperately searching for a lost love, willing to do anything to reunite with them. The lyrics—I can’t see clearly when you’re gone—capture the intensity of longing, while the energetic production gives the track a euphoric yet melancholic feel. The Weeknd’s signature smooth vocals glide over the shimmering synths, creating a soundscape that feels both cinematic and deeply personal.
The song’s impact was immediate and record-breaking. It spent an astonishing 90 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the longest-charting songs of all time. The accompanying music video, with its neon-lit visuals and high-speed car chases, perfectly matched the song’s adrenaline-fueled narrative.
Beyond its commercial success, Blinding Lights solidified The Weeknd as a master of reinvention, proving his ability to blend retro influences with a modern edge. Even years after its release, the song remains a defining moment in his career, a track that encapsulates both heartbreak and exhilaration with unmatched brilliance.
2. The Hills (2015)
Dark, hypnotic, and deeply confessional, The Hills is one of The Weeknd’s most iconic tracks, defining the moody aesthetic that made him a global superstar. Released in 2015 as part of Beauty Behind the Madness, the song explores themes of excess, self-destruction, and emotional detachment, wrapped in eerie, cinematic production.
Opening with a distorted, ominous beat, the track immediately sets a haunting tone. The Weeknd’s raw, almost whispered vocals deliver lyrics that are both brutally honest and unapologetic, as he confesses to a toxic lifestyle fueled by late nights and fleeting relationships. The chorus—I only call you when it’s half past five—perfectly captures the song’s central theme: a world where love and intimacy are tainted by secrecy and emotional numbness.
Despite its dark subject matter, The Hills became a massive commercial success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and resonating with listeners worldwide. The song’s eerie production, layered with heavy bass and ghostly synths, made it stand out from the typical pop landscape.
The music video, featuring slow-motion car crashes and surreal imagery, further cemented The Hills as one of The Weeknd’s most unforgettable visuals. It remains a defining song in his catalog, a haunting anthem that showcases his ability to turn emotional turmoil into musical brilliance.
3. Earned It (2015)
With its sultry orchestration and intoxicating slow-burn melody, Earned It is one of The Weeknd’s most seductive tracks. Released in 2015 as part of the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack, the song perfectly complements the film’s steamy aesthetic, but its appeal extends far beyond the movie.
Unlike The Weeknd’s usual dark and brooding production, Earned It leans into a more classic, sophisticated R&B sound. The lush instrumentation, featuring sweeping strings and a dramatic arrangement, highlights the depth of his vocals. His voice is rich and expressive, effortlessly conveying passion and longing as he croons about a love that is both alluring and destructive. The lyrics—You make it look like it’s magic—set the tone for a song drenched in desire and obsession.
The track’s slow tempo and cinematic feel earned it widespread acclaim, leading to The Weeknd’s first Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. It also became a commercial hit, peaking in the top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100 and further cementing his status as a mainstream powerhouse.
The music video, with its dimly lit, vintage-inspired visuals and burlesque imagery, adds another layer of sensuality to the song. Earned It remains a fan favorite, a testament to The Weeknd’s ability to merge sensual storytelling with impeccable musical craftsmanship.
4. Starboy (2016)
Starboy is more than just a song—it’s a statement. Released in 2016 as the lead single from The Weeknd’s third studio album of the same name, the track signified a bold new era for the artist. Teaming up with electronic duo Daft Punk, he delivered a futuristic, high-energy anthem that exudes confidence, luxury, and reinvention.
The song’s pulsating beat, sleek synths, and robotic flourishes create an intoxicating soundscape that feels both cold and exhilarating. Lyrically, Starboy showcases The Weeknd’s transformation from a mysterious underground R&B artist to a full-fledged global superstar. The lyrics boast about wealth, success, and fame, with lines like House so empty, need a centerpiece / Twenty racks a table cut from ebony. However, there’s an underlying sense of detachment and self-awareness, making the song more than just a celebration of excess.
The music video further reinforces the theme of reinvention, as The Weeknd is seen destroying his past self and embracing a sleek, new persona. The visual aesthetic, filled with neon lights, fast cars, and a panther, captures the essence of his artistic evolution.
A massive commercial success, Starboy topped the Billboard Hot 100 and solidified The Weeknd’s place among music’s elite. Its infectious hook and futuristic production make it one of his most defining tracks, an anthem of transformation and ambition.
5. Save Your Tears (2020)
Melancholic yet irresistibly catchy, Save Your Tears is one of The Weeknd’s most emotionally charged tracks. Released in 2020 as part of After Hours, the song blends heartbreak, regret, and nostalgia into a shimmering synth-pop masterpiece.
The song’s production is heavily influenced by the 1980s, with dreamy synths and a pulsating beat that mask the raw pain in the lyrics. The Weeknd’s vocals are hauntingly smooth as he reflects on a lost love and the mistakes he’s made. The chorus—I don’t know why I run away—captures the self-sabotaging tendencies that often accompany heartbreak. Despite its upbeat tempo, there’s an aching vulnerability beneath the surface.
A highlight of the After Hours era, Save Your Tears became a massive hit, especially after a remix featuring Ariana Grande gave the song a new life. It climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, further cementing The Weeknd’s dominance in pop music.
The music video, featuring eerie visuals and a distorted version of The Weeknd’s face, adds to the song’s mystique. Whether listeners are drawn to its nostalgic production or its deeply personal lyrics, Save Your Tears remains one of his most emotionally impactful songs.
6. Can’t Feel My Face (2015)
With its infectious melody and undeniable groove, Can’t Feel My Face became one of the biggest hits of 2015, catapulting The Weeknd into full-fledged pop superstardom. Released as part of Beauty Behind the Madness, the song marked a shift from his signature dark R&B sound to a more mainstream, radio-friendly vibe.
The track, produced by Max Martin, features a funky bassline and a rhythm reminiscent of classic Michael Jackson-era pop. Lyrically, Can’t Feel My Face is layered with meaning—on the surface, it’s a song about an intoxicating romance, but many interpret it as a metaphor for substance abuse, a recurring theme in The Weeknd’s music. The hook, I can’t feel my face when I’m with you / But I love it, is irresistibly catchy, making the song an instant earworm.
Upon release, the song became a massive commercial success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning multiple Grammy nominations. Its widespread appeal introduced The Weeknd to a new audience, cementing him as one of the most versatile artists in the industry.
The music video, featuring The Weeknd performing in a smoky lounge before dramatically bursting into flames, adds an element of mystery and danger to the track. Whether listeners connect with its deeper lyrical themes or simply enjoy the danceable beat, Can’t Feel My Face remains one of his most iconic songs.
7. Often (2014)
Often is a sultry, hypnotic track that encapsulates everything fans love about The Weeknd’s early sound—dark, provocative, and dripping with confidence. Released in 2014 as part of Beauty Behind the Madness, the song is a moody, atmospheric ode to hedonism and excess.
The production is minimalist yet intoxicating, with a looping sample that creates a dreamy, almost trance-like effect. The Weeknd’s vocals float effortlessly over the beat, exuding an effortless cool as he sings about his fast-paced lifestyle. Lyrically, Often doesn’t hold back, diving into themes of indulgence, late-night encounters, and the consequences of fame. Lines like She asks me if I do this every day, I said, “Often” make it clear that this is a track about living life without limitations.
Despite its explicit nature, Often quickly became a fan favorite, showcasing The Weeknd’s ability to blend R&B with alternative and electronic influences. The song’s moody aesthetic and seductive energy helped solidify his status as an enigmatic artist who wasn’t afraid to push boundaries.
The music video, shot in dimly lit hotel rooms and featuring surreal imagery, complements the song’s themes of excess and detachment. Though not his most commercially successful track, Often remains one of his most defining songs, a perfect representation of the dark, mysterious persona that made him a star.
8. I Feel It Coming (2016)
A stark contrast to The Weeknd’s usual brooding sound, I Feel It Coming is a smooth, romantic groove that showcases his softer side. Released in 2016 as part of Starboy, the track features Daft Punk’s signature production, blending retro-futuristic synths with an undeniably infectious melody.
Unlike some of The Weeknd’s darker, more introspective songs, I Feel It Coming is filled with warmth and optimism. The lyrics tell the story of a man reassuring his lover, encouraging her to embrace love without fear. Lines like Just a simple touch and it can set you free make the song feel intimate and inviting. The track’s laid-back tempo and disco-inspired beat make it easy to dance to, yet its emotional depth adds an extra layer of appeal.
The collaboration with Daft Punk was a match made in heaven, as the duo’s influence is evident in the shimmering synth work and smooth transitions. The song’s nostalgic, 1980s-inspired production makes it feel timeless, drawing comparisons to Michael Jackson’s best work.
Commercially, I Feel It Coming was a huge success, becoming one of the standout tracks from the Starboy album. The music video, set in a cosmic landscape with vintage aesthetics, further adds to the song’s dreamy allure. Whether you’re in the mood for romance or just want to vibe to a smooth beat, I Feel It Coming is one of The Weeknd’s most effortlessly enjoyable songs.
9. Call Out My Name (2018)
Few songs capture the raw emotion of heartbreak as powerfully as Call Out My Name. Released in 2018 as part of My Dear Melancholy,, the track is a soul-stirring ballad that showcases The Weeknd’s vulnerability like never before. Stripped down and emotionally charged, it tells the story of unreciprocated love and the pain of letting go.
From the opening piano chords, Call Out My Name sets a hauntingly melancholic tone. The Weeknd’s vocals, drenched in sorrow and longing, build up to an aching climax as he sings, I almost cut a piece of myself for your life. Many fans speculated that the song was inspired by his highly publicized breakup with Selena Gomez, particularly referencing the sacrifices he was willing to make for her.
The production is minimal yet deeply atmospheric, allowing The Weeknd’s voice to take center stage. His delivery is raw and impassioned, making every lyric feel deeply personal. The song’s structure slowly intensifies, mirroring the emotional turmoil of moving on from a relationship that wasn’t meant to be.
Upon release, Call Out My Name resonated with listeners around the world, quickly becoming one of The Weeknd’s most beloved ballads. It debuted in the Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100, proving that heartbreak anthems are some of his most powerful offerings. The accompanying music video, filled with surreal imagery and dark, moody aesthetics, perfectly complements the song’s tone.
With its heartbreaking honesty and cinematic soundscape, Call Out My Name stands as one of The Weeknd’s most emotionally charged songs, solidifying his ability to turn personal pain into musical brilliance.
10. Wicked Games (2011)
Long before The Weeknd became a global superstar, Wicked Games introduced the world to his dark, mysterious, and emotionally complex artistry. Released in 2011 as part of his debut mixtape House of Balloons, the track became an underground sensation, eventually receiving an official release that helped launch his career.
The song encapsulates The Weeknd’s signature themes—desperation, lust, self-destruction, and the pursuit of something deeper, even in the most toxic of relationships. The lyrics tell a story of a man seeking solace in a fleeting, physical connection, even though he knows it won’t bring real fulfillment. Bring your love, baby, I could bring my shame sets the tone for a song filled with emotional contradictions, making it both haunting and captivating.
Musically, Wicked Games is hypnotic, with a slow-burning beat and moody, atmospheric production. The sparse instrumentals allow The Weeknd’s vocals to shine, drawing listeners into his world of late-night loneliness and reckless indulgence. His voice soars in the chorus, conveying an overwhelming sense of yearning and pain that lingers long after the song ends.
Though it wasn’t an immediate mainstream hit, Wicked Games became a defining track for The Weeknd, setting the stage for his ascent to fame. It showcased his ability to blend R&B, alternative, and dark electronic elements into something entirely unique. Over the years, it has remained a fan favorite, often credited as one of his most influential early songs.
Looking back, Wicked Games was a pivotal moment in The Weeknd’s career, proving that his music wasn’t just about chart success—it was about raw, unfiltered emotion. It laid the foundation for the artist he would become, making it one of his most iconic and enduring 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.
