From haunting falsettos to mesmerizing beats, The Weeknd has redefined the boundaries of modern music. Abel Tesfaye, known globally as The Weeknd, has ascended from underground mixtapes to becoming a worldwide phenomenon, captivating millions with his evocative lyrics, innovative production, and unforgettable performances. Whether he’s crooning about love lost, grappling with fame, or partying into the late hours of the night, his music strikes a chord with listeners across the globe.
Over the years, The Weeknd has delivered countless chart-topping hits, crafting anthems that dominate airwaves, playlists, and dance floors alike. His ability to seamlessly blend R&B, pop, and electronic influences has solidified his place as one of the most versatile and influential artists of his generation. From the shadowy allure of his early tracks to the shimmering pop masterpieces of recent years, The Weeknd’s discography is a treasure trove of iconic songs.
In this article, we’ll dive into the top 10 most popular songs by The Weeknd, exploring the hits that have defined his career and resonated with fans around the world. Prepare to relive the magic, heartbreak, and brilliance of the artist who continues to shape the sound of a generation.
1. Blinding Lights (2019)
Few songs have dominated the music scene quite like “Blinding Lights.” Released in late 2019 as part of After Hours, this electrifying track merges ’80s synth-pop with The Weeknd’s signature modern style. From the moment the pulsating drumbeat kicks in, listeners are transported into a neon-lit, cinematic atmosphere. The lyrics tell a story of longing and regret, as The Weeknd sings about chasing love through the darkness of the night. His smooth vocals add an emotional depth that balances perfectly with the song’s upbeat tempo. Inspired by artists like Michael Jackson and new wave pioneers, the track exudes nostalgia while remaining fresh and innovative. The song shattered records, spending an astonishing 90 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of the most streamed songs in history. The music video, with its fast-paced, retro aesthetic, perfectly complements the song’s themes of reckless romance and adrenaline-fueled escapism. Whether played in clubs, on road trips, or at massive stadiums, “Blinding Lights” continues to resonate with fans around the world. Its success proves The Weeknd’s ability to craft timeless music that transcends generations, cementing it as one of the most iconic songs of the 21st century.
2. Starboy (2016)
“Starboy” marked a pivotal moment in The Weeknd’s career, introducing a darker, more futuristic sound. Released in 2016 as the lead single from his album Starboy, the song features the legendary electronic duo Daft Punk, whose influence can be heard in the track’s sleek, robotic production. The lyrics explore The Weeknd’s transformation from an underground R&B artist to a global superstar, touching on the excesses of fame, materialism, and personal reinvention. The song’s hypnotic beat and The Weeknd’s effortless vocal delivery make it an irresistible anthem. The combination of atmospheric synths, heavy bass, and Daft Punk’s signature touch results in a song that feels both edgy and infectious. “Starboy” quickly climbed the charts, becoming a worldwide hit and solidifying The Weeknd’s place at the forefront of modern pop music. The music video, featuring dramatic imagery of The Weeknd destroying his old persona, further emphasized the theme of reinvention. The song’s impact extended beyond the charts, influencing pop culture and fashion with its futuristic aesthetic. Even years after its release, “Starboy” remains a defining track in The Weeknd’s discography, representing his evolution as an artist and his ability to push musical boundaries.
3. Can’t Feel My Face (2015)
“Can’t Feel My Face” was a turning point in The Weeknd’s career, propelling him from alternative R&B to mainstream pop stardom. Released in 2015 as part of Beauty Behind the Madness, the song blends infectious pop melodies with a funky, bass-driven groove reminiscent of classic Michael Jackson hits. Lyrically, the track explores themes of love and addiction, using clever metaphors to describe an intoxicating relationship. The Weeknd’s smooth, almost playful delivery contrasts with the song’s darker undertones, making it a dynamic listening experience. The production, helmed by Max Martin, is polished and radio-friendly while still maintaining The Weeknd’s signature edge. Upon its release, the song became an instant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning widespread critical acclaim. Its success proved that The Weeknd could seamlessly navigate between alternative and mainstream sounds. The music video, featuring a dramatic performance in a smoky nightclub, adds to the song’s allure. “Can’t Feel My Face” remains one of The Weeknd’s most recognizable tracks, frequently played at parties, concerts, and award shows. It was the moment the world truly embraced The Weeknd as a pop phenomenon, cementing his status as a global superstar.
4. The Hills (2015)
Dark, haunting, and intensely raw, “The Hills” became one of The Weeknd’s defining songs when it was released in 2015. As a standout track from Beauty Behind the Madness, the song delves into themes of secrecy, late-night affairs, and emotional turmoil. Unlike the more polished, pop-friendly “Can’t Feel My Face,” this track leans heavily into The Weeknd’s signature moody aesthetic. The eerie production, with its ominous synths and distorted bass, creates an unsettling yet captivating atmosphere. The lyrics paint a picture of reckless indulgence and hidden pain, with The Weeknd’s falsetto soaring over the song’s brooding beat. The chorus, with its instantly recognizable “I only call you when it’s half past five,” became an anthem for those drawn to late-night escapism. Despite its darker themes, “The Hills” resonated with a massive audience, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning multi-platinum certification. The song’s music video, featuring a car crash and a burning mansion, further emphasized its intense, cinematic quality. Even years later, “The Hills” remains a fan favorite, celebrated for its raw honesty and hypnotic production. It’s a perfect example of The Weeknd’s ability to turn emotional turmoil into musical brilliance.
5. Save Your Tears (2020)
“Save Your Tears” is a shimmering, melancholic anthem from The Weeknd’s 2020 album After Hours. With its dreamy synth-pop production and heartfelt lyrics, the song tells a story of regret and lost love. The Weeknd sings about pushing someone away only to later realize the pain he caused, a theme that resonates deeply with fans. His smooth, almost detached vocal delivery contrasts with the song’s emotional weight, creating a bittersweet listening experience. Inspired by the sounds of the 1980s, the track features lush synthesizers and a pulsing rhythm that feel both nostalgic and modern.
Upon its release, “Save Your Tears” quickly gained popularity, but it reached new heights when The Weeknd released a remix featuring Ariana Grande in 2021. The collaboration added a fresh layer of emotion, making it even more powerful. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its place as one of The Weeknd’s biggest hits. The music video, with its surreal imagery and commentary on fame, added another dimension to the track. Whether it’s the original version or the remix, “Save Your Tears” stands as one of The Weeknd’s most poignant and beautifully crafted songs, capturing the pain of love lost.
6. Earned It (2015)
Released as part of the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack in 2015, “Earned It” is one of The Weeknd’s most seductive and elegant tracks. The song’s slow, orchestral arrangement creates a sense of grandeur, perfectly complementing its sensual lyrics. Unlike his more upbeat pop hits, this track leans into a jazz-infused, cinematic sound, showcasing his ability to blend genres seamlessly. His smooth and controlled vocals add an air of sophistication, making the song feel intimate and powerful.
“Earned It” became a massive success, earning The Weeknd his first Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. Its luxurious production, combined with the song’s hauntingly beautiful melody, set it apart from the typical radio hits of the time. The music video, featuring intricate choreography and vintage aesthetics, further emphasized its sultry appeal. The track played a significant role in elevating The Weeknd’s career, introducing his music to an even wider audience. Even years later, “Earned It” remains a standout in his discography, proving his ability to craft deeply evocative and sophisticated music. Its timeless quality ensures that it continues to captivate listeners, cementing its status as one of his most memorable ballads.
7. I Feel It Coming (2016)
“I Feel It Coming” is a feel-good, disco-inspired masterpiece from The Weeknd’s 2016 album Starboy. Featuring the legendary Daft Punk, the song transports listeners to a dreamy, romantic atmosphere with its smooth production and laid-back groove. Unlike the darker, more intense tracks in The Weeknd’s catalog, this song exudes warmth and optimism, making it a refreshing departure from his usual themes of excess and heartbreak.
The lyrics speak of a relationship filled with trust and emotional connection, a contrast to his more turbulent love songs. The Weeknd’s effortless vocals glide over the track’s mellow beat, creating an irresistible blend of nostalgia and modern R&B. The influence of Daft Punk is undeniable, as the track’s lush synths and rhythmic basslines pay homage to classic funk and disco sounds.
Upon release, “I Feel It Coming” became an instant favorite, earning widespread acclaim for its timeless production. It showcased The Weeknd’s versatility as an artist, proving he could deliver more than just dark, brooding anthems. The song remains a staple in his discography, often played alongside his biggest hits. With its smooth melodies and infectious groove, “I Feel It Coming” continues to be a fan favorite.
8. Take My Breath (2021)
With “Take My Breath,” The Weeknd fully embraced his love for disco and electronic music, delivering one of his most exhilarating tracks. Released in 2021 as part of Dawn FM, the song features pulsating synths, deep basslines, and a hypnotic beat that instantly draws listeners in. From the opening seconds, the track radiates an electrifying energy that makes it impossible to resist.
Lyrically, “Take My Breath” explores themes of passion and desire, set against the backdrop of a high-energy, club-like atmosphere. The Weeknd’s signature falsetto adds an air of seduction, making the song both thrilling and immersive. The production is bold, with extended instrumental breaks that allow the music to breathe and evolve, capturing the essence of ’80s dance anthems.
The song was met with critical acclaim, praised for its dynamic sound and retro influences. The music video, featuring surreal and intense visuals, added another layer of intrigue to the track. While The Weeknd has always experimented with different styles, “Take My Breath” stands out as one of his most ambitious dance tracks. It further solidified his status as a boundary-pushing artist, proving he can masterfully blend nostalgia with modern innovation.
9. Call Out My Name (2018)
“Call Out My Name” is one of The Weeknd’s most heart-wrenching ballads, capturing the pain of unrequited love. Released in 2018 on the My Dear Melancholy, EP, the song is raw, emotional, and deeply personal. Unlike his club anthems, this track strips back the production, allowing his haunting vocals to take center stage. The lyrics tell the story of a relationship where The Weeknd gave everything, only to be left behind.
The song’s slow tempo and melancholic piano create an intimate atmosphere, making the heartbreak feel even more palpable. His falsetto soars in the chorus, filled with vulnerability and desperation. The production, though minimal compared to his other hits, is layered with subtle details that enhance the song’s emotional depth.
“Call Out My Name” became an instant fan favorite, with many speculating that it was inspired by a real-life relationship. The song resonated deeply with listeners who had experienced similar heartbreak, making it one of his most relatable tracks. Its stripped-down style and raw honesty set it apart from his other work, proving that The Weeknd can captivate audiences just as powerfully with sorrow as he can with electrifying beats.
10. Die For You (2016)
“Die For You” is one of The Weeknd’s most powerful love songs, showcasing his ability to blend vulnerability with lush production. Released in 2016 on Starboy, the song takes a more emotional approach, exploring themes of deep devotion and unconditional love. Unlike the darker, edgier tracks from the album, this song leans into soft, atmospheric production, creating a sense of intimacy.
The lyrics express the pain of separation and the longing to be with someone despite the circumstances. The Weeknd’s heartfelt delivery makes the emotions feel genuine, as his falsetto soars over the dreamy instrumentals. The song’s slow, steady beat gives it a hypnotic quality, drawing listeners into its emotional core.
Although it wasn’t an immediate chart-topper upon release, “Die For You” grew in popularity over the years, eventually becoming a fan favorite. Its timeless quality and universal themes of love and devotion have helped it remain relevant long after its initial release. In 2023, the song saw a resurgence in popularity, proving that great music always finds a way to connect with audiences. “Die For You” remains one of The Weeknd’s most touching and beautifully crafted songs.
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.
