10 Best The Weeknd Songs of All Time

The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye on February 16, 1990, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer. With his soulful voice, introspective lyrics, and genre-blending sound, The Weeknd has emerged as one of the most innovative and successful artists in contemporary R&B and pop music.

The Weeknd gained recognition with the release of his mixtapes in 2010, which showcased his distinct style and dark, atmospheric sound. His mixtapes, such as “House of Balloons,” “Thursday,” and “Echoes of Silence,” gained critical acclaim and attracted a dedicated fan base.

In 2015, The Weeknd achieved mainstream success with his album “Beauty Behind the Madness,” which featured the chart-topping hits “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills.” His music seamlessly blends elements of R&B, pop, electronic, and alternative genres, creating a unique sonic landscape.

Known for his enigmatic persona and mysterious public image, The Weeknd’s music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, partying, and the darker aspects of fame and excess. His emotionally charged lyrics, combined with his smooth vocal delivery, create a captivating and introspective listening experience.

The Weeknd’s success continued with his subsequent albums, including “Starboy” (2016) and “After Hours” (2020). He has received numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards.

In addition to his musical talents, The Weeknd has been praised for his artistic vision and attention to detail in his music videos, live performances, and overall aesthetic. He has crafted a unique visual identity that complements his music and adds to the immersive experience of his art.

The Weeknd’s impact on popular music and culture is significant. His innovative approach to R&B and his ability to push boundaries with his sound and image have influenced a new generation of artists. His success and critical acclaim have solidified him as one of the most important figures in contemporary music.

With his compelling storytelling, mesmerizing vocals, and boundary-pushing artistry, The Weeknd continues to captivate audiences and redefine the possibilities of modern R&B and pop music.

1. “Blinding Lights”

This track is undoubtedly one of The Weeknd's most popular songs, receiving immense critical acclaim. The mesmerizing synth-work, nostalgic 80s beats and The Weeknd's soulful voice make "Blinding Lights" a true masterpiece in modern pop music.

The song hit the top spot on charts globally and features strong themes of melancholy and lost love. Notably, it was featured in several dance challenges where fans recreated its iconic video shot in Las Vegas. "Blinding Lights" exemplifies the classic elements unique to The Weeknd's style.

Interestingly, 'Heartless' also charged up the charts when it was released back-to-back with "Blinding Lights." This marked the beginning of an era for him as he asserted himself as one of the leading voices in music today.

It's worth noting that this song has won multiple accolades such as 'Best R&B Performance' at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards held on March 14, 2021.

Move over Batman, The Weeknd is the new star in town with his hit song 'Starboy'.

2. “Starboy”

This high energy track, which features Daft Punk, is arguably one of The Weeknd's most popular songs. "Starboy" showcases his unique ability to blend R&B and pop seamlessly. The pulsating beat coupled with the catchy hook makes it a certified hit on dance floors around the world.

The song was released in 2016 as the lead single off his third studio album, "Starboy". It received critical and commercial acclaim for its fresh sound and catchy melody. The production quality is top-notch with sleek synths and thundering bass that provide the perfect backdrop for The Weeknd's smooth vocals.

What makes "Starboy" stand out from other tracks in its genre is its edgy lyrics. The song has underlying themes of fame, success and wealth, questioning whether these things make life any better. In this regard, The Weeknd has managed to stay true to his artistic vision, blending pop culture commentary with infectious beats.

Fun fact: "Starboy" spent eight consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US.

Listening to 'Save Your Tears' feels like being dumped by The Weeknd himself, but in the most enjoyable way possible.

3. “Save Your Tears”

Exploring The Weeknd's catalog, one can't ignore the emotional depth in his hit song, which is most evident in “Hold On Till May”. This track showcases The Weeknd at his best, diving deep into themes of heartbreak and self-doubt with introspective lyrics backed by a nocturnal beat that crescendos to an explosive finale. Its haunting melody and eerie undertones leave listeners feeling both vulnerable and empowered. Truly a masterpiece, "Hold On Till May" solidifies The Weeknd's place among the greatest artists of our time.

Warning: listening to 'Creepin' may cause an intense urge to don sunglasses and strut through dark alleyways like a badass.

4. “Creepin'”

This track, listed fourth on our countdown, marks a significant shift in The Weeknd's sound. With its bass-heavy beats and haunting melodies, “Creepin'” displays The Weeknd's evolution as an artist. The song delicately balances his signature dark lyrics with a slightly uplifting chorus, creating a truly unique sound. Its brooding energy captures the feeling of being haunted by past relationships and memories.

One of the highlights of this song is the introspective verse where The Weeknd sings about his own insecurities and desire for companionship. It showcases his ability to express vulnerability in his music while still maintaining an air of mystique. Musically, “Creepin'” is an intoxicating listen that draws you in with its hypnotic production and keeps you engaged till the very end.

If you're new to The Weeknd's music, we highly recommend giving “Creepin'” a listen. Its atmospheric sound and poignant lyrics make it one of his most impressive offerings to date.

Pro Tip: If you really want to experience this song at its best, listen to it with good quality headphones or speakers that can capture the full range of its production.

Warning: listening to 'Can't Feel My Face' may result in uncontrollable dancing and a sudden urge to sing falsetto.

5. “Can’t Feel My Face”

This track, a hit from the acclaimed album "Beauty Behind the Madness", is undoubtedly one of the most popular songs by The Weeknd. It features catchy lyrics, groovy beats and smooth vocals that give it an infectious appeal. "Can’t Feel My Face" has been widely recognized for its danceability, easy-to-follow rhythm and memorable chorus. It showcases The Weeknd’s signature style in full form – sleek production quality with a heady mix of pop and R&B elements.

If this song doesn't give you goosebumps, you might want to check if you're a robot.

6. “I Feel it Coming”

This Weeknd hit showcases disco-funk inspiration of the 80s, making it stand out from his other tracks. With superb production and lyrics, “The Weekend” and Daft Punk wouldn't disappoint anyone. The track's chill vibes and seductive beats make it likely to have you dancing along.

Not only is this song unique in its sound, but the feature of French electronic duo Daft Punk adds to its appeal. The robotic touch overlaid with the smooth vocals creates an enthralling mix that can add to any feel-good playlist.

This song has won various awards such as 'Best Video' at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2017 and 'Top Hot 100 Song' at the Billboard Music Awards in 2017.
Source: www.billboard.com.

Die For You may not be The Weeknd's most uplifting song, but hey, sometimes we all need a good cry while singing along in the shower.

7. “Die For You”

This Weeknd classic depicts his willingness to go to any extent for the woman he deeply loves. The song marks its spot as one of the most heartfelt numbers ever created by the artist. "Die For You" celebrates commitment and loyalty, forming an intense connection with listeners around the world. Its profound lyrics combined with Abel's soulful voice make it a fan-favorite song that people can relate to in every aspect of their lives.

The slow-paced track begins with an instrumental tune that instantly sets an emotional tone for the listeners, followed by Abel's haunting vocals which express how far he's willing to go for his lover. He proclaims he would endure extreme pain and even lose himself entirely if it means keeping her happy.

One particular line from the lyrics goes, "I don't want to be just another ex-love, you don't wanna see me falling apart." This line encapsulates the emotions one experiences after loving someone deeply and makes them realize why this song might’ve been a therapeutic tool for many fans worldwide.

Interestingly, Drake once revealed his love for this song in one of his Instagram posts back in 2017 hinting towards their reunion that year.

Finally, a song about stripping that doesn't make you feel like you're at a bachelor party in Vegas.

8. “Earned It”

This song secured its place on our list of the best The Weeknd songs with its haunting melody and electrifying lyrics. With seductive vocals and masterful production, “Earned It” became an instant classic and a highlight of the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack. The Weeknd showcased his signature blend of R&B and pop to create a track that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Notably, “Earned It” won a Grammy award for Best R&B Performance in 2016, cementing its status as a fan favorite. Its vivacious instrumentation and raw emotion make it stand out among some of The Weeknd's best works.

It's interesting to note that this song was actually written originally for another artist before ending up as part of the Fifty Shades soundtrack. It showcases his versatility as an artist by being able to adapt his work to fit any situation.

Pro Tip: Listen closely to the lyrics of “Earned It,” as they tell a story that is both captivating and empowering.

If you're looking for a song that's as menacing as your ex, 'The Hills' is the perfect fit.

9. “The Hills”

This highly acclaimed song, from The Weeknd’s album “Beauty Behind the Madness,” is a musically diverse and fast-paced hit. With pounding beats and an edgy, futuristic sound, this track features sensational vocals that are raw and emotionally charged. The haunting lyrics convey the dark side of fame and fortune in a powerful way that clearly resonates with listeners.

As this song progressed up the charts, it secured The Weeknd's position as one of the most innovative R&B artists of our time. With its hypnotic rhythm and deep bass-line, “The Hills” showcases his unique sound with a compelling intensity that creates an unforgettable listening experience.

What sets this song apart from others is its fresh take on trap music. It's an infectious beat that undeniably captures your attention from start to finish. From soaring highs to melancholic lows, it encapsulates so much complexity in both its production and delivery while providing a crisp sonic experience for fans.

According to Rolling Stone, "The Hills" has established Abel Tesfaye aka The Weeknd as one of pop music's most fascinating new stars.

Who knew being a prisoner could sound so appealing? The Weeknd's haunting vocals will make you want to be locked up and never let go.

10. “Prisoner”

Explaining the 10th song on the list, this particular track is a favorite among fans due to its exceptional arrangement and lyrical depth.

Creating a table for this song, it features columns that include the title of the song, album name, release year, genre, and length of the track. The table showcases that "Prisoner" was released in 2015 as part of the album "Beauty Behind the Madness". It falls under the R&B/Soul genre and has a duration of 4:34.

Interestingly, despite being featured late in the album's tracklist, "Prisoner" manages to leave a lasting impression on listeners with its captivating melody and meaningful lyrics.

According to sources close to the artist, The Weeknd wrote this song while he was recovering from heartbreak. It shows his growth as an artist as he explores more mature themes in his music.

A source close to The Weeknd states that he chose to write this song as it allowed him to step out of his comfort zone and convey his emotions more authentically.