Few artists have redefined modern music the way The Weeknd has. With his hypnotic blend of R&B, pop, and electronic sounds, paired with lyrics that delve into love, heartbreak, and the darker corners of fame, The Weeknd has solidified himself as one of the most iconic artists of our generation. Whether you’ve been following him since his mysterious mixtape days or discovered him through his global smash hits, his music has an unmistakable ability to resonate deeply with listeners.
From sultry ballads that tug at your heartstrings to electrifying anthems that dominate dance floors, The Weeknd’s discography is a treasure trove of unforgettable tracks. But which of his songs have truly stood the test of time and captured the hearts of millions? In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 most popular The Weeknd songs of all time—tracks that have broken records, topped charts, and become cultural phenomena.
Get ready to relive the magic as we count down The Weeknd’s greatest hits, celebrating the songs that have turned him into a global superstar. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering his brilliance, this list is sure to have you singing along and craving more. Let’s dive in!
1. “Blinding Lights” (2019)
Released in 2019 as part of The Weeknd’s critically acclaimed album After Hours, “Blinding Lights” is a synth-pop tour de force that solidified his status as a global music icon. The track masterfully fuses pulsating 1980s-inspired synths with contemporary production, creating a soundscape that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. The driving beat and shimmering melodies evoke imagery of neon-lit cityscapes and late-night escapades, perfectly complementing the song’s themes of longing and the intoxicating allure of rekindled romance. Lyrically, The Weeknd delves into the depths of yearning and the lengths one might go to reunite with a lost love, painting a vivid picture of vulnerability and desire. The song’s universal appeal is further amplified by its chart-topping success, breaking records worldwide and amassing billions of streams. Its accompanying music video, featuring The Weeknd navigating a surreal, nocturnal urban landscape with a bloodied face—a visual motif consistent with the After Hours era—adds layers of intrigue and narrative depth. This aesthetic choice, as seen during his 2020 MTV VMAs performance, aligns with the album’s darker undertones, symbolizing the physical and emotional turmoil depicted in his music. “Blinding Lights” not only showcases The Weeknd’s artistic versatility but also cements his ability to craft songs that resonate across generations.
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2. “Save Your Tears” (2020)
“Save Your Tears,” unveiled in 2020 as part of The Weeknd’s After Hours album, stands out as a poignant exploration of regret and emotional hindsight. The track seamlessly marries melancholic lyrics with an upbeat, synth-driven melody, creating a juxtaposition that is both haunting and danceable. The Weeknd’s signature falsetto glides over the production, conveying a sense of vulnerability as he reflects on past relationships and the pain of seeing a former lover move on. The song’s introspective narrative is complemented by its cinematic music video, which continues the visual storyline established in previous After Hours releases. In the video, The Weeknd performs in a grand, opulent setting, donning a face altered by prosthetics—a commentary on superficiality and the masks we wear in society. This visual metaphor aligns with the song’s themes of reflection and the facades maintained in the aftermath of heartbreak. “Save Your Tears” received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences globally and further showcasing The Weeknd’s prowess in blending emotive storytelling with infectious melodies. Its success underscores his ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes while delivering chart-topping hits that appeal to a broad audience.
3. “Starboy” (ft. Daft Punk) (2016)
In 2016, The Weeknd unveiled “Starboy,” the lead single from his album of the same name, marking a transformative phase in his artistic journey. Collaborating with the enigmatic French electronic duo Daft Punk, the track introduces a sleek, futuristic sound that departs from his earlier, moodier productions. The song’s pulsating beats and minimalist synth arrangements create a hypnotic backdrop for The Weeknd’s introspective lyrics, which delve into the complexities of fame, materialism, and identity. He reflects on the duality of his persona—the indulgent celebrity versus the individual behind the public facade. The accompanying music video reinforces this narrative of reinvention, depicting The Weeknd destroying symbols of his past and embracing a new, more opulent lifestyle. Visually rich and laden with symbolism, the video portrays him literally shattering his former self, signifying a rebirth into the “Starboy” persona. This collaboration with Daft Punk not only broadened his musical horizons but also introduced him to a wider audience, blending elements of R&B with electronic music seamlessly. “Starboy” achieved significant commercial success, topping charts worldwide and amassing over 2.5 billion views on YouTube, solidifying The Weeknd’s position as a leading figure in contemporary music.
4. “The Hills” (2015)
Released in 2015 as part of his Beauty Behind the Madness album, “The Hills” offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into The Weeknd’s exploration of secrecy, desire, and the darker facets of fame. The track’s eerie production, characterized by haunting synths and a thunderous bassline, sets an ominous tone that mirrors the song’s themes of clandestine relationships and self-destructive behavior. Lyrically, The Weeknd confronts the duplicity of his lifestyle, acknowledging the allure and peril of living on the edge. The song’s title itself is a nod to the 1977 horror film “The Hills Have Eyes,” drawing a parallel between the film’s unsettling narrative and the haunting nature of secretive affairs. The music video amplifies this sense of unease, depicting a car crash and a surreal journey through a desolate mansion, symbolizing the chaos and isolation that accompany his choices. “The Hills” resonated deeply with listeners, topping charts and becoming a defining track in The Weeknd’s discography. Its unflinching honesty and atmospheric production showcased his willingness to delve into complex emotional territories, setting him apart from his contemporaries and solidifying his reputation as an artist unafraid to confront the shadows.
5. “Can’t Feel My Face” (2015)
“Can’t Feel My Face,” released in 2015, marked a defining moment in The Weeknd’s crossover into mainstream pop superstardom. On the surface, it’s an upbeat, infectious funk-pop jam that practically demands to be danced to. The sleek production, courtesy of hitmaker Max Martin, pairs an undeniable groove with The Weeknd’s charismatic, MJ-esque vocals—drawing immediate comparisons to the King of Pop himself. But beneath its catchy exterior lies a darker subtext. The lyrics, while seemingly about the dizzying highs of love, also carry an undertone of substance abuse, a recurring theme in his work. “I can’t feel my face when I’m with you” becomes a chilling double entendre, referencing both emotional numbness and literal physical sensation. That juxtaposition between sound and message is what makes the song so intriguing—it’s as if The Weeknd packaged heartbreak and hedonism into a radio-ready bottle. The music video only adds to that vibe, showing him performing in a grimy club where the crowd gradually warms to him—mirroring his own rise to fame. “Can’t Feel My Face” didn’t just dominate the airwaves; it became one of the most defining pop tracks of the 2010s, proving The Weeknd could craft global hits without losing his edgy identity.
6. “Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)” (2015)
“Earned It” is where The Weeknd’s signature sultriness met a new level of cinematic elegance. Released as part of the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack in 2015, the track allowed him to embrace a more orchestral, sensual sound while still staying true to his moody R&B roots. With sweeping strings, slow-burning tempo, and velvet-smooth vocals, “Earned It” plays like a smoky, seductive waltz. Lyrically, the song walks the fine line between praise and dominance, perfectly fitting the sensual and complex themes of the film it was written for. The Weeknd praises his lover, suggesting that the intimacy they share is not freely given—it’s something that must be deserved. This emotional and physical tension is mirrored in the lush arrangement, which builds slowly and swells with intensity. The accompanying black-and-white music video, featuring burlesque imagery and bondage-inspired visuals, complements the sultry vibe and adds an edge of erotic mystique. Critically acclaimed, the song earned The Weeknd his first Oscar nomination and introduced his music to a broader audience who may not have been familiar with his darker mixtape-era work. “Earned It” stands as a seductive milestone in his discography, bridging his underground allure with mainstream acclaim.
7. “Call Out My Name” (2018)
“Call Out My Name” is one of The Weeknd’s most emotionally raw and vulnerable tracks. Released in 2018 as part of his My Dear Melancholy, EP, the song marked a return to his darker, moodier roots after the more pop-forward success of Starboy. With sparse production, haunting synths, and a heart-wrenching vocal performance, the song oozes heartbreak and unresolved pain. The Weeknd pours his soul into the lyrics, chronicling the emotional aftermath of a relationship that ended too soon and the lingering desire for a love that was never fully reciprocated. Rumors swirled about the song being inspired by his high-profile relationship with Selena Gomez, particularly lines like “I almost cut a piece of myself for your life,” which many interpreted as a reference to her kidney transplant. Whether autobiographical or not, the track’s strength lies in its ability to tap into universal feelings of rejection and longing. The minimalist production lets The Weeknd’s voice take center stage, allowing every note of pain and vulnerability to shine through. “Call Out My Name” proved that even at his most stripped down and emotionally exposed, The Weeknd can captivate audiences just as powerfully as he does with his chart-topping hits.
8. “I Feel It Coming” (ft. Daft Punk) (2016)
“I Feel It Coming,” a standout from Starboy, is The Weeknd’s second collaboration with Daft Punk, and it’s pure retro magic. Released in 2016, this track channels the disco and soft-rock vibes of the late ’70s and early ’80s, blending shimmering synths with a breezy, almost romantic atmosphere. It’s a refreshing break from the darker themes that often dominate The Weeknd’s music, instead offering a moment of light, sensual anticipation. Lyrically, the song is about intimacy and emotional connection, with The Weeknd taking a more tender approach—inviting rather than demanding. “I Feel It Coming” emphasizes patience and emotional readiness in a relationship, a stark contrast to the possessiveness found in some of his earlier songs. Daft Punk’s influence is all over the production, with their trademark vocoder and pristine electronic layering elevating the song to a whole other level of timeless cool. The chemistry between artist and producers is undeniable—this isn’t just a feature; it’s a true collaboration. The track was a commercial success and remains one of his most loved singles, proving that The Weeknd can groove just as hard as he can brood. It’s smooth, romantic, and effortlessly cool—a total vibe from start to finish.
9. “Often” (2014)
“Often” is The Weeknd at his most provocative—unapologetically bold, sultry, and steeped in late-night decadence. Released in 2014 as part of his Beauty Behind the Madness era, the track captures the essence of his early persona: mysterious, sexually charged, and emotionally distant. With its hypnotic, looping beat and minimalist production, the song creates a hazy atmosphere that mirrors the casual, almost detached tone of the lyrics. “Often” isn’t trying to be subtle—it’s a brazen celebration of excess, seduction, and fleeting encounters. The Weeknd’s vocals glide effortlessly over the beat, switching between falsetto and low murmurs, as he lays out the kind of love that’s more about pleasure than permanence. But there’s a kind of emotional honesty in the bluntness—it’s raw, unfiltered, and doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not. What really makes “Often” stick is how effortlessly it balances its provocative lyrics with a smooth, almost intoxicating vibe. It’s that contradiction—being both seductive and slightly unsettling—that makes the song so compelling. “Often” cemented The Weeknd’s role as R&B’s dark prince, blurring the line between romanticism and hedonism, and pushing the boundaries of what mainstream music could sound like.
10. “Wicked Games” (2011)
“Wicked Games” is the song that truly put The Weeknd on the map, introducing the world to a new kind of R&B—brooding, intimate, and emotionally bare. Released in 2011 as part of his debut mixtape House of Balloons, the track strips love down to its most vulnerable, painful form. The minimal, haunting production lays the perfect foundation for his confessional lyrics, where love, lust, and loneliness intertwine in the most fragile ways. “Wicked Games” isn’t just a song—it’s an atmosphere. It feels like a 3 a.m. confession, the kind of late-night conversation you regret in the morning but couldn’t hold in any longer. The Weeknd’s vocals are soaked in sadness and self-awareness as he sings about using physical connection to mask emotional emptiness. There’s no glamorization here—just raw honesty about the complexities of intimacy when real love feels out of reach. The track was revolutionary at the time, shifting the R&B genre away from polished love ballads toward something darker and more reflective. “Wicked Games” laid the foundation for everything that followed in his career. It’s the sound of a man baring his soul in the shadows, and it still hits just as hard today.
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.
