Few artists have redefined modern music like The Weeknd. With his hypnotic voice, genre-blending sound, and cinematic storytelling, Abel Tesfaye has risen from underground mixtapes to global superstardom. Whether it’s a heart-pounding anthem that dominates the charts or a haunting ballad that tugs at your soul, The Weeknd’s music has a way of captivating listeners and leaving an unforgettable impression.
From his mysterious early days to his meteoric rise as one of the world’s most celebrated artists, The Weeknd has crafted a repertoire of hits that have cemented his place in music history. His songs traverse themes of love, heartbreak, excess, and redemption, resonating with fans across generations and cultures. With each release, he continues to push boundaries, redefine expectations, and solidify his legacy as a trailblazer in the music industry.
In this article, we’re counting down the top 10 most popular songs of The Weeknd’s career — the tracks that broke records, captivated millions, and defined an era. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to his music, get ready to dive into the electrifying world of The Weeknd’s greatest hits. Let’s turn up the volume and get started!
1. Blinding Lights (2019)
“Blinding Lights” marked a massive moment in The Weeknd’s career, released in late 2019 as part of his After Hours album. From the first pulsating synth line, the song feels like a neon-drenched time machine straight to the ’80s. Drawing heavy inspiration from retro synth-pop, it combines driving beats, shimmering keyboards, and Abel Tesfaye’s unmistakable voice into something both nostalgic and fresh. Lyrically, the track tells the story of desperation and longing for a lover—someone he can’t live without, especially when he’s lost in the city’s chaos. The chorus pulses with emotional urgency, making it more than just a dance track—it’s about seeking comfort and clarity in love. Its infectious energy and cinematic feel helped it dominate charts around the globe, breaking streaming records and even becoming one of the most successful Billboard Hot 100 songs of all time. “Blinding Lights” isn’t just a hit—it’s a cultural touchstone that brought synth-pop back into the mainstream. Whether played in a club, a commercial, or blasted through car speakers at night, the song feels like it belongs to everyone. It captured a feeling—of isolation, yearning, and adrenaline—that resonated with listeners across generations.
2. The Hills (2015)
“The Hills,” released in 2015 as part of Beauty Behind the Madness, is one of The Weeknd’s darkest and most gripping tracks. From its eerie opening notes to the thunderous chorus, the song feels like a descent into a world of secrets, lust, and emotional decay. The production is brooding and cinematic, layered with distorted bass and haunting vocal samples that create an almost horror-film atmosphere. Lyrically, The Weeknd peels back the glamorous image often associated with fame to reveal the chaos behind closed doors. He sings about late-night affairs, substance use, and the emotional numbness that comes with both. “When I’m faded, I forget,” he croons, letting listeners in on the disconnection he feels even in the spotlight. What makes “The Hills” hit so hard is its honesty—this isn’t romanticized or sugarcoated; it’s raw and unsettling. The music video added another layer, filled with car crashes, fire, and surreal imagery, cementing its place in pop culture. The song quickly climbed to number one, proving that The Weeknd could deliver darkness in a way that felt universal. It’s not just a song—it’s an experience, and one that lingers long after it ends.
3. Starboy (2016)
“Starboy,” the title track from The Weeknd’s 2016 album, signaled a new era for the artist—sleeker, bolder, and unapologetically ambitious. Featuring the legendary French electronic duo Daft Punk, the track is a hypnotic fusion of electro-pop and R&B, anchored by a pulsating beat and The Weeknd’s signature falsetto. The lyrics paint a picture of transformation and reinvention, as Abel declares his arrival as a major figure in pop music. Gone is the mysterious, underground R&B singer; in his place stands a full-fledged star, basking in fame but still grappling with the cost of it. “Look what you’ve done,” he sings, almost like a confession, addressing both fans and critics. The sleek production, minimalist yet hard-hitting, gives the song a futuristic edge that perfectly matches its themes. The accompanying music video, where The Weeknd literally kills off his former self, makes the transformation visual and visceral. “Starboy” topped charts worldwide and became a cultural phenomenon, winning a Grammy and dominating playlists for years. It’s more than just a catchy song—it’s a bold statement of identity, showing how The Weeknd uses music not just to entertain, but to evolve and tell his story.
4. Can’t Feel My Face (2015)
“Can’t Feel My Face,” released in 2015, is the song that catapulted The Weeknd from niche R&B star to global pop icon. Produced by Max Martin, the track is a glossy, danceable explosion of funk and soul, drawing heavy comparisons to Michael Jackson’s iconic sound. Its infectious bassline and slick vocal delivery made it impossible to ignore on the radio, and it quickly climbed to the top of the charts. On the surface, it’s a fun, upbeat track about a love so intense it’s physically overwhelming. But dig a little deeper, and the lyrics double as a metaphor for addiction—blurring the lines between passion and self-destruction. That’s part of what makes the song so brilliant: it’s layered, both musically and thematically. The Weeknd brings an edgy, dangerous energy to what might otherwise be a straightforward pop tune. The music video, with its fiery imagery and intense performance, adds to the song’s hypnotic appeal. “Can’t Feel My Face” didn’t just make The Weeknd a household name—it showcased his ability to merge dark themes with mainstream appeal. It’s slick, stylish, and slightly twisted—everything that defines The Weeknd at his best.
5. Save Your Tears (2020)
“Save Your Tears,” released in 2020 as part of After Hours, blends emotional vulnerability with a sparkling retro-pop sound. From its synth-laden instrumentation to its catchy chorus, the song feels like a bittersweet trip through heartbreak and self-awareness. The Weeknd sings with a mix of regret and detachment, addressing someone he hurt—and perhaps still loves—but who now must move on. “I broke your heart like someone did to mine,” he admits, suggesting a cycle of pain that he’s both a victim and a perpetrator of. The contrast between the upbeat melody and the somber lyrics creates a powerful emotional tension. Sonically, it nods to the ’80s with shimmering synths and a danceable rhythm, but the message underneath is deeply personal. The accompanying music video—with The Weeknd’s eerie, exaggerated plastic surgery makeup—adds a layer of surreal commentary on fame and identity. “Save Your Tears” became a massive hit, eventually reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and spawning a popular remix with Ariana Grande. It’s a track that shows The Weeknd at his most reflective—still stylish and smooth, but not afraid to confront the emotional wreckage left behind.
6. Earned It (2014)
“Earned It,” released in December 2014, became one of The Weeknd’s most defining early hits, thanks in part to its inclusion on the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack. This sultry, slow-burning ballad marks a departure from his usual dark, moody production, leaning instead into a classic, orchestral arrangement that exudes elegance and sensuality. The strings swell with drama, and the understated rhythm lets The Weeknd’s velvety voice shine as he delivers lyrics dripping with romantic intensity. “Cause girl, you’re perfect / You’re always worth it,” he sings, creating a seductive atmosphere that’s both polished and emotionally raw. What truly sets “Earned It” apart is its sense of restraint—there’s a quiet confidence in its simplicity, which adds to its allure. The track earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song and helped introduce a broader audience to his genre-blending style. It also highlighted The Weeknd’s ability to adapt to different moods and cinematic settings while maintaining his core artistic identity. With its lush instrumentation and tender delivery, “Earned It” is more than a soundtrack feature—it’s a timeless ballad that showcases The Weeknd’s vocal finesse and his growing influence as a cross-genre artist.
7. I Feel It Coming (2016)
“I Feel It Coming,” released in November 2016, is one of the smoothest and most nostalgic songs in The Weeknd’s catalog. A collaboration with the iconic Daft Punk, it closes out the Starboy album with a lush, laid-back groove that draws heavily from late-‘70s and early-‘80s disco and soul. The production is subtle but infectious, with shimmering synths, a gentle beat, and dreamy guitar lines that complement The Weeknd’s airy, pitch-perfect vocals. Lyrically, the song is a love letter to emotional intimacy and vulnerability, as he gently urges a partner to open up and trust him. “Just tell me what you really want,” he coos, making the track feel tender and sincere. The Weeknd trades in his usual themes of darkness and detachment for something warmer and more romantic, proving his versatility as a vocalist and songwriter. The influence of Daft Punk is unmistakable, adding a futuristic touch to the retro-inspired track. “I Feel It Coming” was both a critical and commercial success, reinforcing The Weeknd’s status as a master of genre fusion. With its effortless cool and timeless sound, it remains one of his most beloved songs.
8. Call Out My Name (2018)
“Call Out My Name,” released in March 2018 from My Dear Melancholy, is a powerful ballad that captures heartbreak in its rawest form. From the opening piano chords to The Weeknd’s vulnerable vocal delivery, the song drips with sorrow and yearning. He sings with a wounded honesty, describing a relationship that ended before he was ready to let go. “I almost cut a piece of myself for your life,” he confesses, revealing just how deep the emotional investment was. The sparse, atmospheric production enhances the feeling of emptiness and loss, allowing every lyric to cut through with painful clarity. Unlike many of his earlier tracks that dealt with heartbreak through detachment or escapism, “Call Out My Name” leans into the pain. It’s emotional and unguarded, showing a different side of The Weeknd—one that isn’t afraid to admit he got hurt. The song was widely speculated to reference his real-life relationship with singer Selena Gomez, which only added to its emotional weight for fans. With its haunting melody and confessional tone, “Call Out My Name” stands out as one of his most emotionally potent tracks, resonating deeply with listeners who have experienced similar heartache.
9. Die For You (2016)
“Die For You,” originally released in 2016 as part of Starboy, is a fan-favorite that found a second life years after its debut. A smooth blend of R&B and pop, the song carries a timeless sound that feels both modern and classic. It’s built around a tender vocal performance from The Weeknd, who sings about unconditional love and devotion. “I would die for you,” he repeats in the chorus, a dramatic declaration that feels both vulnerable and deeply sincere. The lyrics touch on separation, longing, and the emotional depth of a bond that persists even through adversity. Musically, the track is subtle yet polished, with a gently pulsing beat and atmospheric synths that let The Weeknd’s voice take center stage. Although it wasn’t released as a major single initially, its heartfelt message and soulful delivery helped it gain steady popularity over time. In 2023, the song saw a major resurgence thanks to TikTok and a remix featuring Ariana Grande, bringing it to a whole new generation of fans. “Die For You” proves that even in a catalog filled with hits, the emotional truth behind The Weeknd’s music can still cut through and find new life years later.
10. Wicked Games (2011)
“Wicked Games,” released in 2011 as part of House of Balloons, was the song that first introduced many to The Weeknd’s dark, brooding style. This track is the sonic embodiment of emotional conflict—both beautiful and bleak. Built on sparse production, with haunting guitar and minimalist beats, it offers a deeply intimate soundscape for Abel’s confessions of lust, loneliness, and emotional detachment. “Bring your love, baby, I could bring my shame,” he sings, openly baring the brokenness he brings into relationships. It’s this level of brutal honesty that caught listeners off guard and helped set The Weeknd apart from his R&B contemporaries. “Wicked Games” isn’t about love in its ideal form—it’s about seeking comfort in the wrong places, knowing full well the emotional damage involved. The vulnerability in his voice, paired with the shadowy ambiance of the production, created an entirely new sound that helped define the alternative R&B movement of the 2010s. Though raw and unpolished compared to his later work, “Wicked Games” remains essential to understanding The Weeknd’s artistic roots. It laid the foundation for everything that followed—seductive, sorrowful, and undeniably real.
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.
