Few artists in the music industry have the power to captivate hearts, dominate charts, and redefine genres quite like The Weeknd. With his unmistakable voice, introspective lyrics, and genre-blurring sound, he has become one of the most iconic and influential artists of the 21st century. From his mysterious mixtape beginnings to his meteoric rise as a global superstar, The Weeknd has gifted fans with a treasure trove of anthems that transcend time and trends.
In this article, we’re diving deep into The Weeknd’s stellar discography to uncover his top 10 most popular songs of all time. These tracks have not only topped charts but have also become cultural touchstones, weaving their way into our lives with their haunting melodies, pulsating beats, and raw emotion. Whether you’re a die-hard XO fan or a casual listener, this list is sure to take you on a rollercoaster ride through heartbreak, passion, and euphoria.
From the sultry allure of “Earned It” to the electrifying energy of “Blinding Lights,” these songs showcase why The Weeknd is a once-in-a-generation talent. Get ready to relive the magic, the mystery, and the music that has defined an era!
1. Blinding Lights (2019)
“Blinding Lights” became a defining track not just for The Weeknd, but for an entire era of pop music. Released in 2019, it exploded onto the scene with its addictive retro synths and thumping, neon-lit energy that echoed the magic of the 1980s. The song blends a pulsing urgency with heartfelt longing, as The Weeknd sings about needing someone’s love to feel alive again. Its glossy, nostalgic sound brought together fans of all generations, combining a timeless aesthetic with modern finesse. Part of the critically acclaimed After Hours album, the song broke records worldwide, dominating charts and streaming platforms alike. Its unforgettable beat, cinematic music video, and dazzling performances during award shows and even the Super Bowl only added to its iconic status. What makes “Blinding Lights” resonate so strongly is its mix of vulnerability and confidence, packaged in a soundscape that’s both familiar and fresh. It’s more than just a song—it’s a cultural moment, a soundtrack to nights out, solo drives, and emotional flashbacks. Years later, it still feels as exhilarating as the first listen, proof of The Weeknd’s ability to craft music that lingers long after the final chorus.
2. Starboy (2016)
“Starboy” marked a turning point in The Weeknd’s career, symbolizing his evolution from underground R&B mystery to global pop icon. Released in 2016 as the title track of his third studio album, this slick collaboration with French electronic duo Daft Punk blended moody electronic vibes with sharp, confident lyricism. The song’s driving beat and futuristic sound set the tone for a darker, more refined phase in The Weeknd’s music. Lyrically, “Starboy” tackles the trappings of fame—luxury, excess, and the cost of success—with a mix of bravado and weariness. Lines like “Look what you’ve done” speak to both his rise and the emptiness it sometimes brings. Daft Punk’s signature touch adds a hypnotic gloss, making the production feel cool, spacious, and endlessly repeatable. The music video, filled with cryptic imagery and sleek visuals, helped shape The Weeknd’s new persona: a man breaking free from the past and embracing his stardom on his own terms. “Starboy” not only topped charts but also became a declaration of reinvention. It’s a bold, stylish anthem that cemented The Weeknd as more than a voice of heartbreak—he became a force in pop culture, ready to shape his own myth.
3. The Hills (2015)
“The Hills” is one of The Weeknd’s darkest and most mesmerizing tracks, a haunting confession set against a backdrop of crashing bass and eerie synths. Released in 2015 as part of Beauty Behind the Madness, it delivered an unfiltered look into the murky world of fame, lust, and emotional detachment. With lyrics that dive deep into late-night hookups and the blurred lines between love and addiction, the song resonates with raw vulnerability and brutal honesty. “When I’m faded, I forget how we met,” he sings, reflecting the disconnection that often accompanies stardom. Musically, the track is built around minimal instrumentation that erupts into explosive choruses, capturing the emotional chaos at the heart of the lyrics. The Weeknd’s use of his signature falsetto paired with a growling low register adds to the sense of internal conflict. “The Hills” was both a commercial success and a critical favorite, showing his mastery at weaving cinematic storytelling with unsettling truth. Its sinister tone and confessional nature helped define the unique space he occupies in modern music—somewhere between seduction and self-destruction. Even now, it remains one of his most powerful and emotionally charged songs.
4. Can’t Feel My Face (2015)
“Can’t Feel My Face” was the breakout single that turned The Weeknd from an underground enigma into a full-blown pop superstar. Released in 2015, it arrived with a sound that was instantly infectious—bright, funky, and undeniably danceable. Critics and fans alike were quick to compare the song to the work of Michael Jackson, thanks to The Weeknd’s slick falsetto, the catchy groove, and its flawless blend of soul and pop. But beneath its glossy exterior lies a more complicated message. The lyrics, often interpreted as a metaphor for addiction—either to a lover or a substance—add emotional depth to the otherwise upbeat melody. “I can’t feel my face when I’m with you,” he sings, with a euphoric tone masking a deeper sense of dependency and loss of control. The track’s duality is what makes it so captivating: a radio-ready hit with a shadowy undertone. With this song, The Weeknd proved he could dominate mainstream charts without sacrificing the mysterious, emotionally raw edge that set him apart. “Can’t Feel My Face” was more than a summer anthem—it was a career-defining moment that cemented his place at the center of pop music.
5. Save Your Tears (2020)
“Save Your Tears,” released in 2020 as part of After Hours, is a shimmering synth-pop gem that juxtaposes upbeat production with emotional vulnerability. Channeling the spirit of 1980s new wave, the track sparkles with retro melodies and glossy instrumentals, but beneath the surface lies a tale of regret and heartbreak. The Weeknd’s vocals are cool and controlled, delivering lines that speak of missed chances and the pain he’s caused someone he once loved. “I broke your heart like someone did to mine,” he admits, in a rare moment of reflection and emotional honesty. This emotional duality—bright sonics paired with painful truth—is what gives the song its power. The remix with Ariana Grande only amplified its impact, turning the track into a global sensation and helping it top charts around the world. Visually, the song’s performances and music video—with The Weeknd’s exaggerated plastic-surgery look—commented on fame, identity, and emotional scars. “Save Your Tears” showed how he could evolve artistically while still delivering massive hits. It’s a song you can cry to or dance to, and that timeless emotional pull is what makes it one of his most enduring releases.
6. Wicked Games (2011)
“Wicked Games” was the song that first introduced many listeners to The Weeknd’s haunting blend of raw emotion and dark, ambient production. Released in 2011 on his debut mixtape House of Balloons, this track became an early fan favorite, showcasing a vulnerability and seductive darkness that set him apart from traditional R&B artists. The song is built around minimal, moody instrumentation—spare guitar lines, echoing reverb, and a slow, creeping beat. The Weeknd’s voice, drenched in longing and desperation, tells the story of emotional surrender in a relationship marked by lust and pain. He sings, “I left my girl back home,” with a sense of guilt and resignation, baring the contradictions of needing connection while pushing away love. “Wicked Games” isn’t about fairy-tale romance—it’s about needing someone in your most broken state and the complicated power dynamic that comes with it. The song’s honesty and raw intensity struck a chord with fans, setting the foundation for The Weeknd’s now-signature style: emotionally honest lyrics paired with seductive, shadowy production. It remains a cornerstone of his catalog, proof that music can be both beautiful and brutally honest at the same time.
7. I Feel It Coming (2016)
“I Feel It Coming,” a standout track from Starboy (2016), finds The Weeknd at his most romantic and lighthearted, showcasing a warmth that contrasts with the darkness of much of his earlier work. Teaming up once again with Daft Punk, the song is a smooth, disco-inflected ballad that channels the nostalgia of 1980s pop while staying grounded in The Weeknd’s emotional delivery. The production is silky and breezy, with shimmering synths, soft drums, and a melodic groove that invites you to move and feel. Lyrically, “I Feel It Coming” is about intimacy and emotional readiness—offering love gently, without pressure or games. The Weeknd assures his partner that he’s patient, ready to wait until the moment is right. There’s a refreshing sincerity here, with no pretense or manipulation, just open-hearted longing. His falsetto soars, evoking the spirit of Michael Jackson but grounded in his own unique vibe. The track was a commercial success and a fan favorite, proof that The Weeknd could write love songs that weren’t just seductive or melancholic—but full of genuine affection. “I Feel It Coming” is a timeless, feel-good gem that continues to shine years after its release.
8. Earned It (2015)
“Earned It,” released in 2015 as part of the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack, marked a moment where The Weeknd’s seductive, emotional style intersected perfectly with mainstream appeal. This sultry ballad blends classical instrumentation—lush strings, swelling crescendos—with his signature moody R&B vocals, creating an elegant yet provocative sound. The arrangement feels cinematic, almost orchestral, which matches the dramatic tone of the film it accompanied. Lyrically, “Earned It” is a song of admiration and desire, but there’s also a sense of mutual respect embedded in its message. “You deserve it,” he sings, elevating his subject as someone who’s not just beautiful, but worthy. The Weeknd’s delivery is restrained yet intensely passionate, showing off his vocal range without overpowering the minimalist arrangement. The track became a major hit, climbing charts and earning him an Academy Award nomination and a Grammy win. It was one of the first times the mainstream world saw the full scope of The Weeknd’s artistry—how he could balance raw sensuality with sophistication. “Earned It” isn’t just a soundtrack cut; it’s a career-defining song that showed how deeply he could connect with both emotion and elegance.
9. Call Out My Name (2018)
“Call Out My Name,” released in 2018 on My Dear Melancholy, is one of The Weeknd’s most emotionally raw songs. Written in the aftermath of a highly publicized breakup, the track strips back the pop polish in favor of stark vulnerability. Built on a slow-burning beat and melancholic synths, the production leaves plenty of room for his voice to carry the emotional weight. The lyrics dive into heartbreak and unreciprocated love, with The Weeknd confessing that he gave more than he received: “I almost cut a piece of myself for your life.” It’s an unfiltered portrayal of someone who loved deeply and was left wounded. His falsetto, aching and full of regret, captures the emptiness of reaching out to someone who’s already gone. The song struck a chord with listeners because of its relatability—who hasn’t held onto a love that wasn’t returned the same way? While it doesn’t have the dance-floor energy of some of his other hits, “Call Out My Name” is a powerful reminder of how expressive The Weeknd can be when he slows down and speaks from the heart. It’s haunting, intimate, and heartbreakingly real.
10. Die For You (2016)
“Die For You,” from 2016’s Starboy, is a standout ballad that blends tender lyrics with smooth R&B production. While The Weeknd is often known for his themes of heartbreak, detachment, and hedonism, this song leans fully into love and devotion. With its dreamy synth textures and subtle trap beat, the track creates a romantic, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The lyrics are a heartfelt declaration of loyalty and sacrifice: “I would die for you,” he sings, not as a grand gesture, but as a quiet, unwavering truth. The Weeknd’s vocal performance here is full of warmth and honesty, striking a balance between vulnerability and strength. It wasn’t initially a massive hit upon release, but over time, the song gained a devoted following and even saw a resurgence years later thanks to its popularity on TikTok and a successful remix with Ariana Grande. That unexpected second life cemented “Die For You” as one of his most beloved songs. It’s a reminder that sometimes, a song needs time to find its moment—and when it does, its impact can be even more powerful. “Die For You” is a love song for the ages, built to last.
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.
