Step into the mesmerizing world of The Weeknd, where haunting melodies and evocative lyrics intertwine to create a sonic experience like no other. Since bursting onto the music scene, this Canadian artist has captivated audiences with his unique blend of R&B, pop, and electronic influences. With a distinctive voice that can soar from sultry whispers to emotional crescendos, The Weeknd has not only redefined contemporary music but also set a new standard for artistry and storytelling.
From the chilling vibes of “The Hills” to the euphoric beats of “Blinding Lights,” each track weaves a narrative that resonates deeply with listeners. His songs often explore themes of love, heartbreak, and the complexities of fame, drawing us into his world with every note. As we delve into the top 10 most popular songs of The Weeknd, prepare to rediscover the anthems that have become the soundtrack of our lives. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his music, this countdown promises a thrilling journey through his most iconic hits—each one a testament to his extraordinary talent and undeniable impact on the music industry.
1. “Blinding Lights” (2019)
“Blinding Lights” catapulted The Weeknd into an entirely new realm of pop superstardom. Released in late 2019, this synth-heavy track channels the retro sound of the 1980s while staying grounded in the emotional intensity of modern love and longing. Driven by pulsing beats, shimmering synths, and a hook that instantly grabs you, the song evokes the feeling of racing down a neon-lit highway in the middle of the night, chasing after something—or someone—you can’t quite let go of. The Weeknd’s vocals are both urgent and smooth, reflecting a desperate kind of devotion. Lyrically, it’s a plea for reconnection, about realizing someone’s importance only after they’re gone. “Blinding Lights” became more than just a song—it was a global phenomenon. It broke records, dominated charts, and became the soundtrack of a generation during a time of emotional uncertainty. Its accompanying music video, drenched in cinematic drama and surreal nighttime escapades, expanded on the song’s themes of chaos and obsession. With this release, The Weeknd masterfully blended nostalgia and innovation, crafting a timeless hit that sounds just as exhilarating on a solo drive as it does echoing through a stadium crowd.
2. “The Hills” (2015)
“The Hills” is one of The Weeknd’s most haunting and raw singles, revealing the darker corners of his fame, relationships, and inner world. Released in 2015, it came at a time when he was skyrocketing into the mainstream, yet the song peels back the glamour to expose emotional chaos. With a thunderous bass drop and eerie synths, it grabs you instantly—this isn’t a glossy pop hit, it’s a descent into late-night confessions and blurred morality. The lyrics speak to double lives: the version of him seen in the light, and the one that thrives in secrecy, lust, and contradiction. Lines like “when I’m sober I don’t like who I am” are brutally honest and make the song stand out in a sea of manufactured hits. The music video amplifies the unease, showing car wrecks and disorientation—a metaphor for the wreckage of fame and desire. “The Hills” isn’t about comfort, it’s about reality hitting hard, set against a beat that’s impossible to ignore. It’s gritty, seductive, and emotionally charged—everything that defines The Weeknd at his most unfiltered.
3. “Can’t Feel My Face” (2015)
With “Can’t Feel My Face,” The Weeknd pulled off a musical magic trick—he took the raw intensity of his underground sound and wrapped it in a funky, pop-driven groove that exploded on mainstream radio. Released in 2015, the song feels like an irresistible throwback to Michael Jackson’s golden era while still sounding fresh and current. On the surface, it’s a danceable hit about the highs of passion, but dig deeper and you’ll find lyrics that flirt with the addictive dangers of love—or something more literal. The upbeat tempo masks a darker message, a theme The Weeknd has mastered over time. His vocal performance is electric, shifting from smooth falsetto to gritty exclamation, perfectly capturing the song’s dual nature. As much about emotional dependency as it is about romantic desire, the track hit #1 on charts around the world and helped cement The Weeknd as a pop powerhouse. Its addictive beat, paired with metaphor-laced lyrics, makes it a song you can both dance to and dissect. “Can’t Feel My Face” became a cultural staple—bold, energetic, and a defining moment in his evolution.
4. “Starboy” (feat. Daft Punk) (2016)
“Starboy” isn’t just a song—it’s a declaration. A collaboration with the legendary Daft Punk, this 2016 track marked a stylistic shift for The Weeknd as he fully embraced his pop-icon status. Gone was the mysterious underground artist—”Starboy” introduced a sleek, polished, and boldly confident version of himself. With its futuristic production and slick, minimalist beat, the song examines the trappings of success: fast cars, luxury, excess, and the hollow feeling that can still lurk behind it all. The lyrics are laced with sarcasm and swagger, but also a weariness that suggests that stardom has a cost. The Weeknd’s voice glides effortlessly across the track, alternating between pride and resignation. Daft Punk’s production elevates the mood, giving it a robotic coolness that mirrors the dehumanizing aspects of fame. The music video, with its bold symbolism—especially the destruction of his past self—adds another layer to the narrative. “Starboy” is sleek, stylish, and self-aware, capturing both the thrill and emptiness of being on top. It’s not just a hit; it’s a reinvention.
5. “Heartless” (2019)
“Heartless” is a fierce reminder of the emotional detachment that can come with fame, indulgence, and heartbreak. Released in 2019 as part of After Hours, the track reintroduces The Weeknd’s darker persona, bathed in flashy temptation and self-destruction. It’s unapologetic and raw, almost defiant in its honesty. Over a trap-infused beat produced by Metro Boomin, The Weeknd sings about losing himself in excess—flings, drugs, and wild nights meant to distract from inner emptiness. The song doesn’t seek pity; it simply paints a brutally honest picture of a man choosing numbness over vulnerability. His vocals are sharp, sometimes mocking, as he teeters between ego and despair. The title says it all—there’s no love here, just survival through detachment. The music video, filled with surreal Vegas visuals and disorientation, drives home the feeling of spiraling out of control. “Heartless” is more than just a hard-hitting track—it’s a confession without apology, a window into the consequences of emotional detachment wrapped in a beat that hits as hard as the message.
6. “Save Your Tears” (2020)
“Save Your Tears” is one of The Weeknd’s most powerful songs—a perfect blend of retro-pop joy and emotional devastation. Released as part of After Hours, the track cleverly contrasts its upbeat, synth-heavy production with heartbreaking lyrics about regret and emotional distance. It’s the kind of song that makes you dance while simultaneously gutting you. His voice, almost airy and detached, tells a story of pushing someone away and later realizing the damage caused. There’s guilt, but not enough to fix what’s broken. The Weeknd doesn’t beg for forgiveness—he merely observes the emotional wreckage, asking his former lover not to cry anymore. The music video, with its surreal masks and plastic surgery symbolism, is a commentary on vanity, illusion, and the hollow pursuit of perfection, echoing the song’s emotional themes. “Save Your Tears” became an anthem for those grappling with unresolved feelings—its sonic brightness masking deep personal sorrow. It’s proof of The Weeknd’s brilliance: delivering heartbreak dressed as a pop hit, making us all feel seen and shaken while we sing along.
7. “Often” (2014)
“Often” is a seductive, unfiltered glimpse into The Weeknd’s hedonistic lifestyle—a bold, unapologetic declaration of lust and power. Released in 2014, the track strips away pretense, diving headfirst into themes of casual relationships, late-night desires, and emotional detachment. Its hypnotic, slow-burn beat draws listeners in, almost like an intoxicating whisper in the dark. Lyrically, it’s about control and indulgence, with The Weeknd painting himself as both vulnerable and dominant, a man who isn’t looking for love but still needs the thrill of connection. His voice, languid and smooth, drips with confidence and seduction, making every line feel intimate. “Often” isn’t trying to be romantic—it’s raw, real, and hauntingly alluring. It perfectly captures the emotional gray areas of modern relationships, where passion can exist without permanence. This track reinforced The Weeknd’s reputation as a master of moody, late-night anthems and introduced a generation to the addictive pull of his darker narratives.
8. “In the Night” (2016)
“In the Night” is a stunning, emotional tribute to women who hide their pain behind strength and beauty. Released in 2016 on Beauty Behind the Madness, the track is a narrative-driven song that tells the story of a woman shaped by trauma and survival. With a slick, ‘80s-inspired production and a pulsing beat, the song feels like something out of a neon noir film—dangerous, stylish, and deeply moving. The Weeknd’s vocal performance is one of his most passionate, shifting between haunting tenderness and explosive urgency. Lyrically, it’s a plea, an observation, and perhaps even a cry for help on someone else’s behalf. The accompanying music video adds layers to the song’s already rich storytelling, giving visual weight to its themes of exploitation and power. “In the Night” doesn’t shy away from difficult topics—it embraces them and gives them a voice. It stands as one of The Weeknd’s most meaningful works, combining powerful subject matter with a beat that keeps your feet moving even as your heart aches.
9. “I Feel It Coming” (feat. Daft Punk) (2016)
“I Feel It Coming” is a romantic, disco-tinged track that offers a softer, more hopeful side of The Weeknd. Featuring Daft Punk’s signature smooth, electronic production, this 2016 single from Starboy oozes warmth and sensuality. It’s not about chaos or confusion—it’s about clarity, connection, and anticipation. The lyrics describe a lover’s patience, someone willing to wait until the timing is right for true intimacy. The Weeknd’s vocals are relaxed, almost glowing, delivering the message with gentle reassurance. Unlike his usual themes of detachment and regret, this track leans into emotional openness and vulnerability. Daft Punk’s retro-futuristic touch gives it an infectious groove that’s both nostalgic and fresh, like a lost gem from a cosmic dancefloor. “I Feel It Coming” is a sonic embrace—sweet, sincere, and timeless. It’s a reminder that amid all the darkness, love still has a place in The Weeknd’s world, and sometimes, that’s all we need.
10. “Love Me Harder” (with Ariana Grande) (2014)
“Love Me Harder” is a sultry, emotionally charged duet that combines Ariana Grande’s ethereal vocals with The Weeknd’s dark sensuality. Released in 2014 on Grande’s My Everything, the track is about needing more from love—more passion, more honesty, more effort. The interplay between their voices creates a beautiful tension, with Ariana’s sweetness contrasting The Weeknd’s brooding tone. The production is moody and smooth, blending synth-pop with R&B in a way that builds momentum without losing intimacy. The lyrics are a conversation between two lovers craving a deeper connection, asking each other to step up and meet halfway. It’s not just about physical affection—it’s about emotional truth and vulnerability. The music video leans into this intensity with bold, shadowy visuals and slow-burning tension. “Love Me Harder” became a standout moment for both artists, showcasing their chemistry and vocal range while delivering a hit that felt both intimate and universally relatable. It’s about wanting more—and not settling for anything less.
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.
