The 10 best songs by The Weeknd of all time

The Weeknd, real name Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, is a Canadian singer, songwriter and record producer. He was born on February 16, 1990 in Toronto, Ontario. He initially became known for his mysterious personality and his distinctive musical style, which combines elements of R&B, pop and electronic music.

The Weeknd rose to prominence with the release of his mixtapes House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence in 2011, which were later compiled into the album Trilogy (2012). His debut studio album Kiss Land followed in 2013 and cemented his status as a rising star in the music industry.

However, it was his second album, Beauty Behind the Madness (2015), that brought The Weeknd to mainstream success. The album featured hit singles such as “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills,” which earned him critical acclaim, multiple Grammy Awards, and major commercial success.

Since then, The Weeknd has continued to release hugely successful albums, including Starboy (2016) and After Hours (2020), which spawned chart hits such as “Starboy,” “I Feel It Coming,” and “Blinding Lights.” Known for his soulful vocals, atmospheric production, and introspective lyrics, The Weeknd has become one of the most influential and successful artists of his generation.

1. Blinding lights

“Blinding Lights” is a synthpop and 1980s-inspired song by The Weeknd, released in 2019 as the second single from his fourth studio album “After Hours”. The song is characterized by its catchy melody, pulsating beat, and nostalgic yet futuristic production.

Lyrically, “Blinding Lights” deals with themes of love, longing, and escapism. The Weeknd sings about feeling lost and seeking solace in the bright lights and distractions of the city, especially at night. The song’s catchy hooks and anthemic chorus resonated with audiences worldwide, making it one of The Weeknd’s most successful and celebrated songs.

“Blinding Lights” topped the charts in numerous countries and broke several records, including staying in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for over a year. The accompanying music video, in which The Weeknd wanders through a cityscape at night, further increased its popularity and cemented its status as a modern pop classic.

2. Starboy (feat. Daft Punk)

“Starboy” is a funky and atmospheric song by The Weeknd featuring French electronic duo Daft Punk, released in 2016 as the first single from his third studio album of the same name. The song is characterized by its groovy beat, catchy melody and elegant production.

Lyrically, “Starboy” deals with themes of fame, success and reinvention. The Weeknd sings about his rise to stardom and the changes that come with it, including shedding his old persona to embrace a new, more confident identity as “Starboy.” The collaboration with Daft Punk gives the song a futuristic and enigmatic quality, with their signature electronic sound complementing The Weeknd’s smooth vocals.

“Starboy” became a commercial success, topping the charts in numerous countries and garnering critical acclaim for its innovative production and catchy hooks. The accompanying music video, which sees The Weeknd destroying his old self and embracing his new personality, further increased its popularity and cemented its status as one of The Weeknd’s most iconic songs.

3. The Hills

“The Hills” is a song by The Weeknd, released in 2015 as the second single from his album *Beauty Behind the Madness*. Written by The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Ahmad Balshe, Emmanuel Nickerson, Carlo Montagnese, and Jason Quenneville, the song is a dark, atmospheric R&B track with elements of hip hop and electronic music. “The Hills” features The Weeknd’s haunting vocals and deals with themes of hedonism, desire, and emotional distance. The song’s production includes moody synths, deep bass, and a hypnotic beat that enhance the atmospheric feel. “The Hills” was a critical and box office success, topping charts worldwide and showcasing The Weeknd’s distinctive sound and lyrical depth.

4. I can’t feel my face

“Can’t Feel My Face” is a pop and funk-influenced song by The Weeknd, released in 2015 as the third single from his second studio album, Beauty Behind the Madness. The song is characterized by its fast tempo, catchy melody, and infectious groove.

Lyrically, “Can’t Feel My Face” deals with the themes of addiction and falling in love. The Weeknd sings about the euphoric highs of being in love and how it can feel like being on drugs. The song’s lyrics juxtapose feelings of pleasure and pain, creating a captivating narrative that resonated with listeners.

“Can’t Feel My Face” became a huge commercial success, topping the charts in numerous countries and was praised by critics for its catchy hooks and high-energy production. The accompanying music video, which featured The Weeknd performing the song in a club-like setting, further increased its popularity and cemented its status as one of his most well-known songs.

5. Save your tears

“Save Your Tears” is a song by The Weeknd, released in 2020 as part of his album *After Hours*. Written by The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Max Martin, Oscar Holter, and Belly (Ahmad Balshe), the song is an upbeat pop track with elements of synth pop and 1980s-inspired music. “Save Your Tears” features The Weeknd’s soulful vocals and deals with themes of heartbreak, regret, and resilience. The song’s production includes pulsating beats, catchy hooks, and a nostalgic melody that contrasts with its melancholic lyrics. “Save Your Tears” received positive reviews for its infectious sound and emotional depth, and became a commercial success worldwide.

6. Deserved

“Earned It” is a soulful and seductive R&B song by The Weeknd, released in 2014 as the first single from the soundtrack of the film “Fifty Shades of Grey”. The song is characterized by its haunting melody, lush orchestration, and The Weeknd’s smooth and soulful vocals.

Lyrically, “Earned It” deals with themes of desire, temptation and longing. The Weeknd sings about the complexities of a passionate and intense relationship, expressing his willingness to do anything to please his lover. The lyrics of the song are sensual and moving, perfectly capturing the mood of the film.

“Earned It” became a commercial success, topping the charts in several countries and receiving critical acclaim for its atmospheric production and The Weeknd’s captivating performance. The accompanying music video, which features scenes from Fifty Shades of Grey with The Weeknd performing the song in a grandiose setting, further increased its popularity and cemented its status as one of his most memorable songs.

7. I feel it coming (feat. Daft Punk)

“I Feel It Coming” is a song by The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk, released in 2016 as part of The Weeknd’s album *Starboy*. Written by The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Thomas Bangalter, Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, and Eric Chedeville, the song is a throwback to 1980s-inspired pop and disco music. “I Feel It Coming” showcases The Weeknd’s smooth vocals alongside Daft Punk’s signature electronic soundscapes. The song’s lyrics express a sense of anticipation and romance, with a dreamy atmosphere and a catchy groove. “I Feel It Coming” was critically and commercially well received, reaching high chart positions worldwide and further cementing The Weeknd’s reputation as a versatile and innovative artist.

8. Call my name

“Call Out My Name” is a haunting and emotional R&B ballad by The Weeknd, released in 2018 as the first single from his EP “My Dear Melancholy”. The song is characterized by its atmospheric production, moody melody and soulful vocals by The Weeknd.

Lyrically, “Call Out My Name” deals with themes of heartbreak, betrayal and longing. The Weeknd sings about the pain of a failed relationship and the feeling of abandonment he feels from a former lover. The song’s lyrics are introspective and raw, reflecting the vulnerability of the singer’s emotions.

“Call Out My Name” received widespread praise from critics and fans alike for its powerful lyrics and emotional performance by The Weeknd. The accompanying music video, featuring surreal and artistic imagery, further enhanced its impact and cemented its status as one of The Weeknd’s standout songs.

9. Heartless

“Heartless” is a song by The Weeknd, released as a single from his 2019 album *After Hours*. Written by The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Metro Boomin, Illangelo, and Dre Moon, the song is a dark and moody track that deals with themes of heartbreak, pain, and emotional numbness. “Heartless” features The Weeknd’s emotive vocals against a haunting instrumental backdrop, and blends elements of R&B, hip hop, and electronic music. The song’s lyrics reflect on toxic relationships and the toll they take on emotional well-being, conveying a sense of detachment and disillusionment. “Heartless” was a commercial success, topping charts worldwide, and was praised for its introspective lyrics and atmospheric production.

10. Often

“Often” is a seductive R&B track by The Weeknd, released as a single in 2014 and later included on his album “Beauty Behind the Madness”. The song is characterized by its smooth production, catchy melody, and raunchy lyrics.

Lyrically, “Often” deals with themes of lust, desire and hedonism. The Weeknd sings about his frequent encounters with women and his lavish lifestyle, with lyrics describing self-indulgence and excess. The song’s lyrics are provocative and explicit, reflecting The Weeknd’s uncompromising devotion to pleasure and sensuality.

“Often” received positive reviews and became a commercial success, charting in several countries. Its infectious beat and catchy chorus resonated with listeners, making it one of The Weeknd’s most popular songs. The song’s music video, which features The Weeknd in various luxurious settings, further increased its appeal and cemented his status as a fan favorite.

Edward Tomlin is a regular contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.