The Weeknd has solidified his position as one of the most influential artists of the 21st century, crafting a distinctive sound that blends dark R&B with pop sensibilities. With massive hits like “Blinding Lights” becoming the number one song of the 21st century on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and “Starboy” reaching nearly four billion streams on Spotify, Abel Tesfaye has created an extraordinary catalog that spans over a decade. His latest album “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” released in January 2025, marks the conclusion of his modern trilogy and potentially his final project under The Weeknd moniker. From his groundbreaking mixtapes to chart-topping mainstream success, these 20 songs represent the essential collection of The Weeknd’s greatest musical achievements that have shaped contemporary music.
Blinding Lights
“Blinding Lights” stands as The Weeknd’s crowning achievement, earning recognition as the number one hit on Billboard’s recap of the first 25 years of the 21st century. The track dominated charts with a record-breaking 57-week run in the Hot 100’s top 10 and an astounding 86 weeks in the top 40. The song captures themes of intoxication and reckless driving, delivered through an infectious dance-friendly R&B sound that became synonymous with The Weeknd’s name. Its 80s-inspired synth-pop production creates an irresistible earworm that transcended musical boundaries, making it a cultural phenomenon across multiple platforms including TikTok and radio stations worldwide.
The Hills
“The Hills” represents a masterpiece of sound design that perfectly encapsulates The Weeknd’s crossover appeal, combining pop instincts with the sleaze and self-loathing of his early avant-R&B years. The track features a mesmerizing blend of muted screams, tolling bells, and filtered synths that somehow reached number one and achieved diamond certification. The song has been certified 11× Platinum in the US and became one of his defining hits from the “Beauty Behind the Madness” album. Its dark, haunting production paired with Tesfaye’s vulnerable yet defiant vocals created a sonic experience that challenged conventional pop music while achieving massive commercial success.
Can’t Feel My Face
“Can’t Feel My Face” emerged as a dashed-off afterthought that became one of The Weeknd’s biggest hits, created in just 40 minutes during recording sessions. The track features R&B-inflected pop with a bouncy, beautifully numbing chorus that may subtly reference substance use themes. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since been certified eight-times platinum. Its upbeat, Michael Jackson-inspired production marked a significant shift toward mainstream pop accessibility while maintaining The Weeknd’s signature mysterious edge, proving his ability to craft radio-friendly hits without compromising his artistic identity.
Starboy
“Starboy” currently ranks as the fourth most streamed song in Spotify history with nearly four billion streams, showcasing incredible collaboration with Daft Punk. The track’s dark-toned production perfectly complements The Weeknd’s smooth delivery and flow, creating an undeniably catchy anthem. The song tackles the outlandish lifestyle of fame, exploring themes of trading human connection for material possessions with lyrics reflecting this celebrity paradox. Its title track status for the album of the same name helped define The Weeknd’s artistic evolution into a global superstar while maintaining his distinctive sound aesthetic.
Wicked Games
“Wicked Games” stands as one of the standouts from The Weeknd’s first project “House of Balloons” and remains the most popular song on his “Trilogy” compilation for compelling reasons. The track features enthralling and powerful vocals over a fascinating grungy instrumental that established his signature dark aesthetic. As one of his earliest massive hit singles alongside “Starboy,” “The Hills,” and “Call Out My Name,” it showcases the foundation of his artistic identity. The song’s exploration of manipulation and emotional complexity set the template for much of his subsequent work, proving that his most impactful music often emerges from his most personal and controversial themes.
Save Your Tears
“Save Your Tears” demonstrates The Weeknd’s ability to craft expertly designed pop melodies that maintain an irresistible hook while delivering image-heavy, emotionally resonant lyrics. The track features his mystifying voice pulling listeners into a world of single tears and dancing crowds, creating beautiful contrast between melancholy and celebration. The melancholic sound combined with Tesfaye’s mystifying vocals and repetitive synthesizer elements make this an ideal song for radio listening. Its sophisticated production showcases his evolution as both a vocalist and songwriter, proving his ability to balance commercial appeal with artistic depth and emotional authenticity.
I Feel It Coming
“I Feel It Coming” represents another successful collaboration with Daft Punk, combining electropop sounds with Tesfaye’s R&B sensibilities to create a splendid and melancholic melody reminiscent of Michael Jackson. Despite its exceptional quality, the song peaked at number four on Billboard rankings rather than reaching the summit. Released as part of the “Starboy” album on November 24, 2016, it became one of the international top-ten singles from that project. The track’s sophisticated production and emotional depth demonstrate The Weeknd’s ability to create timeless music that resonates across different audiences while maintaining his signature mysterious and romantic appeal.
Earned It
“Earned It” was specifically created for the “Fifty Shades of Grey” film soundtrack, establishing The Weeknd’s involvement in major cinematic projects. The song perfectly captures the film’s seductive and mysterious atmosphere while showcasing his evolution from R&B artist to worldwide famous singer. Listed on the “Beauty Behind the Madness” album, it helped establish his crossover appeal to mainstream audiences. While the track may not immediately sound like a characteristic Weeknd song, its themes and production quality demonstrate his versatility in adapting his signature style to different creative contexts and commercial requirements.
Call Out My Name
“Call Out My Name” emerged from The Weeknd’s debut extended play “My Dear Melancholy” and became a number-one single in Canada. The track showcases his ability to create deeply personal and emotionally vulnerable music that still achieves commercial success. Recognized as one of his massive hit singles alongside “Starboy,” “The Hills,” and “Wicked Games,” it represents his artistic maturity and emotional growth. The song’s raw emotional content and sophisticated production demonstrate how The Weeknd can balance commercial appeal with deeply personal storytelling, creating music that resonates with both casual listeners and devoted fans.
Die For You
“Die For You” explores themes of pain and love, with Tesfaye expressing his willingness to sacrifice everything for someone special, continuing his tradition of love-focused songwriting. The track was featured on the “Starboy” album and later received a collaborative version with Ariana Grande. The song received multi-platinum certifications and helped establish the success of the “Starboy” project alongside other international top-ten singles. Its emotional depth and relatable themes of devotion and sacrifice have made it a fan favorite, showcasing The Weeknd’s ability to create music that speaks to universal human experiences while maintaining his distinctive artistic voice.
Take My Breath
“Take My Breath” combines classic Giorgio Moroder influences with modern production, featuring titanic melodies from collaborators including Max Martin, Belly, and Oscar Holter. The track throbs with insistent kick drums, funky guitar work, and arpeggiated synths that create an irresistibly danceable foundation. The song explores intense themes of passion and desire while Tesfaye deploys his upper register with soulful precision. Its sophisticated blend of retro and contemporary elements demonstrates The Weeknd’s ability to honor musical history while pushing boundaries, creating tracks that feel both nostalgic and futuristic simultaneously.
In Your Eyes
“In Your Eyes” showcases mystifying melodies with authentic saxophone and synth pop tones that create the perfect recipe for a memorable radio hit. The track was the third single from the “After Hours” album and reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song features Tesfaye sounding remarkably similar to Michael Jackson, demonstrating his vocal versatility and range. Many believe the song deserved higher chart placement, but its sophisticated production and emotional resonance have made it a standout track that showcases The Weeknd’s ability to blend different musical influences into a cohesive and compelling artistic statement.
Heartless
“Heartless” became a US number-one single and helped establish the success of The Weeknd’s “After Hours” album alongside other major hits. The track showcases his ability to create dark, introspective music that still achieves massive commercial success and radio play. Released exactly five years before his “Hurry Up Tomorrow” album announcement, it marked the beginning of his modern trilogy. The song’s exploration of emotional detachment and relationship struggles demonstrates The Weeknd’s continued evolution as both an artist and storyteller, proving his ability to transform personal experiences into universally relatable musical experiences.
Montreal
“Montreal” features one of the best hooks in The Weeknd’s entire discography, showcasing his incredible vocal performance in a powerful and grand chorus. Despite having simpler instrumentation compared to other tracks, the beat remains incredibly effective for this masterpiece composition. The song opens and closes with French vocals, a unique addition not present in his other songs, while exploring themes of lost relationship potential. Its placement on the 2011 mixtape “Echoes of Silence” demonstrates The Weeknd’s early ability to create emotionally complex music that would later influence his mainstream success and artistic development.
The Morning
“The Morning” initially masquerades as expected Weeknd club music but reveals itself as a surprisingly radiant hustler’s anthem capturing him at an upbeat moment. The track features electric guitar squeals that follow him toward a bursting chorus filled with carefree indulgence. Once the peak hits, he sings with the indulgence of someone throwing confetti made of dollar bills into the air. This early track demonstrates The Weeknd’s ability to subvert expectations while creating music that captures both hedonistic celebration and underlying emotional complexity, showcasing his range as both a songwriter and performer.
Cry For Me
“Cry For Me” emerged as one of the most streamed songs from “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” featuring incredible production collaboration between The Weeknd, Metro Boomin, and Mike Dean. The track includes a sensational beat switch halfway through that leads to possibly the best beat of 2025 thus far. The song showcases The Weeknd’s vulnerability as he positions the album as his swan song, with achingly honest lyrics about hoping someone will cry for him. Its combination of cutting-edge production and emotional depth represents the culmination of his artistic evolution, proving his continued relevance and innovation in contemporary music.
Timeless
“Timeless” featuring Playboi Carti became a Billboard Hot 100 top three hit, representing one of the standout collaborations from “Hurry Up Tomorrow”. The track demonstrates The Weeknd’s ability to work with diverse artists while maintaining his signature sound and artistic vision. Released as a single on September 27, 2024, it helped build anticipation for his final album under The Weeknd moniker. The successful collaboration showcases his continued relevance in contemporary hip-hop and R&B, proving his ability to adapt and evolve while maintaining the distinctive qualities that made him a global superstar.
Prisoner
“Prisoner” features a haunting collaboration with Lana Del Rey, serving as a lament to the woman he loves while acknowledging his addiction to an empty and cold lifestyle. Del Rey’s intoxicating voice creates the exact effect described in the song’s lyrics when she appears on the second verse. Though not officially released as a single, fan gravitation to the song helped it reach number 13 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The track demonstrates The Weeknd’s ability to create deeply personal music that resonates with audiences even without traditional promotional support, showcasing the power of authentic artistic expression.
Initiation
“Initiation” features some of The Weeknd’s favorite production from his entire catalog, with an incredible dark and grimy vibe that perfectly matches the track’s lyrical themes. Released in 2011, the song showcases distorted vocals that switch between low and high-pitched tones, signifying substance use influences. The track explains a “test” involving meeting his associates and accepting his dark lifestyle, making it a hidden gem in his catalog that deserves more attention. Its raw, uncompromising approach to controversial themes demonstrates The Weeknd’s early artistic fearlessness and willingness to explore complex psychological territory through his music.
Pretty
“Pretty” from his debut full-length “Kiss Land” showcases one of The Weeknd’s cooler early tricks involving goth-level melodrama infused throughout his work. The track combines industrial-level synth dread and drum clatter with the time-honored tale of a road warrior returning home to his partner. The song demonstrates his ability to create dramatic, cinematic music that tells compelling stories while maintaining his distinctive dark aesthetic. Its sophisticated production and narrative complexity show The Weeknd’s growth as both a storyteller and musical architect, proving his ability to create immersive artistic experiences.
Take Me Back to LA
“Take Me Back to LA” finally arrived after fans got a taste of the track in 2020, proving the wait was worthwhile for this glorious composition. The song serves as an apparent response to “After Hours'” track “Escape from LA,” with The Weeknd realizing he’s better when he’s by himself. Proceeds from this album track are being donated to LA Regional Food Bank to provide emergency food assistance to those impacted by the LA wildfires. The track’s themes of self-reflection and nostalgia demonstrate The Weeknd’s artistic maturity while its charitable component shows his commitment to using his platform for meaningful social impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Weeknd’s most successful song?
“Blinding Lights” is The Weeknd’s most successful song, earning recognition as the number one hit on Billboard’s Top Hot 100 Songs of the 21st Century chart. The track achieved record-breaking chart performance with 57 weeks in the Hot 100’s top 10 and 86 weeks in the top 40. In November 2021, “Blinding Lights” also crowned Billboard’s Greatest of All Time Hot 100 Songs chart, dating back to the chart’s August 1958 inception. Its global impact and streaming numbers have solidified its position as his definitive career-defining hit that transcended musical boundaries.
Is “Hurry Up Tomorrow” really The Weeknd’s final album?
The Weeknd has indicated that “Hurry Up Tomorrow” could be his final project under The Weeknd moniker, marking the end of his artistic persona. In January 2025 interviews, he confirmed that the album would serve as the final installment in The Weeknd’s discography and effectively kill his stage name. However, this refers specifically to retiring “The Weeknd” as an artistic identity rather than ending his music career entirely. He has expressed that he no longer has the desire to maintain the headspace and persona associated with The Weeknd character, suggesting potential future music under his real name Abel Tesfaye.
Which songs showcase The Weeknd’s early dark R&B style?
“Wicked Games” from “House of Balloons” remains the most popular song on his “Trilogy” compilation and perfectly exemplifies his early dark aesthetic. “Initiation” features incredible dark and grimy production that matches perfectly with controversial lyrical themes about his lifestyle. Other essential early tracks include “Montreal” with its powerful hooks and “The Morning,” which captures his club-oriented sound. These songs from his 2011 mixtapes established the foundation for his later mainstream success while maintaining uncompromising artistic vision.
What are The Weeknd’s biggest collaborations?
The Weeknd’s most successful collaborations include his work with Daft Punk on “Starboy” and “I Feel It Coming,” both achieving massive commercial success and critical acclaim. His collaboration with Lana Del Rey on “Prisoner” became a fan favorite despite not being officially released as a single. Recent collaborations include “Timeless” featuring Playboi Carti and various tracks from “Hurry Up Tomorrow” featuring artists like Future, Travis Scott, and Anitta. His ability to seamlessly blend his signature sound with diverse artistic voices has resulted in some of contemporary music’s most memorable collaborative efforts.
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