Prepare to dive into the hypnotic, genre-defying world of The Weeknd, an artist whose music has redefined modern pop and R&B. With his haunting falsetto, evocative lyrics, and masterful production, Abel Tesfaye—known globally as The Weeknd—has become one of the most influential artists of our generation. From the moody, atmospheric soundscapes of his early mixtapes to the chart-topping anthems that dominate global playlists, The Weeknd’s songs are the perfect blend of emotional storytelling and infectious beats.
But which tracks stand out as his most iconic? In this article, we’re counting down the top 10 most popular songs by The Weeknd—tracks that have not only captured the hearts of millions but also redefined what it means to create timeless hits. Whether it’s the sultry allure of his early works or the pulsating energy of his more recent releases, these songs showcase why The Weeknd remains a musical force to be reckoned with.
So, crank up the volume and get ready for a journey through the hits that turned a mysterious artist from Toronto into a global superstar. Let’s uncover the magic behind The Weeknd’s most unforgettable tracks!
1. Blinding Lights (2019)
Released in 2019, Blinding Lights quickly became one of The Weeknd’s most iconic and commercially successful songs. Channeling the synth-driven sounds of the 1980s, the track bursts with neon energy, creating a euphoric, cinematic rush that feels both nostalgic and completely fresh. The lyrics paint a picture of yearning and emotional desperation, as The Weeknd sings about longing for a lover’s presence to light up his darkest nights. The irresistible synth riff and driving beat made it an instant favorite on both radio and streaming platforms, resonating across generations. Blinding Lights smashed records, including the longest run on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of the most streamed songs of all time. Its success was amplified by The Weeknd’s striking performances, especially his high-energy Super Bowl halftime show, which brought the song’s retro-futuristic vibe to life. What makes this track so powerful is its seamless blend of emotional vulnerability with feel-good, danceable production. Whether you hear it blasting through a car stereo or playing in the background of a party, Blinding Lights evokes an undeniable sense of longing, motion, and hope. It’s more than a hit—it’s a modern classic that perfectly encapsulates The Weeknd’s musical brilliance.
2. The Hills (2015)
The Hills is a dark, haunting masterpiece that dives deep into the shadowy corners of love, fame, and self-destruction. Released in 2015 as part of the Beauty Behind the Madness album, the song showcases The Weeknd’s trademark sound—brooding production, raw lyrics, and a vulnerability that hits hard. Built on a slow-burning beat and unsettling synths, the track explores a secretive relationship where lust, guilt, and emotional detachment all collide. Lines like “When I’m faded, I do what I want” reveal a man caught in the throes of addiction—not just to substances, but to toxic love. The music video, filled with surreal and apocalyptic imagery, perfectly captures the song’s eerie, cinematic tone. It became an instant hit and solidified The Weeknd’s role as a fearless artist unafraid to dive into uncomfortable emotional territory. Unlike his pop-friendly tracks, The Hills was unapologetically dark, but that’s what made it resonate—it felt real. It climbed to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of his most critically acclaimed works. The Hills isn’t just a song—it’s a confession, a mood, and a statement of artistic intent from one of the most compelling voices in modern music.
3. Starboy (2016)
When Starboy dropped in 2016, it marked a bold new chapter in The Weeknd’s career. Collaborating with the legendary electronic duo Daft Punk, he reinvented his sound with futuristic flair, sleek beats, and a razor-sharp commentary on fame and materialism. The song opens with pulsing synths and a minimalist beat that sets the stage for lyrics packed with self-awareness and swagger. The Weeknd doesn’t just flaunt his success—he questions it. There’s a subtle tension throughout the song, as he juggles the luxury of his lifestyle with the weight of constant scrutiny. “Look what you’ve done” isn’t just a boast—it’s a reflection on transformation and the cost of reinvention. The accompanying music video shows him literally killing his former self, symbolizing a break from the shadows of his past. With Starboy, he embraced a new identity, one marked by confidence, extravagance, and creative evolution. The track became a global smash, topping charts and dominating playlists. But beyond its commercial appeal, Starboy is a defining moment in The Weeknd’s career—a song that fuses introspection with innovation, proving that he’s not just playing the game of fame, he’s rewriting the rules.
4. Can’t Feel My Face (2015)
Can’t Feel My Face was a game-changer for The Weeknd when it hit the airwaves in 2015. Seamlessly blending his R&B roots with infectious pop melodies, the song drew comparisons to the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. With its upbeat tempo, funky bassline, and glossy production, it sounded like it was built to dominate dance floors—and that’s exactly what it did. But beneath the slick grooves lies a darker metaphor; while it sounds like a love song, many listeners interpret it as a double entendre for drug addiction, particularly the emotional high and numbness that come with it. That lyrical duality is part of what makes the song so fascinating. It’s catchy enough for mainstream radio but layered enough to intrigue longtime fans. The Weeknd’s vocals are in top form here—smooth, dynamic, and bursting with charisma. The track earned him multiple Grammy nominations and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, helping to cement his status as a mainstream powerhouse. Can’t Feel My Face is the rare song that’s both a certified pop banger and a deeper exploration of dependency and desire. It’s polished, provocative, and utterly unforgettable.
5. Earned It (2015)
Released in 2015 as part of the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack, Earned It showed a more sensual and refined side of The Weeknd. This slow-burning ballad, driven by a lush orchestral arrangement and understated rhythm, leans heavily into old-school soul with a modern twist. The track stands out for its romantic yet provocative tone, perfectly matching the steamy, mysterious aesthetic of the film it accompanied. The Weeknd’s falsetto glides effortlessly over the cinematic strings, creating an atmosphere that’s both intimate and grand. Lyrically, the song suggests devotion—but it’s the kind that’s complex, even a bit dangerous. “You deserve it,” he sings, not just with passion but with reverence, making it clear that the relationship he’s describing is one of deep emotional entanglement. The song earned widespread critical acclaim and even received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. It also became one of the most defining moments in The Weeknd’s early mainstream success. Earned It proved he could move beyond moody R&B and into more traditional ballad territory without losing his edge. It’s a track that oozes class, allure, and raw emotion—a timeless entry in his diverse catalog.
6. Save Your Tears (2020)
Released as part of After Hours, Save Your Tears taps into a bittersweet feeling that blends heartache with a strangely upbeat, retro sound. Drawing heavily from ’80s synth-pop, the track wraps painful emotions in shimmering production, creating an emotional contrast that defines much of The Weeknd’s work. Lyrically, it deals with regret and the aftermath of a breakup, where the narrator realizes too late the damage he caused. The Weeknd’s vocals, smooth yet aching, glide over the track’s glossy beats, giving listeners a window into his remorse. The song’s music video, featuring surreal and distorted visuals of plastic surgery and faceless crowds, adds a haunting layer of commentary on fame, identity, and emotional detachment. Despite—or perhaps because of—its melancholic core, the song became a major commercial hit, topping charts around the world and resonating deeply with fans who found comfort in its honesty. Save Your Tears isn’t just a breakup anthem—it’s a reflection on what’s lost when we let pride take the place of vulnerability. It’s a standout in The Weeknd’s discography for its lyrical candor, sonic brilliance, and its ability to make sadness sound strangely beautiful.
7. Wicked Games (2011)
Wicked Games marked a pivotal moment in The Weeknd’s rise, introducing a new kind of R&B—moody, atmospheric, and unapologetically raw. First appearing on his debut mixtape House of Balloons in 2011, the track quickly became a defining piece of his early sound. It’s a confession drenched in emotional chaos, exploring themes of lust, dependency, and heartbreak in a world where intimacy is tangled with pain. The haunting instrumental sets a somber tone, while The Weeknd’s aching vocals peel back layers of vulnerability. “Bring your love, baby, I could bring my shame,” he sings, exposing his brokenness in a moment of both weakness and courage. Unlike traditional love songs, Wicked Games offers no clear resolution—just the brutal honesty of someone trying to numb the ache of loneliness. It set the tone for The Weeknd’s artistic identity: dark, honest, and willing to dive deep into the human psyche. This song helped launch an entire movement in alternative R&B and made it clear that The Weeknd wasn’t afraid to explore the shadows. Over a decade later, Wicked Games still hits with the same emotional punch, making it one of his most memorable and impactful early works.
8. Call Out My Name (2018)
Call Out My Name, from The Weeknd’s 2018 EP My Dear Melancholy, is one of his most emotionally raw and vulnerable songs. Right from the start, the track feels heavy with longing and heartbreak, as if we’re listening in on a personal confession. The haunting piano chords and slow-burning production create a somber, introspective mood, perfectly matching the pain in his voice. Lyrically, it reflects a relationship where one person gave more than the other, and the hurt that lingers after the love has faded. “I almost cut a piece of myself for your life,” he sings, a line that strikes with brutal honesty. Fans and critics alike speculated on the song’s real-life inspiration, which only deepened its emotional impact. Unlike many pop songs that hide sadness behind upbeat melodies, Call Out My Name leans fully into its heartbreak, offering no escape—just reflection. The Weeknd’s falsetto soars and cracks in all the right places, making the emotion feel unfiltered and real. This track stands as one of his most powerful ballads, a stark reminder that even fame doesn’t protect you from the ache of love lost and the need to be remembered.
9. I Feel It Coming (2016)
I Feel It Coming, a collaboration with Daft Punk from The Weeknd’s Starboy album, feels like a breath of fresh air amid his typically darker themes. Released in 2016, this song takes a gentler, more romantic approach, offering something closer to a love song than a lament. With a smooth groove inspired by ‘80s funk and disco, and Daft Punk’s signature synth work adding polish and flair, the track feels like it’s meant to be played under neon lights on a warm summer night. The Weeknd’s vocals are laid-back but rich with emotion, inviting a lover to trust him and take things slowly. There’s a sensuality here, but it’s softer and more intimate than his usual boldness. “I feel it coming,” he croons again and again, as if predicting the slow build of connection and closeness. The chemistry between The Weeknd and Daft Punk is undeniable, blending electronic elegance with soulful vulnerability. I Feel It Coming was a chart success and a fan favorite, offering a glimpse of The Weeknd’s ability to step out of the shadows and embrace light, even if just for a moment.
10. Die For You (2016)
Released as part of 2016’s Starboy album, Die For You is a tender anthem about deep, unconditional love. While The Weeknd is often known for his moody, shadowy soundscapes and themes of excess, this track reveals a more heartfelt, emotional side of him. The song blends smooth R&B production with futuristic synths, allowing his silky vocals to shine as he sings about the lengths he’s willing to go for someone he truly cares about. There’s a sincerity in his delivery that makes lines like “Even though we’re going through it, and it makes you feel alone, just know that I would die for you” feel especially powerful. It’s a love song rooted in struggle and sacrifice, acknowledging that real relationships come with challenges but also profound loyalty. Though it wasn’t initially one of the biggest hits on the album, Die For You experienced a resurgence years later, especially after a viral remix with Ariana Grande, proving its staying power. It resonates because it’s honest—love isn’t always easy, but for the right person, it’s worth everything. With Die For You, The Weeknd reminds us that behind the glamour and darkness, he’s still capable of deeply felt devotion.
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.
