Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, has been a force in the music industry since his debut in 2011. With a unique sound that blends R&B, pop, and alternative influences, The Weeknd has become one of the most popular and influential artists of his generation. Over the course of his career, he has released numerous hits that have topped charts around the world and earned him critical acclaim.
In this article, we will be counting down The Weeknd’s 10 best songs of all time. From his early mixtape days to his most recent releases, we will be exploring the tracks that have defined his career and cemented his status as one of the biggest names in music. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to his music, this list is sure to showcase the very best of The Weeknd’s artistry.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to delve into the world of The Weeknd’s music. We’ll be exploring everything from his chart-topping hits to his lesser-known gems, highlighting the innovative sound and style that has made him a true icon of the music industry.
1. Less Than Zero
“Less Than Zero” is a classic song by Elvis Costello, released in 1977. The track features Costello’s distinctive vocals and guitar playing, along with a catchy melody and driving rhythm. The lyrics are a pointed critique of the British aristocracy, using biting satire and clever wordplay to skewer the class divide and the hypocrisy of the ruling class. The song’s energy and attitude helped establish Costello as one of the leading figures of the punk and new wave movements of the late 1970s and early 1980s, and it remains a beloved classic of his extensive discography.
2. The Party & the After Party
“The Party & The After Party” is a moody, atmospheric track by The Weeknd, released in 2011. The song’s haunting melody and slow-burning groove create an evocative backdrop for The Weeknd’s lyrics, which describe a hedonistic night of partying and drug use. The track’s extended runtime allows for a series of shifts in tone and tempo, culminating in a climactic outro that is both sensual and haunting. “The Party & The After Party” showcases The Weeknd’s distinctive blend of R&B, pop, and alternative influences, and remains a standout track in his early discography, highlighting his ability to create atmospheric, emotionally charged music that pushes boundaries and defies categorization.
3. The Birds Pt. 1
“The Birds Pt. 1” is a haunting, atmospheric track by The Weeknd, released in 2011. The song’s sparse instrumentation, featuring just a simple piano melody and the occasional burst of distorted guitar, creates an eerie and ethereal atmosphere that perfectly complements The Weeknd’s vocals. The lyrics paint a picture of a tumultuous relationship, with the narrator struggling to come to terms with his partner’s infidelity and emotional distance. The song’s emotional depth and raw vulnerability are a testament to The Weeknd’s songwriting ability, showcasing his talent for creating powerful, introspective music that resonates with listeners. “The Birds Pt. 1” is a standout track on The Weeknd’s early mixtapes, and remains a fan favorite to this day.
4. Rolling Stone
“Rolling Stone” is a melancholic track by The Weeknd, released in 2011. The song’s haunting melody and atmospheric production create a sense of longing and introspection, as The Weeknd sings about the fleeting nature of fame and success. The lyrics touch on themes of isolation, regret, and nostalgia, as the narrator reflects on his past mistakes and the toll that his lifestyle has taken on him. The song’s emotional depth is matched by The Weeknd’s soulful vocals and the track’s powerful instrumentation, which features a driving beat and a soaring guitar solo. “Rolling Stone” is a standout track on The Weeknd’s early mixtapes, and remains a fan favorite to this day, thanks to its potent blend of introspective lyrics and dynamic production.
5. Out Of Time
“Out Of Time” is a haunting and introspective track by The Weeknd, released in 2018. The song’s stripped-down production, featuring just a simple piano melody and The Weeknd’s soulful vocals, creates a sense of vulnerability and emotional rawness. The lyrics explore themes of heartbreak and regret, as the narrator struggles to come to terms with the end of a relationship. The chorus features a haunting refrain, as The Weeknd sings, “I’m out of time, I’m out of line, want you to be mine.” The song’s emotional depth is matched by The Weeknd’s powerful vocal performance, which conveys a sense of longing and desperation. “Out Of Time” is a standout track on The Weeknd’s album “My Dear Melancholy,” and remains a fan favorite thanks to its potent blend of soulful vocals and emotionally charged lyrics.
6. House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls
“House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls” is a standout track from The Weeknd’s 2011 mixtape “House of Balloons.” The song seamlessly blends two distinct sections, with the first half featuring a slow-burning, atmospheric groove, and the second half featuring a more uptempo beat and distorted vocals. The lyrics touch on themes of drug use, hedonism, and casual sex, as the narrator describes his experiences at a wild party. The song’s production, which combines moody synths with a driving beat and samples from Siouxsie and the Banshees’ “Happy House,” creates a unique and immersive atmosphere that perfectly complements The Weeknd’s vocals. “House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls” remains a fan favorite and a standout track on one of The Weeknd’s most influential and groundbreaking mixtapes.
7. Blinding Lights
“Blinding Lights” is a pop and synthwave-inspired track by The Weeknd, released in 2019. The song features a catchy and upbeat melody, with driving synths, pulsing bass, and a propulsive beat that is guaranteed to get listeners moving. The lyrics describe a passionate and intense relationship, as the narrator pleads with his partner to stay with him and keep the “blinding lights” of their love shining bright. The song’s production and vocal performance create a sense of euphoria and nostalgia, with The Weeknd’s vocals soaring over the track’s energetic beats and atmospheric synths. “Blinding Lights” has become one of The Weeknd’s biggest hits, topping charts around the world and earning critical acclaim for its infectious sound and undeniable hook. It remains a fan favorite and a testament to The Weeknd’s ability to create pop music that is both innovative and commercially successful.
8. Tell Your Friends
“Tell Your Friends” is a hip-hop and R&B-infused track by The Weeknd, released in 2015. The song’s production, which features a sample from Kanye West’s “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” creates a laid-back and groovy atmosphere that perfectly complements The Weeknd’s smooth and soulful vocals. The lyrics describe The Weeknd’s rise to fame and the obstacles he’s faced along the way, as he reflects on the friends who have turned against him and the critics who doubted his talent. “Tell Your Friends” is a standout track on The Weeknd’s album “Beauty Behind the Madness,” and remains a fan favorite thanks to its infectious hook and powerful message of resilience.
9. The Morning
“The Morning” is a moody and atmospheric track by The Weeknd, released in 2011. The song’s haunting melody and sparse production create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, as The Weeknd’s vocals describe a night of passion and regret. The lyrics touch on themes of casual sex, drug use, and emotional detachment, as the narrator struggles to come to terms with his own feelings and desires. The song’s emotional depth is matched by The Weeknd’s soulful vocal performance and the track’s atmospheric production, which features moody synths and a driving beat. “The Morning” is a standout track on The Weeknd’s early mixtapes, and remains a fan favorite thanks to its introspective lyrics and evocative sound.
10. The Hills
“The Hills” is a dark and moody track by The Weeknd, released in 2015. The song’s haunting melody and atmospheric production create a sense of tension and urgency, as The Weeknd’s vocals describe a toxic and destructive relationship. The lyrics touch on themes of fame, drugs, and emotional manipulation, as the narrator struggles to break free from a lover who is leading him down a dangerous path. The song’s powerful hook and driving beat have made it one of The Weeknd’s most popular tracks, topping charts around the world and earning critical acclaim for its evocative sound and powerful message. “The Hills” remains a fan favorite and a testament to The Weeknd’s ability to create emotionally charged music that pushes boundaries and defies categorization.
