With his debut, The Weeknd – born Abel Tesfaye – solidified as one of the most important artists in music today. Recognized by his intriguing combination of R&B, pop, and electronic sounds along with soul-baring lyrics, The Weeknd’s versatile voice has made him a mainstay on the charts. Here are his 5 most streamed songs that give an idea of how far he has come in the industry.
5. Save Your Tears
Issued off The Weeknd’s 2020 LP After Hours, “Save Your Tears” features an infectiously bubbly synth-pop soundscape that juxtaposes the self-searching lyrics. With its dynamic production, and irresistible hooks, the song has accumulated 2.01 billion streams – a testament to The Weeknd’s incredible ability to combine introspection with pop appeal; an embodiment of his growth as an artist “Save Your Tears” touches on heartbreak and self-reflection in a way that resonated with listeners through its infectious energy, binding everyone to the emotive storytelling.
4. Die For You
A dedication to a loved one, “Die For You” shows The Weeknd at his most vulnerable and intimate. The sultry R&B tune featuring contemplative lyrics was dropped back in 2016 and struck chords with listeners immediately. The Weeknd has proved his knack for intertwining moment-specific life reflections with universal declarations of love and dedication on “Die For You,” the fifth track to make this list, which notched 2.29 billion streams. An artist whose evolution and development to connect emotionally with his listener only gets deeper on Take My Breath.
3. The Hills
In 2015, “The Hills” was a turning point in The Weeknd’s career as an established pop hit-maker. The song known for its infectious melody lines and controversial lyrics left audiences spellbound breaking major records with over 2.32 billion streams. The Hills reveal a hook-up culture more at home in rap than rnb with The Weeknd looking back on matters of love, lust, and hedonism that call to mind the XO dark seduction he dives into when confronting his demons. The brooding atmosphere and Tesfaye singing his heart out is why it stays with listeners, ensuring a place in the singer’s repertoire for years to come.
2. Starboy (feat. Daft Punk)
The Weeknd (filing under electronic) had a head start, working with none other than the robotic wonders of Daft Punk on futuristic R&B-electronic chimera “Starboy.” The edgily produced track stood out, and with The Weeknd’s smooth vocals, it became a hit as well on its release in 2016, earning more than 3.33 billion streams now across all platforms together. The Weeknd’s ability to switch it up and try new things while still sounding like himself is on full display in “Starboy”. The themes of fame and excess in the song connected with fans on a deeper level, arguably swaying its status as well.
1. Blinding Lights
At the top is his lasting smash “Blinding Lights,” a synth-pop anthem that made The Weeknd into an overnight pop star. The 80s melodies and clear sound in the song remind listeners of a simpler time, despite being released with his album After Hours back in 2019. “Blinding Lights,” meanwhile, led the charts and inspired not less than 4.32 billion streams on its way to something like a cultural moment. With an unforgettable chorus and pulsing b-boy beats, it’s a fitting inclusion on myriad party playlists (across the spectrum of age groups) to help cement its place as one of Weeknd’s most iconic songs.
