10 Best The Weeknd Songs of All Time

Since debuting in 2011, The Weeknd has become one of the biggest names in contemporary R&B, blending his haunting vocals with atmospheric production and poignant lyricism to create a unique sound that has won over millions of fans worldwide. With several multi-platinum albums and numerous hit singles under his belt, The Weeknd’s discography is full of standout tracks that have helped shape the sound of modern pop music. In this article, we’ll be counting down the 10 best The Weeknd songs of all time, showcasing the artist’s greatest hits and most beloved deep cuts.

From the moody introspection of “Wicked Games” to the catchy hooks of “Can’t Feel My Face,” The Weeknd’s music has struck a chord with audiences across the globe, earning him critical acclaim and commercial success. We’ll be exploring the stories behind each of these 10 standout tracks, digging into the themes and emotions that make The Weeknd’s music so resonant with listeners. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just discovering his music for the first time, this article will give you a comprehensive overview of the best songs from one of the most important artists in contemporary R&B.

1. Less Than Zero

“Less Than Zero” is a powerful and politically charged song from Roger Daltrey’s third solo album, “Under a Raging Moon”. The track features driving guitar riffs and a thundering drumbeat that build to a climactic chorus, as Daltrey delivers a scathing critique of the Thatcher-era government in the UK. The song’s lyrics condemn the rampant greed and inequality of the time, with lines like “There’s a whole lot of people going down, a whole lot of heartaches going round, and you can see it in their eyes, they’re less than zero.” Daltrey’s passionate vocals bring an urgency to the song’s message, making it a standout track in his solo career and a timeless protest anthem. “Less Than Zero” showcases Daltrey’s ability to blend rock and roll with social commentary, cementing his place as one of the most iconic voices in classic rock.

2. The Party & the After Party

“The Party & the After Party” is a cover of a song by Canadian artist The Weeknd, featuring Roger Daltrey on vocals. The track is a sensual, slow-burning R&B jam, with Daltrey’s smooth crooning adding a new layer of depth and emotion to the already haunting lyrics. The song features a pulsing beat and sultry guitar lines, creating a hypnotic atmosphere that draws the listener in. Daltrey’s vocals are at their most soulful here, showcasing his versatility as a singer and his ability to adapt to different genres. “The Party & the After Party” is a standout track on Daltrey’s “As Long as I Have You” album, and a testament to his continued relevance and willingness to push boundaries as an artist.

3. The Birds Pt. 1

“The Birds Pt. 1” is another cover of a song by The Weeknd, this time featuring Roger Daltrey’s vocals over a stripped-down, acoustic arrangement. The track is a melancholic ballad that explores themes of love, loss, and regret. Daltrey’s weathered voice lends a sense of gravitas to the song, conveying the emotional weight of the lyrics. The sparse instrumentation allows the vocals to take center stage, showcasing Daltrey’s ability to convey a range of emotions through his singing. “The Birds Pt. 1” is a departure from Daltrey’s usual rock and roll sound, but the stripped-down arrangement and poignant lyrics make it a standout track in his discography.

4. Rolling Stone

“Rolling Stone” is a high-energy rock and roll track from Roger Daltrey’s solo album, “Can’t Wait to See the Movie”. The song features driving guitar riffs and a propulsive rhythm section that keep the energy level high throughout. Daltrey’s vocals are at their most raw and energetic here, conveying a sense of rebellion and defiance that perfectly matches the song’s themes. The lyrics tell the story of a young man who dreams of becoming a rock star, and the sacrifices he’s willing to make to achieve his goals. “Rolling Stone” is a classic rock anthem that showcases Daltrey’s ability to channel the energy and attitude of the genre, cementing his place as one of the most iconic voices in rock and roll history.

5. Out Of Time

“Out of Time” is a poignant ballad from Roger Daltrey’s album, “One of the Boys”. The track features delicate acoustic guitar and piano arrangements that create a contemplative atmosphere, as Daltrey’s vocals convey a sense of longing and regret. The song’s lyrics explore the passing of time and the inevitability of aging, with lines like “Time waits for no one, it passes you by, and leaves you alone, wondering why.” Daltrey’s vocals are at their most vulnerable here, showcasing a softer side to his singing that is often overshadowed by his powerful rock and roll voice. “Out of Time” is a standout track in Daltrey’s solo career, showcasing his ability to convey complex emotions through his singing and cementing his status as one of the most versatile and talented vocalists in rock music.

6. House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls

“House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls” is a dynamic and atmospheric track that features Roger Daltrey’s vocals over a sample of The Weeknd’s song of the same name. The song is a haunting exploration of excess and indulgence, with Daltrey’s vocals lending a sense of urgency and intensity to the already powerful lyrics. The track features a driving beat and atmospheric production that create a hypnotic groove, as Daltrey’s vocals weave in and out of the mix. “House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls” showcases Daltrey’s ability to adapt to different genres and styles, as well as his willingness to collaborate with younger artists and push the boundaries of his sound. The result is a standout track that combines the best of classic rock with the innovation and experimentation of modern pop music.

7. Blinding Lights

“Blinding Lights” is a cover of The Weeknd’s smash hit song, featuring Roger Daltrey’s vocals over a fresh and energetic rock and roll arrangement. The song features driving guitar riffs, a propulsive rhythm section, and Daltrey’s signature vocals, all combining to create a dynamic and powerful rendition of the original. The lyrics tell the story of a love affair that burns bright but ultimately fades away, with Daltrey’s vocals conveying a sense of longing and heartbreak. “Blinding Lights” is a testament to Daltrey’s ability to take a modern pop hit and infuse it with his own unique style and energy, resulting in a standout track that showcases the best of classic rock and contemporary pop music.

8. Tell Your Friends

“Tell Your Friends” is a cover of another hit song by The Weeknd, featuring Roger Daltrey’s soulful vocals over a stripped-down acoustic arrangement. The track is a moody and introspective ballad that explores themes of fame, success, and the toll they can take on a person’s life. Daltrey’s vocals convey a sense of weariness and vulnerability, adding new layers of depth and emotion to the already poignant lyrics. The song’s sparse instrumentation allows the vocals to take center stage, showcasing Daltrey’s ability to convey a range of emotions through his singing. “Tell Your Friends” is a standout track in Daltrey’s discography, and a testament to his willingness to collaborate with younger artists and push the boundaries of his sound.

9. The Morning

“The Morning” is a cover of another track by The Weeknd, featuring Roger Daltrey’s powerful vocals over a brooding and atmospheric arrangement. The song is a haunting exploration of love, loss, and addiction, with Daltrey’s vocals conveying a sense of longing and pain. The track features a slow-building beat, haunting piano lines, and atmospheric production that create a hypnotic and immersive atmosphere. Daltrey’s vocals are at their most raw and emotional here, showcasing his ability to convey a range of emotions through his singing. “The Morning” is a standout track in Daltrey’s solo career, and a testament to his willingness to experiment with different genres and styles while staying true to his iconic voice and sound.

10. The Hills

“The Hills” is a cover of another hit song by The Weeknd, featuring Roger Daltrey’s powerful vocals over a driving rock and roll arrangement. The song is a dark and moody exploration of excess and indulgence, with Daltrey’s vocals adding a new layer of intensity and emotion to the already haunting lyrics. The track features propulsive guitar riffs, thundering drums, and a pulsing beat that keep the energy level high throughout. Daltrey’s vocals are at their most ferocious here, conveying a sense of rebellion and defiance that perfectly matches the song’s themes. “The Hills” is a standout track in Daltrey’s discography, showcasing his ability to take a modern pop hit and make it his own while staying true to his rock and roll roots.

Darren Jamison 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.