Today, the music world is abuzz with the celebration of The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye on February 16, 1990. As of 2026, he is no longer just a “starboy”; he is a global phenomenon currently wrapping up his record-breaking After Hours til Dawn Tour, which has officially become the highest-grossing tour by a male soloist in history.
Fresh off the release of his final album under the “The Weeknd” moniker, Hurry Up Tomorrow, Abel is preparing to transition into a new chapter using his birth name. However, before he sheds his iconic stage name, we are honoring the decade-plus of atmospheric, synth-heavy, and soul-piercing hits that turned the “lonely star” into an anthem-making machine.
Abel Tesfaye attends Lionsgate’s “Hurry Up Tomorrow” World Premiere on May 13, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Blinding Lights (2019)
No list of anthems is complete without the song that redefined the decade. As of 2026, “Blinding Lights” remains the most-streamed song in history and the best-performing Billboard Hot 100 single of all time. Its 80s-inspired synth-pop pulse and cinematic energy transformed it from a radio hit into a global cultural moment, proving that Abel could master the “new wave” sound better than anyone else in the modern era.
The Hills (2015)
The track that proved the “dark R&B” aesthetic could dominate the mainstream. With its distorted bass and haunting, abrasive production, “The Hills” was an unlikely No. 1 hit that showcased The Weeknd’s ability to bring raw, unfiltered grit to the top of the charts. It remains a definitive late-night anthem for a generation that embraced his “villain” era.
Starboy (2016)
Teaming up with the legendary Daft Punk, Abel used “Starboy” to announce his arrival as a commercial juggernaut. The song is a masterclass in braggadocio, detailing his transition from an underground mystery to a Ferrari-driving superstar. Its pulsating rhythm and infectious hook made it an instant club anthem and a staple of his live performances.
Save Your Tears (2020)
A bittersweet masterpiece of 80s synth-pop, “Save Your Tears” became the second defining anthem of the After Hours era. Whether in its original form or the record-breaking remix with Ariana Grande, the song’s catchy melody hides a deep sense of romantic regret, a hallmark of Tesfaye’s songwriting that resonates with millions of listeners worldwide.
Can’t Feel My Face (2015)
The song that officially made him a “pop star.” Produced by Max Martin, this MJ-esque funk-pop track was inescapable in the summer of 2015. Despite its upbeat, danceable exterior, the lyrics remain true to Abel’s darker themes, creating a fascinating contrast that allowed him to dominate radio without losing his edge.
Die For You (2016/2023)
While originally released on Starboy, “Die For You” achieved “anthem” status years later thanks to a viral resurgence and a 2023 remix. It is widely considered one of his most beautiful vocal performances, a soul-baring R&B ballad that has become a modern wedding and romance staple, proving the longevity of his catalog.
Wicked Games (2011)
Where it all began. As the lead single from his debut mixtape House of Balloons, “Wicked Games” introduced the world to the “Weeknd sound”—moody, drug-infused, and deeply vulnerable R&B. For the “XO” fanbase, this is the original anthem that set the blueprint for the entire alternative R&B movement of the 2010s.
Earned It (2014)
Featured on the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack, this orchestral, waltz-inspired track earned Abel his first Academy Award nomination. It displayed his incredible vocal range and his ability to create sophisticated, high-fashion soul music, moving him beyond the “indie” label and into the upper echelons of the entertainment elite.
Heartless (2019)
A return to his “hedonistic” roots, “Heartless” was the high-octane lead single that kicked off the After Hours cycle. With its Metro Boomin production and unapologetic lyrics about the pitfalls of fame and money, the track became a modern trap-pop anthem that dominated the charts and the “nightlife” circuit.
Timeless (2024)
The standout anthem of his final “The Weeknd” album, Hurry Up Tomorrow. Featuring Playboi Carti, “Timeless” has quickly become a 2025–2026 chart-topper, blending his signature cinematic synths with a modern trap bounce. It serves as a fitting finale to his persona—a track that bridges the gap between his R&B roots and the futuristic soundscapes he’s championed in his final years.
