The Weeknd has brilliantly carved his niche in the music realm over the past 15 years, transforming into a pop icon with numerous chart-topping hits. Beyond his musical achievements, he has also ventured into acting, most notably in the contentious series The Idol—a role that prompted him to reassess his career—and he is now preparing for the cinematic adaptation of his recent album, Hurry Up Tomorrow.
Set to be The Weeknd’s sixth studio album and his tenth overall project, Hurry Up Tomorrow has sparked speculation about a significant transition in his artistry. In a candid 2023 interview with W Magazine, he hinted at wanting to “kill The Weeknd”and continue making music under his real name, Abel. If this marks the conclusion of his persona as The Weeknd, it provides an opportune moment to reflect on the substantial musical legacy he has created over the last 14 years.
10 Kiss Land (2013)
Personal Touch Lost in a Polished Sound
Although technically mixtapes, The Weeknd’s early works were compiled in Trilogy, with Kiss Land representing his first official studio release. Depending on when listeners first encountered The Weeknd’s sound, this album may serve as either a triumph or a letdown. While rooted in the essence of Trilogy, it offers a notably more polished vibe.
For newcomers, Kiss Land is an excellent introduction. However, long-time fans may perceive it as a reimagined classic that falls short of the high expectations set by the earlier mixtapes, known for their raw, unfiltered essence, which is noticeably absent here.
9 My Dear Melancholy (2018)
Can’t Live Up to Its Opening Track
As the shortest offering in The Weeknd’s discography at under 30 minutes, My Dear Melancholy arguably begins with a spectacular track.“Call Out My Name”immediately captures attention, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. While the EP centers around The Weeknd’s public breakups, the powerful opening demands repeated listens.
However, as the project unfolds, the remaining tracks, including “Try Me, ”struggle to meet the high bar set by the opening number. This challenge, common in albums, is accentuated here due to the emotional depth of “Call Out My Name.”
8 Thursday (2011)
High for These Expectations
When Thursday was released just five months after House of Balloons, it carried immense expectations, amplified by The Weeknd’s newfound status. In an era where musicians boasted of hedonism, The Weeknd’s lyrics portrayed a somber reflection on these experiences.
While it may not resonate as powerfully as its predecessor, Thursday still highlights The Weeknd’s unique aesthetic, contrasting with mainstream bravado. The track “The Zone”remains a nostalgic gem, reflective of a time before his notorious rivalry with Drake.
7 Beauty Behind the Madness (2015)
A Departure from the Past, but Opens a Bright Future
The Weeknd’s second studio album exhibits marked improvement, beginning with the intimate track “Real Life”and continuing with the captivating collaboration “Losers”featuring Labrinth. This LP offers an experience with virtually no skips, introducing mainstream hits like “The Hills, ””Can’t Feel My Face, ”and “Earned It, ”the latter enhancing the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack.
While some listeners may find the shift toward mass appeal disconcerting, standout tracks such as “Tell Your Friends”demonstrate an impeccable balance between pop sensibilities and The Weeknd’s distinct artistry.
6 Starboy (2016)
An Album Worth Bragging About
At the zenith of his success, The Weeknd harnesses a broad spectrum of producers for Starboy, including industry giants like Diplo and Daft Punk. This eclecticism results in an album showcasing his expressive range and a captivating electronic sound.
Featuring collaborations with stars like Kendrick Lamar and Lana Del Rey, the album not only emphasizes The Weeknd’s confidence but also blends nostalgia with progressive elements, making it a standout in his discography.
5 Hurry Up Tomorrow (2025)
Feels Like a Swan Song, but a Beautiful One
As a potential closing chapter for The Weeknd persona, Hurry Up Tomorrow is his most ambitious project to date, blending synth-pop with explorations into new genres such as Brazilian funk and EDM. This willingness to innovate, even late in his career, demonstrates his artistic evolution.
Despite moments of sluggishness—nearly 90 minutes can be intimidating—the album’s consistency ultimately captivates the listener, showcasing a stunning closing act that feels monumental for devoted fans.
4 Echoes of Silence (2011)
A Pitch-Perfect End to Trilogy
The closing installment of the Trilogy, Echoes of Silence begins audaciously with a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Dirty Diana.”This bold move not only showcases The Weeknd’s capabilities but sets a darker tone for the project that resonates throughout.
It seamlessly ties together thematic elements from the previous mixtapes, offering a distinct sound that feels both fresh and familiar, enriching the overall narrative of the trilogy.
3 Dawn FM (2022)
A Worthy Sequel to After Hours
Dawn FM serves as a sequel to After Hours, further refining the synth-pop sound that characterized its predecessor while incorporating a more streamlined concept with an ’80s radio aesthetic. Despite its simpler narrative, the transitions between songs remain fluid.
Tracks like “How Do I Make You Love Me?”epitomize the ’80s dance-pop revival. The Weeknd’s meticulous attention to detail in capturing this sound makes Dawn FM essential listening for ’80s music aficionados.
2 House of Balloons (2011)
A Game-Changing Debut
While often labeled a mixtape, House of Balloons marked The Weeknd’s official music debut. The remastered track “Wicked Games”emerged as a significant single, paving the way for his ascent in the industry.
Reflecting the yearning for originality in a saturated market, The Weeknd’s sound was refreshing. Tracks like “High for This”and “The Morning”evoked a hunger and sensuality that continues to resonate, marking a compelling beginning for his illustrious career.
1 After Hours (2020)
The Weeknd at His Best
It’s argued that After Hours stands as The Weeknd’s most polished album to date, recounting themes from House of Balloons with a narrative arc in each track. The self-destructive saga of partying plays out against a backdrop of melancholic lyrics interwoven with nostalgic, synth-driven production.
Tracks like “Heartless”and “Scared to Live”exemplify this album’s cohesive storytelling, where each song transitions smoothly into the next. A holistic listening experience reveals After Hours to be not just an album but a carefully crafted narrative journey, solidifying The Weeknd’s place as a leading voice in contemporary music.
Source: W Magazine
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