• Starboy (2016) – Commercial success: Debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 1 million copies in the U.S. alone. The title track, “Starboy,” featuring Daft Punk, was a massive hit globally.  Awards: Won the Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album.  Impact: Starboy marked a shift to a more mainstream pop sound while still maintaining The Weeknd’s signature dark themes.
• Beauty Behind the Madness (2015) – Commercial success: This album brought The Weeknd into global superstardom, featuring hits like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills.” It topped charts worldwide and was certified multi-platinum.  Awards: Won the Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album, and the song “Earned It” was nominated for an Academy Award.  Impact: It was a commercial juggernaut and solidified his crossover from alternative R&B to mainstream pop.
• After Hours (2020) – Commercial success: Debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and the single “Blinding Lights” became one of the biggest hits of the 21st century, breaking records for most weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.  Impact: “Blinding Lights” became a defining song of the 2020s, cementing his global superstardom. The album was praised for its 1980s synth-pop influence and unique blend of pop and R&B.
• Dawn FM (2022) – Commercial success: Peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, featuring tracks like “Take My Breath” and “Sacrifice.” While it didn’t reach the same sales heights as “After Hours,” it still made a huge impact.  Impact: A concept album that explores themes of mortality, “Dawn FM” was praised for its ambitious production and thematic depth, drawing listeners into a “radio station for the afterlife” experience.
• Trilogy (2012) (Compilation of Mixtapes: House of Balloons, Thursday, Echoes of Silence)  Commercial success: Though a compilation, it has been highly influential and sold well, going platinum in the U.S. It consists of remastered versions of The Weeknd’s earlier mixtapes, which laid the foundation for his later success.  Impact: This project introduced The Weeknd’s moody, atmospheric R&B sound to a wider audience and is still revered by fans and critics for its raw emotion and innovation.

1. Starboy (2016)

In 2016, The Weeknd released his third studio album, Starboy, which marked a significant milestone in his career. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and solidified The Weeknd’s status as a global music icon. With its blend of R&B, pop, and electronic influences, Starboy showcased The Weeknd’s signature sound, characterized by moody lyrics and catchy hooks.

The title track, featuring Daft Punk, quickly became a commercial success, topping charts worldwide. This collaboration highlighted The Weeknd’s ability to merge his unique style with mainstream appeal. Throughout the album, themes of fame, love, and personal struggles are explored, reflecting his journey in the music industry. Critics praised Starboy for its production quality and lyrical depth, contributing to its commercial success. The album not only won a Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album but also produced multiple hit singles, further enhancing The Weeknd’s reputation as a leading artist in contemporary music. With Starboy, The Weeknd delivered a powerful statement that resonated with fans and critics alike.

2. Beauty Behind the Madness (2015)

In 2015, The Weeknd released his highly anticipated album, Beauty Behind the Madness, which marked a pivotal moment in his music career. This album showcased a unique blend of R&B, pop, and electronic sounds, solidifying his place in the mainstream music scene. With hit singles like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills,” The Weeknd achieved commercial success and widespread acclaim. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and received multiple platinum certifications, reflecting its popularity.

Beauty Behind the Madness explores themes of love, fame, and inner turmoil, allowing listeners to connect with The Weeknd’s emotional and lyrical depth. Critics praised the album for its polished production and The Weeknd’s distinctive vocal style, which combined smooth melodies with darker lyrical content. The album not only established The Weeknd as a leading artist but also set the stage for his future projects. Overall, Beauty Behind the Madness remains a significant work that captures the complexity of modern relationships and the struggles of fame.

3. After Hours (2020)

In 2020, The Weeknd released his fourth studio album, After Hours, which marked a new chapter in his artistic journey. This album is characterized by its dark, atmospheric sound, blending elements of R&B, pop, and synthwave. With hits like “Blinding Lights” and “Heartless,” After Hours achieved immense commercial success, topping charts around the world and becoming one of the most streamed albums of the year.

The Weeknd’s lyrical themes delve into love, heartbreak, and the struggles of fame, presenting a raw and introspective look at his life. Critics praised the album for its cohesive narrative and innovative production, highlighting The Weeknd’s ability to merge catchy melodies with profound emotional depth. After Hours also received numerous accolades, including Grammy nominations, further establishing The Weeknd as a leading figure in contemporary music. Overall, this album not only showcases The Weeknd’s evolution as an artist but also resonates with fans who appreciate his unique sound and relatable lyrics.

4. Dawn FM (2022)

In 2022, The Weeknd released his fifth studio album, Dawn FM, a project that takes listeners on a journey through themes of life, death, and redemption. This album features a unique concept, framing itself as a radio station broadcasted from purgatory, where listeners are invited to reflect on their experiences. With its blend of synth-pop, R&B, and electronic elements, Dawn FM showcases The Weeknd’s signature sound while pushing musical boundaries.

Tracks like “Take My Breath” and “Sacrifice” highlight his ability to create infectious melodies that resonate with a wide audience. The album’s production is polished, incorporating elements of the 1980s, which adds a nostalgic touch. Critics praised Dawn FM for its thematic depth and cohesive narrative, further establishing The Weeknd as a leading artist in contemporary music. The album not only received commercial success but also sparked conversations about the complexities of existence. Overall, Dawn FM is a thought-provoking work that continues to showcase The Weeknd’s evolution as an artist and his ability to connect with listeners on a profound level.

5. Trilogy (2012)

In 2012, The Weeknd released Trilogy, a compilation album that brought together his first three mixtapes: House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence. This collection marked a significant moment in The Weeknd’s career, introducing his unique blend of R&B, electronic, and alternative music to a wider audience. Each mixtape showcases The Weeknd’s signature sound, characterized by moody beats, haunting melodies, and introspective lyrics that delve into themes of love, loss, and the darker sides of relationships.

Trilogy was met with critical acclaim, praised for its innovative production and emotional depth. The album highlights The Weeknd’s ability to convey raw feelings and experiences through his music, establishing him as a key player in the music industry. The release of Trilogy not only helped The Weeknd gain mainstream recognition but also solidified his influence on contemporary R&B. This compilation serves as a crucial foundation for his later works, showcasing his evolution as an artist and the complexity of modern love and life. Overall, Trilogy remains a pivotal project that defines The Weeknd’s early career and artistic vision.