The Weeknd Albums in Order: Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known professionally as The Weeknd, has redefined modern music with his unique blend of alternative R&B, pop, and electronic sounds. From his mysterious beginnings with lo-fi mixtapes to his chart-topping, Grammy-winning albums, The Weeknd’s discography is a journey through evolving sounds and cultural impact. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his music, exploring The Weeknd albums in order offers insight into his artistic growth and influence. Keep reading to discover The Weeknd albums in order with release dates, key tracks, and more!
Who Is The Weeknd? A Brief Overview
Born February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada, Abel Tesfaye, aka The Weeknd, rose to fame in 2009 by anonymously releasing music on YouTube. His early work, characterized by dark, atmospheric R&B, gained attention after endorsements from artists like Drake. In 2011, he co-founded the XO label and released three iconic mixtapes that shaped his music career. Transitioning to mainstream success, The Weeknd has sold over 75 million records, earning four Grammy Awards, 20 Billboard Music Awards, and seven diamond-certified singles. His discography reflects a dynamic evolution, blending genres and pushing creative boundaries.
All The Weeknd Albums Available on: Apple Music
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The Weeknd Albums in Order: From Mixtapes to Mainstream
Below is a chronological list of The Weeknd albums in order, including his pivotal mixtapes and studio albums, with labels, and highlights. Note that while his 2011 mixtapes are not studio albums, they are included due to their significance in his discography.
1. Kiss Land (2013)
- Label: XO, Republic Records
- Description: The Weeknd’s debut studio album, Kiss Land, explores themes of fame and alienation with a dark wave and R&B fusion. Debuting at number two on the Billboard 200, it marked his transition to mainstream production while retaining his moody aesthetic.
- Key Tracks: “Kiss Land,” “Professional,” “Love in the Sky”
- Significance: Showed his ability to scale his sound for a broader audience, though it received mixed reviews for its experimental edge.
2. Beauty Behind the Madness (2015)
- Label: XO, Republic Records
- Description: This album marked The Weeknd’s shift to pop-oriented R&B, achieving massive commercial success. Debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 with 412,000 units, it featured polished production and broader appeal. It won Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 2016 Grammys.
- Key Tracks: “Can’t Feel My Face,” “The Hills,” “Earned It”
- Significance: Propelled The Weeknd to global stardom with two Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles.
3. Starboy (2016)
- Label: XO, Republic Records
- Description: Starboy embraced a pop-trap fusion, collaborating with artists like Daft Punk. Debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 with 348,000 units, it showcased a more vibrant sound. The title track and “Die for You” became chart-topping hits.
- Key Tracks: “Starboy,” “I Feel It Coming,” “Die for You”
- Significance: Won Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 2018 Grammys, solidifying his pop icon status.
4. After Hours (2020)
- Label: XO, Republic Records
- Description: The first of a trilogy, After Hours blends new wave, dream pop, and R&B. Debuting at number one with 444,000 units, it became the most-streamed R&B album ever. “Blinding Lights” became Billboard’s longest-charting song.
- Key Tracks: “Blinding Lights,” “Heartless,” “Save Your Tears”
- Significance: Redefined his sound, earning critical acclaim and multiple chart records.
5. Dawn FM (2022)
- Label: XO, Republic Records
- Description: The second trilogy installment, Dawn FM explores dance-pop and synth-pop with a conceptual radio station narrative. Debuting at number two on the Billboard 200, it featured collaborations with artists like Quincy Jones.
- Key Tracks: “Take My Breath,” “Sacrifice,” “Out of Time”
- Significance: Showcased experimental ambition and continued his trilogy narrative.
6. Hurry Up Tomorrow (2025)
- Label: XO, Republic Records
- Description: The final trilogy installment, Hurry Up Tomorrow delves into psychological themes with a cinematic sound. It yielded the US top-five single “Timeless” but was overshadowed by a critically panned companion film.
- Key Tracks: “Timeless,” “São Paulo,” “Cry for Me”
- Significance: Marked the end of his trilogy and sparked discussions about his future under a new moniker.
How many albums does The Weeknd Have?
The discography of Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd consists of six studio albums, one soundtrack album, one live album, three compilation albums (including two greatest hits albums), three mixtapes, nine extended plays, 81 single releases (including 21 as a featured artist) and seven promotional singles (including two as a featured artist).
All The Weeknd Albums in Order of Release Date
Studio albums:
1. Kiss Land — September 10, 2013
2. Beauty Behind the Madness — August 28, 2015
3. Starboy — November 25, 2016
4. After Hours — March 20, 2020
5. Dawn FM — January 7, 2022
6. Hurry Up Tomorrow — January 31, 2025
Soundtrack albums:
1. Hurry Up Tomorrow (Original Motion Picture Score) — July 11, 2025
Live albums:
1. Live at SoFi Stadium — March 3, 2023
Mixtapes:
1. House of Balloons — March 21, 2011
2. Thursday — August 18, 2011
3. Echoes of Silence — December 21, 2011
Compilation albums:
1. Trilogy — November 8, 2012
2. The Weeknd in Japan — November 21, 2018
3. The Highlights — February 5, 2021
Extended plays:
1. My Dear Melancholy — March 30, 2018
2. After Hours (Remixes) — April 3, 2020
3. The Dawn FM Experience — February 26, 2022
4. The Idol, Vol. 1 — June 9 – July 3, 2023
How The Weeknd’s Sound Evolved Over Time
The Weeknd’s discography traces a remarkable evolution. His early mixtapes (House of Balloons, Thursday, Echoes of Silence) pioneered alternative R&B with dark, lo-fi production. Kiss Land retained this mood but introduced polished elements. With Beauty Behind the Madness and Starboy, he embraced pop and trap, achieving mainstream success. My Dear Melancholy revisited his roots, while After Hours and Dawn FM explored new wave, dream pop, and dance-pop. Hurry Up Tomorrow blends cinematic and psychological elements, reflecting his versatility. This evolution showcases his ability to innovate within the The Weeknd music career.
The Cultural Impact of The Weeknd’s Discography
The Weeknd’s albums have reshaped R&B and pop, blending genres and influencing artists worldwide. His four Grammy Awards, 27 songs with over 1 billion Spotify streams, and record-breaking chart achievements underscore his dominance. From the underground mystique of his mixtapes to global hits like “Blinding Lights,” his discography reflects a cultural shift toward genre fluidity. His activism, including donations to racial equality and food security causes, amplifies his impact. Which album resonates with you? Share your favorite in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions About The Weeknd’s Albums
What is The Weeknd’s first album?
The Weeknd’s first studio album is Kiss Land (2013), but his debut mixtape, House of Balloons (2011), is often considered his first major release.
How many albums does The Weeknd have?
As of 2025, The Weeknd has six studio albums: Kiss Land, Beauty Behind the Madness, Starboy, After Hours, Dawn FM, and Hurry Up Tomorrow, plus one EP (My Dear Melancholy) and three mixtapes.
What is The Weeknd’s most popular album?
After Hours (2020) is his most popular, driven by “Blinding Lights,” the most-streamed song on Spotify and Billboard’s longest-charting hit.
Are The Weeknd’s mixtapes considered albums?
While not studio albums, House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence are often included in his discography due to their impact and reissue in Trilogy (2012).
Conclusion:
Exploring The Weeknd albums in order reveals a transformative journey from underground R&B innovator to global pop icon. His discography, spanning mixtapes like House of Balloons to cinematic works like Hurry Up Tomorrow, showcases his genre-blending artistry. Stream his albums on Spotify or Apple Music to experience his evolution, and share your favorite track below! Stay tuned for updates on new releases to keep your The Weeknd album list fresh.
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