The Weeknd Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)
Exploring the discography of The Weeknd is a journey through modern pop and R&B.
His evolution from mysterious mixtape artist to global superstar has produced a catalog that sparks endless debate among fans. Deciding on the best The Weeknd albums is a challenging task, with each record holding a special place for different listeners.
Here, we're taking a deep look at The Weeknd albums ranked, guided first by the passionate voices of his dedicated fanbase.
We'll explore which releases resonate most deeply within the community before looking at how they stack up based on current popularity data.
Ranking The Weeknd's albums: The fan favorites
Here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.
We're starting with the most beloved.
1. After Hours (2020)
Released in 2020, After Hours is the fourth studio album by The Weeknd. It marked a stylistic contrast to its predecessor, introducing new wave and dream pop influences into his sound.
The standard edition notably contains no guest appearances, focusing entirely on his singular vision. Thematically, the album explores heavy topics of loneliness, self-loathing, and escapism.
It was supported by massive singles like "Blinding Lights" and "Save Your Tears," debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. Critics praised its cohesion and production, with many calling it his best work.
Key tracks:
- Blinding Lights
- Save Your Tears
It's no surprise that After Hours tops the fan ranking. This album is widely seen as The Weeknd's magnum opus.
It masterfully blends the dark, cinematic atmosphere of his early work with the massive pop hooks he later perfected. For many, this record is the definitive Weeknd experience.
2. Starboy (2016)
The Weeknd's third studio album, Starboy, was released in 2016. It featured a star-studded lineup of guests, including Daft Punk, Lana Del Rey, and Kendrick Lamar.
The album was a commercial juggernaut, supported by number-one hits like the title track "Starboy" and "Die for You." It continued his move into the pop and R&B mainstream.
Starboy secured his second consecutive number-one album in the U.S. and won Best Urban Contemporary Album at the Grammy Awards, cementing his status as a global superstar.
Key tracks:
- Starboy
- Reminder
Holding the second spot, Starboy is the sound of The Weeknd embracing his pop icon status.
While some long-time fans missed the darker edges of his earlier mixtapes, this album's incredible run of hits and ambitious collaborations earned it a permanent place in the hearts of millions.
3. Dawn FM (2022)
The Weeknd's fifth studio album, Dawn FM, arrived in 2022. It functions as a concept album, framed as a psychedelic radio broadcast guiding listeners through a state of purgatory.
The record is heavily inspired by 1980s new wave, funk, and synth-pop. It features narration from Jim Carrey and guest spots from Tyler, the Creator and Lil Wayne.
As the second installment in a trilogy following After Hours, Dawn FM received widespread critical acclaim for its tight production, catchy melodies, and conceptual depth.
Key tracks:
- Is There Someone Else?
- Out of Time
Fans who appreciate a cohesive, front-to-back listening experience often rank Dawn FM very highly.
Its commitment to its radio concept and seamless transitions make it feel less like a collection of songs and more like a singular, immersive piece of art.
4. Beauty Behind The Madness (2015)
Released in 2015, Beauty Behind The Madness was The Weeknd's second studio album and his true breakthrough into global pop consciousness.
It delivered two massive number-one singles, "The Hills" and "Can't Feel My Face," which showcased his ability to craft irresistible pop while retaining his dark R&B edge.
The album gave The Weeknd his first number-one debut on the Billboard 200. It went on to win a Grammy for Best Urban Contemporary Album and was nominated for Album of the Year.
Key tracks:
- The Hills
- Can't Feel My Face
This is the album that made The Weeknd a household name. For many, it was their introduction to his music.
While some dedicated fans argue it's less cohesive than his other projects, its collection of undeniable hits makes it a crucial and beloved chapter in his career.
5. Kiss Land (2013)
Kiss Land is the official debut studio album by The Weeknd, released in 2013. It followed his critically acclaimed trilogy of mixtapes.
The album's production was primarily handled by DannyBoyStyles, DaHeala, and The Weeknd himself. It expands on the dark, atmospheric R&B of his earlier work with a cinematic and often unsettling tone.
Though it debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, its initial reception was more muted than his later work. Over time, it has developed a strong cult following.
Key tracks:
- Odd Look
- Kiss Land
Kiss Land is the definition of a cult classic. It may not have had the chart-topping singles of his later albums, but its unfiltered vision resonates deeply with a dedicated segment of the fanbase.
Fans of this record love it for its immersive, horror-inspired atmosphere and unapologetically dark themes, viewing it as his most ambitious and personal project.
6. Hurry Up Tomorrow (2025)
Hurry Up Tomorrow serves as the sixth studio album by Abel Tesfaye and the final release under his moniker, The Weeknd. It was released in early 2025.
This album concludes the trilogy that began with After Hours and Dawn FM. It features a wide range of collaborators, including Justice, Travis Scott, and Lana Del Rey.
Primarily a synth-pop and R&B record, it also explores genres like Brazilian funk and hip-hop. Critics praised it as a powerful and fitting finale to The Weeknd's persona.
Key tracks:
- Timeless (feat Playboi Carti)
- São Paulo (feat. Anitta)
As the final chapter under The Weeknd name, Hurry Up Tomorrow carries immense weight. Its position in the fan ranking is still evolving.
Listeners appreciate its ambitious scope and its role in closing a significant era of music. It stands as a testament to his artistic journey and his willingness to bring a story to a definitive close.
Picked your top The Weeknd classic? Check out The Weeknd's discography on their Roll The Record Artist hub.
The Weeknd albums: A look at popularity data
While fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle.
This looks at an artist's discography through a different lens.
Below is a ranking of The Weeknd's albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.
| Popularity Rank | Album Title | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hurry Up Tomorrow | 2025 |
| 2 | Starboy | 2016 |
| 3 | Beauty Behind The Madness | 2015 |
| 4 | Dawn FM | 2022 |
| 5 | After Hours | 2020 |
| 6 | Kiss Land | 2013 |
Quick FAQs about The Weeknd's albums
Q: What inspired the title and aesthetic of After Hours?
A: The album's title was borrowed from the 1985 Martin Scorsese film of the same name. Its distinct aesthetic was inspired by movies like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Joker.
Q: Are there any guest features on After Hours?
A: The standard edition of the album features no guest artists. However, deluxe and remix editions include appearances from artists such as Ariana Grande, Chromatics, and Lil Uzi Vert.
So there you have it – a look at The Weeknd's albums ranked.
We've seen how the passionate insights of fans compare with current popularity trends. It's clear that certain albums, like After Hours, hold a special place for their artistic depth, while others, like Starboy, are celebrated for their massive cultural impact.
Ultimately, the "best" The Weeknd album often comes down to personal connection. The moments those songs soundtrack in our lives are what truly matter.
What does your personal ranking of The Weeknd's albums look like?