#442 of 500
· Rolling Stone
“The Weeknd at #442 with Beauty Behind the Madness (2015). The back half of the RS500 is where the interesting debates live. This is soul/r&b that doesn't just hold up — it still sounds essential. The original pressing belongs in any serious collection.”
The Weeknd (Abel Makkonen Tesfaye) emerged from Toronto's underground R&B scene in 2010, initially releasing music anonymously through YouTube before signing with Republic Records. His debut studio album "Trilogy" (2012) established him as a distinctive voice in contemporary R&B, blending dark production with vulnerable vocals. "Kiss Land" (2013) and "Beauty Behind the Madness" (2015) solidified his mainstream presence, while "Starboy" (2016) became a commercial juggernaut. His later albums "After Hours" (2020) and "Dawn FM" (2022) showcased continued evolution, incorporating synth-pop and house influences while maintaining his signature moody aesthetic.
Style
The Weeknd's style blends R&B, alternative hip-hop, and electronic music with a distinctly dark, atmospheric production sensibility. His music features falsetto vocals, minimalist beats, and introspective lyrics exploring themes of excess, heartbreak, and existential struggle.
Significance
While primarily a digital-era artist, The Weeknd's albums have been pressed to vinyl by collectors seeking high-quality physical editions of contemporary pop-R&B masterpieces. His influence on modern R&B production and his commercial success represent a landmark in 21st-century music history.
Own this record? Track it in your collection.