The Weeknd shows off his versatility in “The Beauty Behind The Madness.”
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TOP 5 SONGS
5. Often
The Weeknd turned his demon up several notches in “Often.” Despite being handed a soothing backdrop and sounding as gentle and laidback as he’s ever sounded, in this track, he talks about getting nasty with several women at the same time, indulging in cocaine, and getting vaginas to pop more than an overused toaster. Whether you agree with his brashness or not, you cannot deny that he delivered a chorus that is so f**king addictive and vocals that are very beautiful.
4. In The Night
In all seriousness, how is this song not made by Michael Jackson? The production gives off major “Leave Me Alone” vibes, while The Weeknd’s vocals and cadences sound eerily identical to Michael’s—especially in the verses. Even the storytelling, centering around a woman chasing luxury and thrills, feels like something MJ would have crafted. More than anything, I find myself more impressed by this track than actually enjoying it.
3. Earned It (Fifty Shades Of Grey)
“Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)” is the definition of an addictive song. The dramatic production instantly pulls you in, while The Weeknd’s hypnotic repetition and gentle delivery make it impossible to escape. What truly stands out is how this entire setup mirrors the song’s central theme—being so deeply in love that the person becomes an all-consuming obsession, worthy of devotion and reward.
2. The Hills
“The Hills” is bizarre. It’s weird. It’s unsettling. On this track, The Weeknd sounds drunk, belligerent, and in denial—completely consumed by misery. But let’s be real, isn’t that when some of the best music is made?
The song’s production is downright terrorizing, with eerie, cinematic elements that create an atmosphere of chaos and paranoia. Meanwhile, The Weeknd’s haunting vocals cut through the darkness, perfectly embodying the song’s raw, unfiltered emotion. I’ve never felt so entertained by bedlam.
1. Can’t Feel My Face
This track channels old-school Michael Jackson vibes, instantly energizing every venue where it’s performed. It has a timeless quality that ensures it will be appreciated for years to come.
Beyond its infectious energy, what truly makes “Can’t Feel My Face” great is The Weeknd’s intricate storytelling. Instead of a simple “You’re amazing, and I appreciate you,” he delivers something far more poetic and evocative: “Just like drugs, I can’t feel my face when I’m around you.” Now that’s romance, Weeknd-style!
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
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RGM RATING
(A-) (91%)
How good is The Weeknd? (Rhetorical question, obviously.)
We’ve always known The Weeknd could win a Michael Jackson impersonation contest in his sleep—but what we might not have expected was his ability to dominate the commercial pop scene without losing the dark, twisted edge that made him who he is. That’s exactly what he pulled off with Beauty Behind The Madness.
Listening to this album, I went through a whole journey. I danced a little, got pulled in by some powerful duets, believed for a second that The Weeknd might be a bit of a gangsta, and vibed out to some futuristic R&B/pop anthems. It’s moody. It’s catchy. It’s everything at once.
Now, I’m not sure how hardcore Weeknd fans feel about him exploring this more mainstream, polished lane—but as someone who considers themselves a neutral fan? I loved it. He didn’t lose his soul—he just painted it in neon.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
