The Weeknd, Blinding Lights | Track Review 🎵

Grammy-winning R&B superstar The Weeknd shines once again on “Blinding Lights,” his second single of 2019.

Following a quiet 2019, the Canadian R&B superstar The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) dropped a ripe single “Heartless”. “Heartless” is expected to appear on his forthcoming studio album, the much-anticipated follow-up to his Grammy-winning, multiplatinum, 2016 LP, Starboy (2016).  Just a couple of days after releasing “Heartless,” fans are treated to Tesfaye’s second single of 2019, “Blinding Lights.”

“Blinding Lights” commences enigmatically with a minor key (it eventually settles into major) and moody synths.  This is before the groove settles in, one of the biggest selling points of The Weeknd’s second single of 2019. “Blinding Lights,” interestingly, has some stylistic similarities to “False Alarm” from Starboy. The groove, in particular, sounds quite similar. Regardless of similarities and familiarity, there’s plenty to heart about this single, staring with its pop/pop-rock vibe that totally contrasts the swagger-laden “Heartless” that precedes it.  Tesfaye trades producers Metro Boomin and Illangelo for Max Martin and Oscar Holter (he co-produces as well).

Some other notes regarding “Blinding Lights.” First and foremost, the record features beautiful vocals by The Weeknd – the expectation of course.  The form is pretty straightforward, featuring standard sections – verse(s), pre-chorus, chorus, and a contrasting bridge.  The centerpiece should come as no surprise – the chorus:

“I said, ooh, I’m blinded by the lights
No, I can’t sleep until I feel your touch
I said, ooh, I’m drowning in the night
Oh, when I’m like this, you’re the one I trust
Hey, hey hey.”

Thematically, the song is predictable, as The Weekend focuses on a topic that’s considered an ‘ace in the hole’ for him – love, relationships, sex, etc.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “Blinding Lights” is another winning offering from The Weekend.  The record shows the versatility of artist.  In one setting, he’s able to deliver a hard hitting, totally heartless banger (“Heartless”).  In another setting, he eschews profanity (shocking) and drops a sick, commercial, pop record. Safe to say, Abel Tesfaye is a ‘starboy’ indeed.

The Weeknd • Blinding Lights [Single] • Republic • Release: 11.29.19

Photo Credit: Republic