| "After Hours" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by the Weeknd | ||||
| from the album After Hours | ||||
| Released |
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| Recorded | 2019 | |||
| Studio |
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| Genre | ||||
| Length | 6:01 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriters | ||||
| Producers |
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| The Weeknd singles chronology | ||||
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| Audio | ||||
| "After Hours" on YouTube | ||||
"After Hours" is the title track by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd, from his fourth studio album of the same name. The penultimate track, it was originally released as a promotional single from the album on February 19, 2020 before being sent to US rhythmic radio through XO and Republic Records as its third single six days later. The Weeknd wrote and produced the song with Illangelo, DaHeala, and Mario Winans, with Belly receiving additional writing credits.
On February 13, 2020, the Weeknd announced the title of the parent album of the same name as After Hours,[1] following the release of the commercially successful singles "Heartless" and "Blinding Lights". Five days later on February 18, he announced the release date of the promotional single "After Hours" and then revealed the cover art of its parent album.[2] Upon the release of "After Hours" on February 19, 2020, the release date of its parent album was also revealed.[3]
As of August 2025, the audio of the song on YouTube has over 255 million views.
"After Hours" is a "dark, swirling" and "ominous" electro and house composition.[4] According to Sheldon Pearce of Pitchfork, the track "opens with his old signature style - falsetto, echoes, and recurrent tones - until suddenly it erupts into dance production".[5]
The lyrics of the song discuss the Weeknd's regret of ending a relationship with a former lover, and his desire for them to reconcile and to have children.[6] The song proceeds to hear Weeknd taking responsibility for the relationship's demise, promising that if his former lover were to return to him, he would not disappoint her again.[7]
Critics compared its sound to the Weeknd's early Trilogy material.[8][9] Fan reaction was also favorable.[8] In a weekly round up review, the staff from the music news website BrooklynVegan, described the song as being a "four-on-the-floor banger."[10] Shaad D'Souza of The FADER placed the song on his list of "The 20 best pop songs right now", stating "Abel Tesfaye takes a dip into Trilogy territory with this dank and depressive sex fantasy. I love it!"[11]
"After Hours" entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 77 on the issue dated February 29, 2020, after two days of tracking.[12] The following week it climbed 57 spots up to number 20 on the chart.[13]
On the Rolling Stone Top 100 Songs chart, the song debuted at number 43 on the week ending on February 20, 2020.[14] It later rose to number five on the chart, the following week, on the tracking period ending on February 27, 2020.
In the singer's native country of Canada, "After Hours" reached number 14 on the Canadian Hot 100. In the United Kingdom, the song reached number 20, becoming the Weeknd's 19th top 40 hit in the nation.[15]
Credits adapted from Tidal.[16]
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[51] | 2× Platinum | 140,000‡ |
| Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[52] | 2× Platinum | 80,000‡ |
| Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[53] | Gold | 45,000‡ |
| France (SNEP)[54] | Platinum | 200,000‡ |
| Italy (FIMI)[55] | Platinum | 100,000‡ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[56] | Platinum | 30,000‡ |
| Norway (IFPI Norway)[57] | Gold | 30,000‡ |
| Poland (ZPAV)[58] | Platinum | 50,000‡ |
| Portugal (AFP)[59] | Platinum | 10,000‡ |
| Spain (PROMUSICAE)[60] | Gold | 30,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[61] | Platinum | 600,000‡ |
| United States (RIAA)[62] | Platinum | 1,000,000‡ |
| Streaming | ||
| Greece (IFPI Greece)[63] | 3× Platinum | 6,000,000† |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
| Region | Date | Format | Label(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | February 19, 2020 | [64] | ||
| United States | February 25, 2020 | Rhythmic radio | [65] |
