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The Highlights
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| The Highlights | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Greatest hits album by | ||||
| Released | February 5, 2021 | |||
| Recorded | 2010–2020 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 77:55 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Producer |
| |||
| The Weeknd chronology | ||||
| ||||
The Highlights is the second greatest hits album, and first one released globally, by Canadian singer and songwriter the Weeknd.[4] It was released on February 5, 2021,[5] and follows the release of his fourth studio album After Hours (2020) and his first greatest hits album The Weeknd in Japan (2018).[6][7] It was released in anticipation of his performance at the Super Bowl LV halftime show.[8][9]
The track list is composed of songs from his three Billboard 200 number one studio albums: Beauty Behind the Madness (2015), Starboy (2016), and After Hours (2020), his debut mixtape House of Balloons (2011), his EP My Dear Melancholy (2018), and his two co-lead collaborations "Love Me Harder" and "Pray for Me", with Ariana Grande and Kendrick Lamar respectively, from the albums My Everything (2014) and Black Panther: The Album (2018).[10]
A deluxe version of The Highlights was released on February 9, 2024, featuring a reworked tracklist and more songs from the Weeknd's aforementioned projects, his studio album Dawn FM (2022), the soundtrack to his television series The Idol (2023), and his promotional single "King of the Fall" (2014).[11]
Artwork
[edit]The album's cover continues the usage of the red suit that the Weeknd donned throughout the promotional material for his fourth studio album After Hours (2020).[12] The particular suit worn in the cover art is the same one that he wore for the Super Bowl LV halftime show and in the music video for the song "Save Your Tears", which served as the fourth single from the aforementioned album.[13]
Critical reception
[edit]| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [14] |
Andy Kellman of AllMusic praised the collection, stating, "The Highlights is a well-selected point of entry. That it rarely dips into album cuts and doesn't include all of the major singles speaks to the depth of the catalog."[14]
Commercial performance
[edit]The Highlights debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 with 89,000 album-equivalent units, including 10,000 pure album sales. It is the Weeknd's highest charting compilation album, and marks the biggest first week debut for a greatest hits set since Blake Shelton's Fully Loaded: God's Country (2019), which peaked at number two on the chart dated December 28, 2019.[15] The compilation album has managed to spend more than 130 weeks on the chart.[16] The Highlights was the twenty-first best-selling album of 2021 according to Hits, stating the album has moved a total of 1,004,000 album-equivalent units by the end of 2021, including 74,000 pure album sales, 226,000 song sales, 1,1 billion audio-on-demand streams, and 160 million video-on-demand streams.[17] In the next year, The Highlights was the sixth best-selling album of the year, moved a total of 1,600,000 album-equivalent units by the end of 2022, including 51,000 pure album sales, 205,000 song sales, 2 billion audio-on-demand streams, and 198 million video-on-demand streams.[18] Though it didn't top the UK Albums Chart, The Highlights was also the biggest selling album of 2023 in the UK, with sales of over 391,000.[19]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Save Your Tears" (from After Hours, 2020) |
| 3:35 | |
| 2. | "Blinding Lights" (from After Hours, 2020) |
|
| 3:23 |
| 3. | "In Your Eyes" (from After Hours, 2020) |
|
| 3:57 |
| 4. | "Can't Feel My Face" (from Beauty Behind the Madness, 2015) |
|
| 3:33 |
| 5. | "I Feel It Coming" (featuring Daft Punk; from Starboy, 2016) |
| 4:29 | |
| 6. | "Starboy" (featuring Daft Punk; from Starboy, 2016) |
| 3:50 | |
| 7. | "Pray for Me" (with Kendrick Lamar; from Black Panther, 2018) |
|
| 3:31 |
| 8. | "Heartless" (from After Hours, 2020) |
| 3:21 | |
| 9. | "Often" (from Beauty Behind the Madness, 2015) |
|
| 4:09 |
| 10. | "The Hills" (from Beauty Behind the Madness, 2015) |
|
| 4:02 |
| 11. | "Call Out My Name" (from My Dear Melancholy, 2018) |
| Dukes | 3:48 |
| 12. | "Die for You" (from Starboy, 2016) |
|
| 4:20 |
| 13. | "Earned It" (from Fifty Shades of Grey, 2014 and Beauty Behind the Madness, 2015) |
|
| 4:37 |
| 14. | "Love Me Harder" (with Ariana Grande; from My Everything, 2014) |
|
| 3:56 |
| 15. | "Acquainted" (from Beauty Behind the Madness, 2015) |
|
| 5:48 |
| 16. | "Wicked Games" (from House of Balloons, 2011) |
|
| 5:25 |
| 17. | "The Morning" (from House of Balloons, 2011) |
|
| 5:15 |
| 18. | "After Hours" (from After Hours, 2020) |
|
| 6:01 |
| Total length: | 77:55 | |||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Die for You" (from Starboy, 2016) |
| 4:20 | |
| 2. | "Starboy" (featuring Daft Punk; from Starboy, 2016) |
| 3:50 | |
| 3. | "Save Your Tears" (from After Hours, 2020) |
|
| 3:35 |
| 4. | "Blinding Lights" (from After Hours, 2020) |
|
| 3:23 |
| 5. | "In Your Eyes" (from After Hours, 2020) |
|
| 3:57 |
| 6. | "Wicked Games" (from House of Balloons, 2011) |
|
| 5:25 |
| 7. | "Can't Feel My Face" (from Beauty Behind the Madness, 2015) |
|
| 3:33 |
| 8. | "I Feel It Coming" (featuring Daft Punk; from Starboy, 2016) |
| 4:29 | |
| 9. | "Pray for Me" (with Kendrick Lamar; from Black Panther, 2018) |
|
| 3:31 |
| 10. | "Heartless" (from After Hours, 2020) |
|
| 3:21 |
| 11. | "The Hills" (from Beauty Behind the Madness, 2015) |
|
| 4:02 |
| 12. | "The Morning" (from House of Balloons, 2011) |
|
| 5:15 |
| 13. | "Call Out My Name" (from My Dear Melancholy, 2018) |
| Dukes | 3:48 |
| 14. | "Often" (from Beauty Behind the Madness, 2015) |
|
| 4:09 |
| 15. | "Love Me Harder" (with Ariana Grande; from My Everything, 2014) |
|
| 3:56 |
| 16. | "Earned It" (from Fifty Shades of Grey, 2014 and Beauty Behind the Madness, 2015) |
|
| 4:37 |
| 17. | "Acquainted" (from Beauty Behind the Madness, 2015) |
|
| 5:48 |
| 18. | "After Hours" (from After Hours, 2020) |
|
| 6:01 |
| 19. | "One of the Girls" (with Jennie and Lily-Rose Depp; from The Idol Episode 4, 2023) |
| 4:04 | |
| 20. | "Popular" (with Madonna featuring Playboi Carti; 2023) |
|
| 3:35 |
| 21. | "I Was Never There" (with Gesaffelstein; from My Dear Melancholy, 2018) |
|
| 4:01 |
| 22. | "House of Balloons / Glass Table Girls" (from House of Balloons, 2011) |
|
| 6:47 |
| 23. | "Less than Zero" (from Dawn FM, 2022) |
| 3:31 | |
| 24. | "Is There Someone Else?" (from Dawn FM, 2022) |
| 3:19 | |
| 25. | "Party Monster" (from Starboy, 2016) |
|
| 4:09 |
| 26. | "Stargirl Interlude" (featuring Lana Del Rey; from Starboy, 2016) |
|
| 1:51 |
| 27. | "Tell Your Friends" (from Beauty Behind the Madness, 2015) |
| 5:34 | |
| 28. | "Sacrifice" (from Dawn FM, 2022) |
|
| 3:08 |
| 29. | "Reminder" (from Starboy, 2016) |
|
| 3:38 |
| 30. | "In the Night" (from Beauty Behind the Madness, 2015) |
|
| 3:55 |
| 31. | "Wasted Times" (from My Dear Melancholy, 2018) |
| 3:40 | |
| 32. | "Take My Breath" (from Dawn FM, 2022) |
|
| 5:39 |
| 33. | "Moth to a Flame" (with Swedish House Mafia; from Paradise Again, 2022 and Dawn FM (Alternate World), 2022) |
|
| 3:54 |
| 34. | "Out of Time" (from Dawn FM, 2022) |
| 3:34 | |
| 35. | "King of the Fall" (2014) |
|
| 5:01 |
| 36. | "High for This" (from House of Balloons, 2011) |
|
| 4:07 |
| Total length: | 151:22 | |||
Notes
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[77] | 3× Platinum | 210,000‡ |
| Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[78] | 5× Diamond | 800,000‡ |
| Canada (Music Canada)[79] | 3× Platinum | 240,000‡ |
| France (SNEP)[80] | 3× Platinum | 300,000‡ |
| Italy (FIMI)[81] | Platinum | 50,000‡ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[82] | 7× Platinum | 105,000‡ |
| Poland (ZPAV)[83] | Gold | 10,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[84] | 5× Platinum | 1,500,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format | Label | Edition | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | February 5, 2021 | Standard | [85] | ||
| United Kingdom | Cassette | [86] | |||
| Japan | March 5, 2021 | CD | Universal Music Japan | [87] | |
| Various | November 19, 2021 | LP |
|
[88] | |
| February 9, 2024 |
|
|
Deluxe | [89] |
References
[edit]- ^ Aswad, Jem (March 30, 2018). "Music Review: The Weeknd's EP 'My Dear Melancholy,'". Variety. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
- ^ a b Reeves, Mosi (November 28, 2016). "Review: The Weeknd's 'Starboy'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
Kiss Land may have sounded like Trilogy redux, but at least it offered a thrilling reprise of Eighties underground darkwave
- ^ Glaysher, Scott (November 28, 2016). "The Weeknd Starboy Album Review". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on December 12, 2016. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
- ^ "The Weeknd Rolls Out Greatest Hits Album Ahead of Super Bowl Performance". Billboard. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
- ^ "The Weeknd Shop (1/25/2021)". Universal Music Group. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
- ^ Roth, Madeline (March 20, 2020). "The Weeknd's 'Brain-Melting' New Album After Hours Is Finally Here". MTV News. Archived from the original on March 21, 2020. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
- ^ "The Weeknd in Japan". CDJapan. Japan: Neowing. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
- ^ "The Weeknd's Super Bowl Halftime Performance: Everything We Know". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
- ^ "The Weeknd Releases Greatest Hits Album 'The Highlights' Ahead of Super Bowl Performance". January 26, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
- ^ "The Highlights Clean CD". The Weeknd Shop. January 25, 2021. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
- ^ "The Highlights (Deluxe)". Spotify. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Holmes, Charles (February 13, 2020). "The Weeknd and His Mustache Announce New Album". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on March 7, 2020. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
- ^ Gonzales, Erica (January 5, 2021). "The Weeknd and His Botox Prosthetics Will Give Me Nightmares to Last Through 2021". Harper's Bazaar. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
- ^ a b "The Weeknd > The Highlights > AllMusic Review". AllMusic.
- ^ Caulfield, Keith (February 14, 2021). "Morgan Wallen's 'Dangerous' No. 1 for Fifth Week on Billboard 200 While 'If I Know Me' Hits Top 10 for First Time". Billboard. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
- ^ a b "The Weeknd Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
- ^ "THE BIGGEST ALBUMS OF 2021". Hits. December 27, 2021. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
- ^ "THE BIGGEST ALBUMS OF 2022". Hits. November 30, 2022. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
- ^ "The Official Top 40 Biggest Albums of 2023". Official Charts. January 3, 2024.
- ^ "Los discos más vendidos de la semana". Diario de Cultura. CAPIF. Archived from the original on March 22, 2021. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
- ^ "Australiancharts.com – The Weeknd – The Highlights". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
- ^ "Austriancharts.at – The Weeknd – The Highlights" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – The Weeknd – The Highlights" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – The Weeknd – The Highlights" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
- ^ "The Weeknd Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
- ^ "Czech Albums – Top 100". ČNS IFPI. Note: On the chart page, select 06.Týden 2021 on the field besides the words "CZ – ALBUMS – TOP 100" to retrieve the correct chart. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
- ^ "Danishcharts.dk – The Weeknd – The Highlights". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
- ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – The Weeknd – The Highlights" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
- ^ "Lescharts.com – The Weeknd – The Highlights". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
- ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – The Weeknd – The Highlights" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
- ^ "Official Irish Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- ^ "Italiancharts.com – The Weeknd – The Highlights". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
- ^ "ザ・ハイライツ". Oricon. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
- ^ "2021 6-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. February 12, 2021. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
- ^ "Charts.nz – The Weeknd – The Highlights". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
- ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – The Weeknd – The Highlights". Hung Medien. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
- ^ "Oficjalna lista sprzedaży :: OLiS - Official Retail Sales Chart". OLiS. Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
- ^ "Portuguesecharts.com – The Weeknd – The Highlights". Hung Medien. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
- ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
- ^ "Slovak Albums – Top 100". ČNS IFPI. Retrieved April 8, 2022. Note: On the chart page, select SK - Albums - Top 100 under the left field and "202106" on the field besides the word "Zobrazit", and then click over the word to retrieve the correct chart data.
- ^ "Spanishcharts.com – The Weeknd – The Highlights". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
- ^ "Swisscharts.com – The Weeknd – The Highlights". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
- ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
- ^ "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
- ^ "The Weeknd Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
- ^ "ARIA Top 100 Albums for 2021". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
- ^ "Jaaroverzichten 2021". Ultratop. Retrieved January 5, 2022.
- ^ "Rapports annuels 2021". Ultratop. Retrieved January 5, 2022.
- ^ "Top Canadian Albums – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
- ^ "Top de l'année Top Albums 2021" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
- ^ Griffiths, George (January 9, 2022). "Ireland's official biggest albums of 2021". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 9, 2022.
- ^ "Top Selling Albums of 2021". Recorded Music NZ. Archived from the original on January 24, 2022. Retrieved January 24, 2022.
- ^ Griffiths, George (January 4, 2022). "The Official Top 40 biggest albums of 2021". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 4, 2022.
- ^ "Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
- ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
- ^ "ARIA Top 100 Albums Chart for 2022". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ "Top Canadian Albums – Year-End 2022". Billboard. Retrieved December 2, 2022.
- ^ "2022: La production musicale française toujours au top" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. January 6, 2023. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
- ^ "Top Selling Albums of 2022". Recorded Music NZ. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
- ^ "OLiS 2022 – roczne podsumowanie sprzedaży płyt na nośnikach fizycznych" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
- ^ "End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 2022". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ "Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2022". Billboard. Retrieved December 2, 2022.
- ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2022". Billboard. Retrieved January 22, 2023.
- ^ "ARIA Top 100 Albums Chart for 2023". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
- ^ "Top Canadian Albums – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
- ^ "2023: La dynamique de la production et de la consommation musicales en France" (in French). SNEP. January 8, 2024. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
- ^ "Classifica annuale 2023 (dal 30.12.2022 al 28.12.2023)" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
- ^ "Top Selling Albums of 2023". Recorded Music NZ. Archived from the original on December 21, 2023. Retrieved December 22, 2023.
- ^ "End of Year Albums Chart – 2023". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
- ^ "Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
- ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
- ^ "ARIA Top 100 Albums Chart for 2024". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved January 13, 2025.
- ^ "Top Canadian Albums – Year-End 2024". Billboard. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
- ^ "End of Year Albums Chart – 2024". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 13, 2025.
- ^ "Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2024". Billboard. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
- ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2024". Billboard. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
- ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2023 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
- ^ "Brazilian album certifications – The Weeknd – The Highlights" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
- ^ "Canadian album certifications – The Weeknd – The Highlights". Music Canada. Retrieved November 10, 2022.
- ^ "French album certifications – The Weeknd – The Highlights" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
- ^ "Italian album certifications – The Weeknd – The Highlights" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
- ^ "New Zealand album certifications – The Weeknd – The Highlights". Radioscope. Retrieved January 8, 2025. Type The Highlights in the "Search:" field.
- ^ "OLiS - oficjalna lista wyróżnień" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved March 8, 2023. Click "TYTUŁ" and enter The Highlights in the search box.
- ^ "British album certifications – Weeknd – The Highlights". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved October 11, 2025.
- ^ Smith, Sophie (January 26, 2021). "The Weeknd Announces New Hits Collection 'The Highlights'". uDiscoverMusic. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
- ^ "The Weeknd – The Highlights: Cassette". The Weeknd Shop UK. Archived from the original on October 1, 2021. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
- ^ "ザ・ハイライツ[CD] – ザ・ウィークエンド" (in Japanese). Universal Music Japan. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
- ^ "The Weeknd – The Highlights: Vinyl Shop". The Weeknd Shop. Archived from the original on October 1, 2021. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
- ^ "The Weeknd – The Highlights (Deluxe) [Spotify]". Spotify. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
External links
[edit]| Studio albums |
|
|---|---|
| Soundtrack albums | |
| Live albums |
|
| Compilation albums |
|
| Mixtapes |
|
| EPs |
|
| Tours |
|
| Shows |
|
| See also | |
| International | |
|---|---|
| Other | |
The Highlights
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
The Highlights is a greatest hits compilation album by Canadian singer and songwriter the Weeknd, released on February 5, 2021, through XO and Republic Records.[1][2] It compiles 18 of his most commercially successful singles and tracks from his mixtapes and studio albums, including House of Balloons (2011), Beauty Behind the Madness (2015), Starboy (2016), and After Hours (2020).[3] The album serves as his second greatest hits collection overall and the first with global distribution, following the Japan-exclusive The Weeknd in Japan: Greatest Hits (2018).[4]
Upon release, The Highlights debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 89,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, and topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, marking the Weeknd's seventh number-one album there.[5][6] Internationally, it reached number one in several countries, including Canada, and has since accumulated over 35 billion streams for the standard edition (and over 50 billion including the deluxe edition) on Spotify as of November 2025.[7][8] The compilation highlights the Weeknd's evolution from alternative R&B to mainstream pop, featuring collaborations with artists such as Daft Punk, Kendrick Lamar, and Ariana Grande.[9]
Key tracks include "Blinding Lights," which became the Weeknd's signature hit and the best-performing song in Hot 100 history by total chart points as of 2025, alongside "Save Your Tears," "Can't Feel My Face," and "Starboy."[10][11] A deluxe edition, released on February 9, 2024, expanded the tracklist to 36 songs, incorporating additional cuts from his discography and a rearranged sequence.[12] The album's artwork and packaging emphasize the Weeknd's iconic red suit aesthetic from the After Hours era, reinforcing his visual branding in music videos and live performances.[13]
Track Listing (Standard Edition)
- Save Your Tears
- Blinding Lights
- In Your Eyes
- Can't Feel My Face
- I Feel It Coming (feat. Daft Punk)
- Starboy (feat. Daft Punk)
- Pray for Me (with Kendrick Lamar)
- Heartless
- Often
- The Hills
- Call Out My Name
- Die for You
- Earned It
- Love Me Harder (with Ariana Grande)
- Acquainted
- Wicked Games
- The Morning
- After Hours [10][3]
Background
Compilation process
The compilation album The Highlights was released on February 5, 2021, by XO and Republic Records, as the Weeknd's second greatest hits collection and the first with global distribution, following the Japan-exclusive The Weeknd in Japan: Greatest Hits (2020). It was announced on January 27, 2021, ahead of the Weeknd's Super Bowl LV halftime show performance, to showcase his commercial hits and introduce his catalog to broader audiences.[15] The track selection focused on 18 of his most successful singles and fan favorites from mixtapes and studio albums, including House of Balloons (2011), Beauty Behind the Madness (2015), Starboy (2016), My Dear Melancholy, (2018), and After Hours (2020), along with collaborations such as "Love Me Harder" with Ariana Grande (2014) and "Pray for Me" with Kendrick Lamar (2018).[16] Curators, including the Weeknd and his label, prioritized chart-topping tracks like "Blinding Lights" and "Can't Feel My Face" to highlight his evolution from alternative R&B to mainstream pop, without any new recordings. A deluxe edition released on February 9, 2024, expanded the tracklist to 36 songs, adding cuts from Dawn FM (2022) and the The Idol soundtrack (2023), with a rearranged sequence.Production
The Highlights features no new studio recordings or production, compiling existing tracks produced across the Weeknd's career from 2010 to 2020. Individual tracks credit various producers, including the Weeknd, Max Martin, Oscar Holter, Illangelo, and Daft Punk for songs like "I Feel It Coming" and "Starboy."[17] Original sessions occurred at studios such as MXM Studios in Stockholm and The Village in Los Angeles, with engineering by figures like Serban Ghenea for mixing on later albums. The compilation's post-production involved sequencing for narrative flow—from upbeat pop to darker R&B— and mastering for consistency, handled by Republic Records. Later reissues, including the 2024 deluxe edition, incorporated remastering to enhance audio quality while preserving original mixes.[18]Packaging
Artwork
The album's cover artwork continues the aesthetic from The Weeknd's After Hours (2020) era, featuring him in an iconic red suit against a dark background. This design emphasizes his established visual branding seen in music videos and live performances.Formats
The Highlights was first issued as a digital download and streaming release on February 5, 2021, via XO and Republic Records, encompassing 18 tracks in both explicit and clean (edited) variants available on platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.[4] Physical formats followed shortly thereafter, with the standard CD edition released simultaneously in multiple regions, including the United States (catalog B0033490-02 for explicit, B0033491-02 for clean), Europe (catalog 00602435734439), Japan (catalog UICU-1327), and other markets like Australia, Mexico, and Taiwan under regional Universal Music Group subsidiaries.[4] A limited cassette edition, also in explicit form, was made available exclusively in the UK (catalog 00602435817781).[4] Vinyl editions arrived later in 2021, pressed as a double LP with the standard black pressing released in the US and Canada (catalog B0033675-01) and Europe (catalog 00602435931975), while limited-edition variants included red sparkle (US, catalog B0033677-01) and clear sparkle pressings.[4] These physical releases maintained the original 18-track sequence without regional alterations, though catalog numbers and minor packaging differences reflected local distribution by Republic Records affiliates, such as Universal Music Taiwan for the Taiwanese CD.[4] In 2024, a deluxe edition expanded the album to 36 tracks, incorporating additional cuts from his discography and a rearranged sequence, and was issued digitally in high-resolution formats including FLAC (16-bit/44.1 kHz) via Republic Records, alongside renewed physical availability on CD and vinyl in select markets, including a Chinese pressing.[4] Streaming access has remained consistent across global platforms since the initial launch, with no reported remasters or reissues altering the audio beyond the deluxe expansion.[19]Content
Track listing
The Highlights compiles 18 tracks from The Weeknd's mixtapes, studio albums, and soundtrack contributions spanning 2011 to 2020, with a total runtime of 77 minutes and 55 seconds. The selection emphasizes his commercial breakthroughs and includes collaborations with Daft Punk, Kendrick Lamar, and Ariana Grande. The standard edition track listing is as follows:[18][20]- "Save Your Tears" – 3:35 (from After Hours, 2020)
- "Blinding Lights" – 3:20 (from After Hours, 2020)
- "In Your Eyes" – 3:57 (from After Hours, 2020)
- "Can't Feel My Face" – 3:35 (from Beauty Behind the Madness, 2015)
- "I Feel It Coming" (featuring Daft Punk) – 4:29 (from Starboy, 2016)
- "Starboy" (featuring Daft Punk) – 3:48 (from Starboy, 2016)
- "Pray for Me" (with Kendrick Lamar) – 3:17 (from Black Panther: The Album, 2018)
- "Heartless" – 3:20 (from After Hours, 2020)
- "Often" – 4:10 (from Beauty Behind the Madness, 2015)
- "The Hills" – 4:02 (from Beauty Behind the Madness, 2015)
- "Call Out My Name" – 3:48 (from My Dear Melancholy,, 2018)
- "Die for You" – 4:20 (from Starboy, 2016)
- "Earned It" – 4:18 (from Fifty Shades of Grey: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, 2015)
- "Love Me Harder" (with Ariana Grande) – 4:28 (from Beauty Behind the Madness, 2015)
- "Acquainted" – 5:08 (from Beauty Behind the Madness, 2015)
- "Wicked Games" – 5:25 (from House of Balloons, 2011)
- "The Morning" – 5:15 (from House of Balloons, 2011)
- "After Hours" – 6:38 (from After Hours, 2020) [4][21]
Lyrical themes
The tracks on The Highlights reflect The Weeknd's evolution from the shadowy, alternative R&B of his early mixtapes to polished mainstream pop, with recurring themes of hedonistic excess, toxic relationships, heartbreak, and fleeting redemption. Early selections like "Wicked Games" and "The Morning" explore drug-fueled debauchery and emotional detachment in nocturnal escapades, portraying a world of lust and isolation. Songs from Beauty Behind the Madness, such as "Often," "The Hills," and "Acquainted," delve deeper into the consequences of promiscuity and addiction, blending confessional lyrics with synth-heavy production. Later hits including "Starboy" and "Heartless" introduce themes of fame's emptiness and self-sabotage, while After Hours tracks like "Blinding Lights," "Save Your Tears," and "In Your Eyes" shift toward regretful introspection and lost love, often framed through nostalgic synthwave aesthetics. Collaborations like "Pray for Me" add layers of vulnerability and resilience amid adversity. Overall, the compilation underscores The Weeknd's narrative of personal turmoil and artistic growth, using vivid imagery of excess to critique modern indulgence.[23][24][25]Reception
Critical reception
The Highlights received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its curation of the Weeknd's biggest hits as an effective overview of his career. On Album of the Year, it holds a critic score of 85 out of 100, based on two reviews, and a user score of 85 based on 214 ratings.[26] Redbrick Music called it a "perfect compilation," highlighting its testament to the Weeknd's creativity and vision, though noting disappointment over some omitted tracks.[23] Roo News described it as doing "a very great job of wrapping up his biggest hits," appreciating the cohesive presentation.[24] RapReviews deemed it "worthwhile," particularly for newcomers, but suggested it may not add much for those owning his prior albums.[27] However, The Heights found it "underwhelming," arguing it fails to expand his sound despite featuring familiar hits.[28]Legacy
The Highlights has become a key entry point for new listeners discovering the Weeknd's music, compiling his evolution from alternative R&B to mainstream pop stardom. It serves as his most-streamed album on Spotify, surpassing 12 billion streams by 2021 and continuing to accumulate billions more, solidifying his position as one of the platform's top artists.[29] The 2024 deluxe edition, expanding to 36 tracks, further broadened its appeal by incorporating additional discography cuts.[20] The compilation underscores the Weeknd's cultural impact, with tracks like "Blinding Lights" achieving historic chart performance and influencing pop music trends. As of 2025, it continues to chart strongly, outperforming newer releases and affirming its enduring popularity.[30] Its release highlighted his global success without major controversies, contributing to his legacy as a best-selling artist of the 2010s and 2020s.Commercial performance
Weekly charts
The Highlights debuted on the US Billboard 200 at number two in the chart dated February 20, 2021, marking The Weeknd's seventh top-ten album on the ranking and his first compilation to reach that height.[6] The set earned 89,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, primarily driven by streaming activity in the wake of the artist's Super Bowl LV halftime performance.[6] It held the number-two position for a second week before descending, eventually accumulating approximately 220 weeks on the chart through sustained digital consumption as of November 2025.[31] On the concurrent Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, The Highlights launched at number one, becoming The Weeknd's seventh leader on the tally and underscoring the compilation's appeal within the genre.[6] Internationally, the album achieved strong initial placements across multiple territories, reflecting its global fanbase. In the United Kingdom, it entered the Official Albums Chart at number two in the week ending February 12, 2021, and peaked there for seven non-consecutive weeks amid consistent sales and streams.[32] The release has endured for 248 weeks on the UK chart as of November 2025, highlighting its longevity.[31] Similar trajectories unfolded in Australia, where it debuted and peaked at number two for ten weeks, logging approximately 240 weeks overall.[31] In Canada, it debuted at number one on the Billboard Canadian Albums Chart. In Ireland and New Zealand, The Highlights topped the albums charts, reaching number one for one and three weeks, respectively, with extended runs of 244 and approximately 180 weeks.[31] More modest debuts occurred in continental Europe, including a number-29 peak in the Netherlands over four weeks and number 10 in Sweden across nine weeks.[33][34] The following table summarizes peak positions and chart runs in select countries:| Country | Chart | Peak Position | Weeks at Peak | Total Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Billboard Canadian Albums | 1 | 1 | ~250 |
| United States | Billboard 200 | 2 | 2 | ~220 |
| United States | Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums | 1 | 1 | N/A |
| United Kingdom | Official Albums Chart | 2 | 7 | 248 |
| Australia | ARIA Albums Chart | 2 | 10 | ~240 |
| Ireland | Irish Albums Chart | 1 | 1 | 244 |
| New Zealand | NZ Top 40 Albums | 1 | 3 | ~180 |
| Netherlands | Dutch Albums Top 100 | 29 | 1 | 4 |
| Sweden | Swedish Albums Top 60 | 10 | 1 | 9 |
Year-end charts
The Highlights achieved notable placements on various year-end charts in 2021 and 2022, reflecting its commercial success and sustained popularity. On the Billboard 200 year-end chart for 2021, the album ranked at number 31, demonstrating its broad appeal across genres.[35] In 2022, it ranked at number 44 on the same chart. On the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums year-end chart for 2021, it performed strongly, securing a top position within the genre. Internationally, The Highlights earned rankings such as number 9 on the Australian ARIA Albums year-end chart for 2021. Comparatively, The Highlights outperformed several contemporary greatest hits compilations by peers on these year-end lists.Certifications
The album The Highlights has achieved significant commercial recognition through various international certifications, reflecting its strong sales performance following its 2021 release. In the United States, it was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 2022 for 1,000,000 units. Internationally, the album received 3× Platinum certification from Music Canada for 240,000 units as of 2023. In the United Kingdom, it earned a 5× Platinum award from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for 1,500,000 units as of 2025. Additionally, it was certified 3× Platinum by ARIA in Australia for 210,000 units and Platinum by NVPI in the Netherlands for 100,000 units. By November 2025, The Highlights has surpassed an estimated 5 million units sold worldwide, bolstered by streaming equivalents in contemporary metrics. Its sustained chart success contributed to these enduring sales milestones.[14]| Region | Certifying Body | Certification | Units Sold/Shipped | Date Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | ARIA | 3× Platinum | 210,000 | 2023 |
| Canada | Music Canada | 3× Platinum | 240,000 | 2023 |
| Netherlands | NVPI | Platinum | 100,000 | 2021 |
| United Kingdom | BPI | 5× Platinum | 1,500,000 | 2025 |
| United States | RIAA | Platinum | 1,000,000 | 2022 |