What makes Earned It by The Weeknd notable?

'Earned It' achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. Its association with the 'Fifty Shades of Grey' soundtrack not only elevated The Weeknd's profile but also sparked discussions about sexuality and romance in mainstream music. Released at the end of 2014, 'Earned It' marked The Weeknd's transition into mainstream recognition following his breakthrough with 'Kiss Land' in 2013. This single served as a key moment in his career, showcasing his ability to blend contemporary R&B with cinematic influences, further cementing his status in pop culture.

How many songs are on Earned It?

Earned It has 2 tracks, running approximately 9 minutes.

Earned It

The Weeknd · 2014

9 min · 2 tracks · contemporary R&B

Sultry melodies intertwine with orchestral elements, creating a seductive atmosphere that captivates the listener's attention.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey) — This track encapsulates The Weeknd's signature blend of sensuality and vulnerability, making it a defining piece of his discography while perfectly aligning with the film's themes.
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Where You Belong — The track showcases The Weeknd's smooth vocal delivery and emotive storytelling, further exploring themes of desire and intimacy within the album's context.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong writing and production but is limited in its overall length and variety.

What we noticed

The primary track features a slow tempo with a steady, pulsating beat that underlines the sultry vocal delivery.
Orchestral strings swell throughout the song, creating a lush backdrop that complements the minimalist percussion.
The second track introduces a more subdued arrangement, focusing on piano and soft vocals, contrasting with the first track's intensity.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked The Weeknd's transition to mainstream recognition after 'Kiss Land'.
Themes: cinematic seduction· Fifty Shades intimacy· vulnerable desire
Career context: Released at the end of 2014, 'Earned It' marked The Weeknd's transition into mainstream recognition following his breakthrough with 'Kiss Land' in 2013. This single served as a key moment in his career, showcasing his ability to blend contemporary R&B with cinematic influences, further cementing his status in pop culture.
Stylistic neighbors: Frank Ocean· Miguel· SZA