Released 10 years ago
Starboy
The Weeknd · 2016
7 min · 2 tracks · contemporary R&B
A sleek fusion of alternative R&B and pop, layered with atmospheric production and darkly introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Starboy (Explicit) — The title track features a collaboration with Daft Punk, blending their signature electronic elements with The Weeknd's smooth vocals to create a defining anthem about fame and identity.
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I Feel It Coming — This track pairs The Weeknd's emotive delivery with Daft Punk's disco-inflected production, capturing a sense of longing and vulnerability that resonates throughout the album.
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Party Monster — With its pulsating beat and haunting lyrics, this song examines themes of excess and self-destruction, reflecting the darker side of celebrity life that permeates the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends dark R&B with pop elements, showcasing strong production and notable collaborations.
What we noticed
- The album opens with the title track, which features a heavy bassline and layered synths, setting a dark tone that persists throughout.
- Several tracks incorporate guest appearances, such as Daft Punk on the title track and Lana Del Rey on 'Stargirl Interlude', adding variety to the vocal textures.
- The production employs atmospheric soundscapes with reverb-heavy vocals, creating a haunting quality that complements the lyrical themes of fame and isolation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Defined its genre or moment. 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 — Reinforced The Weeknd's commercial appeal after his previous success.
- Themes
- celebrity excess· neon-lit fame
- Career context
- By the release of 'Starboy' in September 2016, The Weeknd had established himself as a major force in contemporary R&B following his breakthrough album 'Beauty Behind the Madness' in 2015. This album marked his transition into mainstream pop stardom, expanding his audience and solidifying his artistic vision.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Frank Ocean· Miguel· SZA
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Starboy (Explicit) 3:50
- 2 Starboy (Clean) 3:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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