What does Starboy sound like?

A sleek blend of dark R&B and pop, layered with atmospheric production and haunting melodies. Rooted in contemporary R&B and alternative R&B. Start with "Starboy".

Is Starboy a good place to start with The Weeknd?

Yes, Starboy is recommended as a starting point for new The Weeknd listeners. A sleek blend of dark R&B and pop, layered with atmospheric production and haunting melodies. Released on November 25, 2016, 'Starboy' was The Weeknd's third studio album, following the commercial success of 'Beauty Behind the Madness.' At this point, he had solidified his position as a leading figure in contemporary R&B, transitioning from underground sensation to mainstream powerhouse.

Starboy works well if you're into wave-like dynamic flow, long, immersive listening sessions and contemplative late-night vibes.

How many songs are on Starboy?

Starboy has 19 tracks, running approximately 72 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Starboy

The Weeknd · 2016

72 min · 19 tracks · contemporary R&B

A sleek blend of dark R&B and pop, layered with atmospheric production and haunting melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Starboy Start here — The title track introduces the album's themes of fame and excess, featuring Daft Punk's distinctive production that blends electronic elements with The Weeknd’s signature vocal style.
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Party Monster — With its pulsating beats and dark lyrics about the nightlife, this track encapsulates the album's exploration of hedonism and self-indulgence.
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I Feel It Coming — This collaboration with Daft Punk showcases a smoother side of The Weeknd, blending romantic longing with an infectious groove that harkens back to classic pop influences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

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

Influence 8/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like dynamic flow
long, immersive listening sessions
contemplative late-night vibes
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — 'Starboy' solidified The Weeknd's position as a leading artist and won a Grammy.
Themes: Hollywood excess· neon-lit nightlife· celebrity isolation
Career context: Released on November 25, 2016, 'Starboy' was The Weeknd's third studio album, following the commercial success of 'Beauty Behind the Madness.' At this point, he had solidified his position as a leading figure in contemporary R&B, transitioning from underground sensation to mainstream powerhouse.
Stylistic neighbors: Frank Ocean· Miguel· SZA