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: Following a public breakup, Abel reportedly shelved an upbeat album to create the somber My Dear Melancholy . Tracks like "Let Me Go" are believed to be remnants of this era. The EPs That Never Were
The Weeknd's sophomore album, , was a critical and commercial success. However, there are several unreleased tracks from this era that never made it to the final cut. One such track is "Ain't No Sunshine" , a cover of the classic Bill Withers song. The Weeknd's soulful vocals bring a new level of depth to this timeless classic, and its existence serves as a testament to his versatility as an artist.
So, why do unreleased tracks matter? For fans, unreleased music offers a glimpse into an artist's creative process, providing insight into their inspirations, influences, and artistic evolution. In The Weeknd's case, his unreleased tracks serve as a reminder of his innovative spirit and willingness to experiment with different sounds.
Before adopting the moniker "The Weeknd," a teenage Abel Tesfaye recorded music under his actual name and as part of a rap/R&B duo known as Kin Kane. The most prominent artifact from this era is a collection of tracks recorded with a production group called . When these songs leaked in May 2011—right as House of Balloons was building mainstream buzz—they initially confused early fans due to their surprisingly bright, radio-friendly pop-R&B tone. Unreleased The Weeknd Songs
Before "High for This," there was the unknown producer hiding behind a keyboard. The earliest leaks often sound like demos for the demos. Songs like —which includes tracks like Appointment and Rescue You —feature a raw, untrained voice and lo-fi beats. These tracks lack the cinematic darkness of Trilogy , but they offer a rare glimpse of Abel finding his falsetto footing.
Arguably one of the most sought-after snippets in XO history, "Hold Your Heart" was previewed by Tesfaye during an Instagram Live session in 2020. Featuring an emotional, soaring vocal performance over a pounding, cinematic beat, the track fits perfectly into the tragic romance aesthetic of the After Hours era. Though it never saw an official release, high-quality fan edits continue to circulate widely. "Girls Born in the 90s"
The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his soulful voice, dark lyrics, and eclectic style. With a career spanning over a decade, he has released numerous hit songs and albums that have topped the charts worldwide. However, fans of The Weeknd are aware that his discography is not limited to his officially released music. Over the years, several unreleased The Weeknd songs have surfaced online, leaving fans wondering about their origins and why they were never officially released.
This is arguably the richest vein of unreleased material. After the pop explosion of Can’t Feel My Face , Abel went into overdrive. Leaks from this era range from Daft Punk-esque disco demos to vicious, toxic ballads that are darker than anything on After Hours . : Following a public breakup, Abel reportedly shelved
: A leaked track known for its smooth R&B production and intimate lyrics.
I Don’t Need Love (feat. Drake) – Often bootlegged as "The Zone Part II," this melancholic duet would have changed the trajectory of 2013 R&B had it been officially released.
A relic from the Starboy recording sessions, "Insomnia" is an upbeat, dark-pop record that explores the chaotic, sleepless nights of fame and substance use. With a infectious bassline and a radio-ready hook, it remains a mystery why this track never made the final cut of the 2016 album. Scrapped Albums and Alternate Timelines
The world of unreleased The Weeknd songs is a sprawling, chaotic, and utterly captivating alternate dimension. It is a place where fans can trace the artist's genius from its earliest demo stages all the way to the stadium-filling spectacles of today. Each leaked track and scrapped album is a piece of a larger puzzle, reminding us that behind the global icon is a prolific artist who has always had more to say than the final tracklist could ever contain. However, there are several unreleased tracks from this
If you're interested in exploring The Weeknd's unreleased music, I've compiled a playlist featuring some of the tracks mentioned in this article. From to "In Your Eyes (Out My Mind)" , this playlist offers a unique perspective on The Weeknd's creative process and artistic evolution.
Often cited by collectors as one of the best unreleased tracks from the 2011 era. Leaks from the Pop Era: Starboy and After Hours
: Often mentioned alongside "Take Me Back To LA" as a standout leak.