The reasons vary. Sometimes, it’s sample clearance (The Weeknd famously sampled Beach House on House of Balloons without permission, a move he can’t afford now). Sometimes, it’s the "Drake problem"—the track sounds too much like what everyone else is doing. Most often, Abel has stated in interviews that he suffers from "creative overdrive." He writes hundreds of songs per album cycle, and the ones that don't fit the narrative are simply shelved.
The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, has been a dominant force in the music industry since his debut in 2011. With a discography that boasts numerous chart-topping hits and critically acclaimed albums, fans have been eagerly awaiting a glimpse into his vault of unreleased material. While some of these songs have surfaced through leaks or live performances, many remain hidden from the public eye. Here's a compilation of some of the most notable unreleased The Weeknd songs, along with an in-depth look at their creation, themes, and significance. Unreleased The Weeknd Songs