Sidewalks - The Weeknd
"Sidewalks" by The Weeknd is a track from his third studio album, "Starboy," released in 2016. The song features guest vocals from Kendrick Lamar and has a dark, atmospheric vibe that is characteristic of The Weeknd's music. Thematically, "Sidewalks" explores The Weeknd's rise to fame and the challenges he faced along the way. The lyrics reflect on the struggles of navigating the music industry and the temptations that come with success. Kendrick Lamar's verse adds a dynamic element to the song, with his rapid-fire delivery and introspective lyrics. Musically, "Sidewalks" is driven by a haunting piano melody and a heavy bassline. The production is layered and intricate, with atmospheric synths and distorted vocals creating a moody atmosphere. The Weeknd's vocals are emotive and soulful, conveying a sense of vulnerability and introspection. One notable fact about "Sidewalks" is that it samples the song "Little Child Runnin' Wild" by Curtis Mayfield, adding a classic soulful element to the track. The collaboration with Kendrick Lamar also adds a unique dynamic to the song, showcasing the chemistry between the two artists. Overall, "Sidewalks" is a standout track on The Weeknd's "Starboy" album, with its introspective lyrics, atmospheric production, and memorable guest feature from Kendrick Lamar. It is a reflection of The Weeknd's journey in the music industry and a testament to his talent as a songwriter and performer.
The Weeknd
Abel Tesfaye, better known by his stage name The Weeknd, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer who has taken the music industry by storm with his unique blend of R&B, pop, and hip-hop. Born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada, Tesfaye had a tumultuous upbringing, with his Ethiopian immigrant parents splitting up when he was just a young boy. Raised by his grandmother, Tesfaye found solace in music and began experimenting with songwriting and production at a young age. In 2010, The Weeknd anonymously uploaded several songs to YouTube, garnering attention from music critics and fans alike. His mysterious persona and hauntingly beautiful vocals quickly set him apart from other artists in the industry. In 2011, he released three critically acclaimed mixtapes – "House of Balloons," "Thursday," and "Echoes of Silence" – which helped solidify his place as a rising star in the music world. The Weeknd's debut studio album, "Kiss Land," was released in 2013 and received positive reviews from critics. However, it was his second album, "Beauty Behind the Madness," released in 2015, that catapulted him to international fame. The album spawned several hit singles, including "Can't Feel My Face" and "The Hills," and earned The Weeknd his first Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album. Since then, The Weeknd has continued to push the boundaries of his artistry with each new project. His third album, "Starboy," released in 2016, featured collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, including Daft Punk and Kendrick Lamar. The album's title track became one of The Weeknd's biggest hits, earning him another Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album. In 2020, The Weeknd released his highly anticipated fourth album, "After Hours," which received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. The album's lead single, "Blinding Lights," became one of the biggest hits of the year and solidified The Weeknd's status as a global superstar. The Weeknd's impact on music has been undeniable. His genre-blending sound and emotionally raw lyrics have resonated with millions of fans around the world, earning him a dedicated following and critical acclaim. He has been praised for his ability to push the boundaries of R&B and pop music, creating a sound that is uniquely his own. In addition to his musical achievements, The Weeknd has also made a name for himself as a philanthropist, donating to various charitable causes and using his platform to raise awareness for social issues. With numerous awards, millions of records sold, and a dedicated fan base, The Weeknd continues to be a dominant force in the music industry, solidifying his status as one of the most influential artists of his generation.