From the murky, basement-era House of Balloons outtakes to the melancholic synth-pop tracks cut from After Hours , these "lost" songs offer a raw, unfiltered look into the creative process of one of pop’s most enigmatic stars. Here are the best of the best that every fan needs to hear.
: A fully-formed demo that showcases the cinematic scope the Weeknd was aiming for with Kiss Land . The production is lush and expansive, with layers of synths and percussion that create a sense of sweeping drama. Thematically, it fits perfectly with the album's exploration of fear and alienation in a strange, new environment.
Dating back to the transition period between Kiss Land (2013) and Beauty Behind the Madness (2015), "In My Life" is a bittersweet, mid-tempo ballad.
Furthermore, the quality of leaks varies wildly—128kbps MP3s ripped from low-quality streams. If a track ever gets an official release (as Enemy almost did), support it.
"Ebony" is an upbeat, bass-heavy track that leaked from the Starboy sessions. It features a incredibly catchy hook and an infectious rhythm that would have fit perfectly alongside hits like "Party Monster." It showcases Abel's ability to craft radio-ready pop-rap anthems with effortless swagger. Why Does The Weeknd Leave Great Songs Unreleased?
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: Another After Hours era leak with a heavy synth-wave influence that captures the cinematic, late-night vibe of that period.
This list compiles the most critically acclaimed and fan-favorite tracks that never received a wide commercial release. 1. "Enemy"
“I left the keys in the door / I don't want to drive anymore / The city is a vampire tonight / And I’m just the blood on the floor.”
: A smooth track that hints at the melodic genius he would eventually unleash on the world. 2. Dark R&B Rarities & Remixes