Abel Tesfaye, better known as 3-time Grammy Award winner The Weeknd, dropped his latest single, “Blinding Lights” late last week. The release of “Blinding Lights” immediately follows the release of his first single “Heartless” off of his new upcoming album. This double-release comes after a five-month absence from social media and has been long-awaited since the release of his last full-length album, “Starboy”, in 2016 and his EP “My Dear Melancholy,” released in 2018.
Prior to the full-length debut, The Weeknd teased a minute-long version of “Blinding Lights” within a Mercedes-Benz TV commercial advertising their new electric model SUV. According to Rolling Stone, The Weeknd is acting as the creative director for a global campaign tied to this single and this teaser was just the start of it.
“Blinding Lights” starts off moody and suspenseful, but quickly moves into an upbeat synth-wave tune. The track is progressed by a strong drum beat and a synth-filled keyboard melody. The lyrics allude to an on-again-off-again relationship, most likely in reference to The Weeknd’s long-term rocky relationship with model Bella Hadid. The combination of major 80’s vibes and these longing lyrics makes “Blinding Lights” the perfect nostalgic jam to keep you warm all winter long. The track is fresh while staying true to The Weeknd’s prior nostalgic-pop style, making it the perfect successor to “Starboy” and “My Dear Melancholy,”. Catch The Weeknd’s first TV performance of “Blinding Lights” December 5th and 6th on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.