House of Balloons
by The Weeknd
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 442 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 409 out of 442
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 442
  3. Negative: 18 out of 442

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  1. bl_nk
    Jul 9, 2011
    8
    It's a bit of a grower. Lyrically, the album doesn't stray much from themes of sex and drugs. Rather than seeming boastful, the pained vocals and dark instrumentals lends these themes a hollow feeling. Early standouts include "Glass Table Girls," "Loft Music," and "What You Need." Overall, the album definitely isn't perfect. Some of the tracks are forgettable, and the singer's deliveryIt's a bit of a grower. Lyrically, the album doesn't stray much from themes of sex and drugs. Rather than seeming boastful, the pained vocals and dark instrumentals lends these themes a hollow feeling. Early standouts include "Glass Table Girls," "Loft Music," and "What You Need." Overall, the album definitely isn't perfect. Some of the tracks are forgettable, and the singer's delivery rarely seems to vary throughout the album. Still, worth checking out.… Expand
  2. ZiggingZebra
    Jul 8, 2012
    10
    I've honestly never discovered an artist like the Weeknd. It's not just about his voice or the beats: He's really telling stories. The stories mostly revolve around this upcoming, young artist who's thrusted into the spotlight and his experiences. I think older, mature people can have an easier time staying grounded. The Weeknd makes mistakes and sings them for all to hear. R&B has a placeI've honestly never discovered an artist like the Weeknd. It's not just about his voice or the beats: He's really telling stories. The stories mostly revolve around this upcoming, young artist who's thrusted into the spotlight and his experiences. I think older, mature people can have an easier time staying grounded. The Weeknd makes mistakes and sings them for all to hear. R&B has a place in the future, thought hear the Weeknd's style is PBR&B or Alternative R&B.

    Long story short, this is one of the best albums of 2011-present (whatever date you are reading this). I know I didn't say much about the album, but the mix-tapes free on the Weeknd's site. All you need to know it that 81 people can't be wrong.    … Expand
  3. KARTRI
    Jan 28, 2012
    10
    With House of Balloons, The Weeknd's subversive genius was unveiled. In coalescing tranquil vocals with a dark and insidious subject matter often associated with R&B's audacious relative (hip-hop), Abel Tesfaye established himself as a trailblazing wonder-kid with the potential to take the music industry by storm. Although he has released two more exemplary mixtapes, House of BalloonsWith House of Balloons, The Weeknd's subversive genius was unveiled. In coalescing tranquil vocals with a dark and insidious subject matter often associated with R&B's audacious relative (hip-hop), Abel Tesfaye established himself as a trailblazing wonder-kid with the potential to take the music industry by storm. Although he has released two more exemplary mixtapes, House of Balloons remains his best and most holistic work. From the first song until the last, Tesfaye and his team of innovative producers were able to create an atmospheric sound that was both innocent and predatory -- which is probably why The Weeknd resonates with so many of us.… Expand
  4. DeusExMachina7
    Feb 24, 2013
    10
    Pretty much the most refreshing listen I've had in a long time. Any occasion is a fine occasion to play this record. These songs are never out of place. Instant classic.
  5. cmcdonald5
    May 24, 2011
    10
    Outstanding, original R&B. It's dark, a little jaded, sexy as hell, and brutally, in-your-face honest. I can't imagine another album trumping this one for best of the year for me personally. I can't stop listening to it and it gives me goosebumps every single time. These tunes are stuck in my head all day, and playing in my car or on my computer constantly, and it just never gets old.Outstanding, original R&B. It's dark, a little jaded, sexy as hell, and brutally, in-your-face honest. I can't imagine another album trumping this one for best of the year for me personally. I can't stop listening to it and it gives me goosebumps every single time. These tunes are stuck in my head all day, and playing in my car or on my computer constantly, and it just never gets old. Can't wait to hear some new material… Expand
  6. Veritas34
    May 15, 2012
    10
    This has to be the one of the best albums I have ever heard. The style that I haven't heard blew me away. Very relaxing chill music to listen to. It calms be out and puts me in a very good mood. This is such a great album that I listen to every couple of days. Hopefully when he gets big he doesn't change up his style. I like his uniqueness and that is what I believe makes his music so special.
  7. RonaldOVOXO
    Jan 10, 2012
    9
    This album was classic great lyrics and great content when i heard about The Weeknd I thought he was bad but i was wrong he's the next big thing in R&B and music in general pay attention to him
  8. maxjtotsky
    Jan 20, 2012
    9
    'House Of Balloons' is likely to be the darkest R&B record you will ever have the pleasure of stumbling across. Covered in a layer of mystery, The Weeknd is unsigned and no one knew what it was at the time of release. All they could do is appreciate their tales of kinky sex and unusual choice of samples (Beach House, Siouxsie & The Banshees). At first Abel Tesfaye's voice can be mistaken'House Of Balloons' is likely to be the darkest R&B record you will ever have the pleasure of stumbling across. Covered in a layer of mystery, The Weeknd is unsigned and no one knew what it was at the time of release. All they could do is appreciate their tales of kinky sex and unusual choice of samples (Beach House, Siouxsie & The Banshees). At first Abel Tesfaye's voice can be mistaken for commercial R&B but when you look at how strange and eerie 'Glass Table Girls' is or how deliciously original 'The Morning' is, it is clear that you are in for something that has never been done before. The Weeknd completely redefine soul music with a record that is impossible to pull yourself away from.… Expand
  9. dinafeseha
    Feb 13, 2014
    10
    I can rarely say this but every single song on this mix-tape is OUTSTANDING , usually when i listen to a mix-tape of someones i have to skip one or two songs but with house of balloons every song is amazing!
    No skipping for me !!!
  10. fraser
    Apr 15, 2011
    10
    This is quality, one of the best things ive heard in ages. I cant quite work out why its so good, it just is and I cant stop listening to it. It kind of reminds me a bit of Massive Attack in their earlier days.... the Siouxie and the Banshees sample really works. Its quality, best album of 2011 so far for me.
  11. Improvised
    May 23, 2011
    10
    Without a doubt the best album of 2011 so far. For an R&B album, it has a very raw feel to it, both lyrically and musically.  Tesfaye runs his voice through same vein we've come to know in most pop R&B, and for that The Weeknd seems to get less than a second listing to from many.  Though there is nothing commercially appealing about House of Balloons andWithout a doubt the best album of 2011 so far. For an R&B album, it has a very raw feel to it, both lyrically and musically.  Tesfaye runs his voice through same vein we've come to know in most pop R&B, and for that The Weeknd seems to get less than a second listing to from many.  Though there is nothing commercially appealing about House of Balloons and it's cadence measures out more Prince than Bruno Mars.  Either way, once you give the album a chance, you might find it's hard to dig yourself out of Tesfaye's hole--and you probably won't want to.… Expand
  12. matty
    Apr 9, 2011
    9
    Hard to believe that the backlash against this album is already happening (that smug smegma Alex Macpherson at the Guardian can take his elitist opinions on R & B and shove them up his mother's arse) . An assured and near-perfect debut. Don't be dissuaded by the contrarian douchebag haters.
  13. sadpanda
    May 22, 2011
    8
    The instrumentation is fantastic and while the vocals aren't the best, they serve their place here. I have never liked R&B as a genre in anyway, but at some point during House of Balloons the atmosphere will overtake whatever preconceived notions you might have had. Although I usually don't have a problem with profanity in music, I swear the guy says 'f-ck' no less than 30 times here, andThe instrumentation is fantastic and while the vocals aren't the best, they serve their place here. I have never liked R&B as a genre in anyway, but at some point during House of Balloons the atmosphere will overtake whatever preconceived notions you might have had. Although I usually don't have a problem with profanity in music, I swear the guy says 'f-ck' no less than 30 times here, and it's often unnecessary. In short, House of Balloons is an immersing album and really great overall, but it still succumbs to some typical genre-shortcomings. Yes, that includes 'shawtys f-ckin' in the corner.'… Collapse
  14. rolli
    Apr 15, 2011
    10
    It's an amazing entry from the R&B front. Its sounds like if House of Balloons is just about filthy sex and drugs but it is an amazing imaginative journey of progressive new R&B styled music. The term "Broken Soul" music was invented to describe the Swedish act cirKus (Neneh Cherry, Cameron McVey, Lola Moon and Matt Karmil) but it would fit even better to this album. For me the surprise ofIt's an amazing entry from the R&B front. Its sounds like if House of Balloons is just about filthy sex and drugs but it is an amazing imaginative journey of progressive new R&B styled music. The term "Broken Soul" music was invented to describe the Swedish act cirKus (Neneh Cherry, Cameron McVey, Lola Moon and Matt Karmil) but it would fit even better to this album. For me the surprise of the year (Ok - we are only in the beginning of 2011 but I'm sure that this one will last).
    Just go to the homepage and download the whole goodness for free and enjoy!    … Expand
  15. Said000
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    The weeknd first and best project He killed it in every song The production is amazing
  16. Erikav
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    I love this mixtape it’s not an album but they are on his first album called trilogy
  17. muzziklover
    Sep 28, 2011
    9
    This mixtape/album is really damn good. Vocals and lyrics are emotive and thought provoking and the production hits between the lines of a commercial R&B sound and an ambient electronica feel. Oh, and it is also free to download. One of the best albums I've heard this year. And it's free.
  18. iamtrent424
    Nov 27, 2011
    9
    This mixtape is really good. The Weeknd is the next big R&B star. This is the best mixtape this year. If he made this an album it would hav been one of the best album. This is a free download it worth downloading. You have nothing to lose.
  19. miramax123
    Jun 21, 2013
    10
    I'd be an idiot swaggot to criticize the enigmatic and transcending nature of the mixtape. The Weeknd showed that he is and still at his own PBR&B prime. The structured and aesthetic contents are able to give you the chills in a very calm pulsation. And this is where I worship the gifted talent, The Weeknd!! One day, for sure he will become a great artist!
    Highlights: ''Twenty Eight'' and    I'd be an idiot swaggot to criticize the enigmatic and transcending nature of the mixtape. The Weeknd showed that he is and still at his own PBR&B prime. The structured and aesthetic contents are able to give you the chills in a very calm pulsation. And this is where I worship the gifted talent, The Weeknd!! One day, for sure he will become a great artist!
    Highlights: ''Twenty Eight'' and the dark, sexual detail of the song itself, ''High For This'', which is the first song that caused me into getting interested in The Weeknd's music for the first time I listened to him, the relaxed song ''The Morning'' and the go-with-the-flow tune ''Loft Music''!    … Expand
  20. MorriBey
    Jul 19, 2011
    10
    This album is. Amazing. I actually deleted ( available free ) but i had a separate copy which i started listening to again. Never has an album taken so long to get into but now its in my Top 10 along with Destroyer, Antlers, Whomadewho, Wild Beasts etc for 2011. Get into it. You won't regret it.
  21. OddSuperFuture
    Nov 17, 2011
    10
    Absolutely outstanding. 'Album' of the year for me. Just amazingly unique. The dark, drug-fueled mood is set brilliantly by the wonderful production by illangelo and DocMckinney with Jeremy Rose and the astounding vocals by Abel.
  22. itz_giological
    Jul 8, 2011
    9
    Though left-field experiments are evident, The Weeknd reaches a certain degree of commercial goodness in the likes of a Ne-Yo album. This is refereshing R&B that never denied its sound, unlike modern R&B artists that mash up with dance and pop. Definitely a must-hear.
  23. tlcowart
    Jun 29, 2011
    10
    Easily my favorite album so far in 2011. The beats, the vocals, everything works so well. Lyrically content is catchy, sometimes simple, but it works. I'm not much into R&B style, but this is by far my favorite album over any genre.
  24. Sulkowski
    Jul 13, 2011
    10
    This album projects the intentions of a shadowy artist while concomitantly challenging the listener's own values, beliefs, and morals. Therefore, it is a rare and poignant album that will produce strong reactions in people who give it a good listen. On an emotional level (pretend that you don't know English), this album somehow conveys a sense of overindulgence and related uneasiness inThis album projects the intentions of a shadowy artist while concomitantly challenging the listener's own values, beliefs, and morals. Therefore, it is a rare and poignant album that will produce strong reactions in people who give it a good listen. On an emotional level (pretend that you don't know English), this album somehow conveys a sense of overindulgence and related uneasiness in the instrumentation and production alone (feel free to disagree). However, when this vague impression is combined with the lyrics to various songs, what you have is something that is strangely familiar yet novel in its own right. In other words, if our lives were projected on the big screen, the Weeknd would be playing in the background when we slipped up and drove home completely wasted, hooked up with a random stranger in the dark corner of a bar/house party, experimented with illicit drugs, and woke up with a feeling or regret, longing, and disillusionment. Although you don't want your kids to identify with anything that is described on this album, listening to it allows for a brief regression into one's own guilty pleasures and perhaps past experiences (or desires?). Perhaps this phenomenon is what contributes to the somewhat ineffable nature of House of Balloons's hypnotic appeal.… Expand
  25. drbswrgk
    Sep 22, 2011
    10
    For sure one of the best albums this year. I hope he gets a Grammy, or at lest gets nominated for one. Best tracks: House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls, Wicked Games
  26. kidexile
    Sep 24, 2011
    9
    This is one of the best r&b albums in the last 5 years. he brings a experimental crossover vibe to the genre. It's a dark, drug-induced, love album.
  27. IAmPhongNguyen
    Oct 16, 2011
    10
    Truly, one of the most addictive album I've ever heard in years. I wouldn't even know how to categorize this whole album as because of how dark and stunning the samples are. Not only was his sound so beautiful but his voice also forced us to leave the pause button alone. This is 2011's Best Album of the Year.
  28. NickDiazfan
    Apr 4, 2012
    10
    Amazing! the best album 0f 2011! The weekend is ahead of his time! you must listen to this album, don't wait to long or you'll regret it. With many other albums you listen to now you really don't go back to them, but with this one I keep on listening to it over and over. CLASSIC!!!!!!
  29. Spongebob
    Mar 8, 2012
    10
    This is an amazing debut for hopefully an amazing artist. If Abel can produce another album like this we will all be hearing about The Weeknd. The production on the album is like no other. When you listen to this mix tape you'll think its a real album that you bought.
  30. sudheervemuru
    Apr 19, 2012
    9
    This album is about as good as R&B gets nowadays. Despite using cliche themes, The Weekend fuses this album into something worth listening to. Great vocals and instrumentation, but at times it gets bogged down by overly repetitive hooks.
  31. axelkoch
    Jan 20, 2013
    9
    Abel Tesfaye deserves to be on top of Billboard! On his first mixtape he serves us 9 tracks full with smart lyrics about drugs, sex and love and his celestial voice that impresses me everytime I hear it. It's mainly music for young people but in this sad and partly melancholic way, you don't see often. This mixtape is an artwork and one of my favorites of 2011.
  32. SugarVenomOhyea
    Dec 22, 2012
    10
    This album is beast. It is full to the brim with sex music that will make your ears orgasm to the point of feeling drunk or high. The Weeknd and his sweet falsetto is a breakthrough for new original artists like him and his music is explored but lies unexplored, which brings new listeners hope for Fresh, new music.
  33. chidime
    Nov 6, 2017
    10
    The encapsulation of a perfect album. The album tells a story, albeit a very dark one. He's a man, he loves his drugs, he loves his women, and he loves it when the two mix. That creates many interesting scenarios for the songs in this album. The best album by the Weeknd and might be that way for some time, though Echoes of Silence comes close.

    BEST: The Morning, High for This, House of    The encapsulation of a perfect album. The album tells a story, albeit a very dark one. He's a man, he loves his drugs, he loves his women, and he loves it when the two mix. That creates many interesting scenarios for the songs in this album. The best album by the Weeknd and might be that way for some time, though Echoes of Silence comes close.

    BEST: The Morning, High for This, House of Balloons/Glass table Girls, THE KNOWING!!    … Expand
  34. comebackkid12
    Dec 8, 2014
    8
    Haunting and chilling would be the first two things that come to mind for The Weeknd's first piece of work, the mixtape "House of Balloons." This absolutely does not mean this is a pass-over of an album; it actually means the complete opposite. Not since "So Far Gone" from Drake in 2009 have I heard a mixtape this moody and atmospheric, yet this record is far different from Drake'sHaunting and chilling would be the first two things that come to mind for The Weeknd's first piece of work, the mixtape "House of Balloons." This absolutely does not mean this is a pass-over of an album; it actually means the complete opposite. Not since "So Far Gone" from Drake in 2009 have I heard a mixtape this moody and atmospheric, yet this record is far different from Drake's break-out piece in that it is much darker, sadistic, and brooding than that. Morbid, lush, and gorgeous production gives a drug-induced background to Mr. Tesfaye's voice, and provides a palette that we've yet to hear. Drugs and sex are everywhere in this tape that sounds exactly like a indulgent, cocaine-filled house party, and it's all The Weeknd knows, yet he does it so well, commanding the mood for the entire nine songs. Tracks that standout would have to be the title track that shifts tone midway through, "House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls," the professing "Wicked Games," and the hypnotic "Loft Music."… Expand
  35. SaharCohen
    May 27, 2015
    10
    First time listening to this type of music, and it's really good. Not disappointed at all and love this mixtape. The reason I gave it a 8 is the lyrics. some are basic, trashy, shallow and make me feel uncomfortable.
  36. Mesmerize
    Aug 9, 2016
    8
    8.5 eight point five
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
  37. Nayefn
    Jul 23, 2019
    10
    Incredible experimental masterpiece which revolutionized and changed the game for R&B and created a new genre. This project explored themes of nihilism and how Abel fills the void inside him with pointless sex and one night stands and stood apart from the rest of the game
  38. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    8
    A wild, innovative, daring, ambitious and brutally honest mixtape. This is a truly magnificent, creative piece of art that is driven by Weeknd's terrific lyrics, vocals and innovation. A classic in modern day R&B.
  39. TheWeekndFan
    Oct 30, 2017
    10
    This is true quality. Nothing surpasses this. This is true perfection. I have listened to a lot of music in my time, a lot of it good, a lot of it bad. I can honestly say that this album has changed my life.
  40. hornysoul
    Sep 30, 2018
    9
    The Weeknd esforçou-se no álbum "House Of Ballons" e conseguiu fazer um bom trabalho. Com letras que não se afastam do tema do sexo e das drogas, vocais doloridos e sonoridades sombrias, este álbum só agrada a quem compreende a visão estética do cantor. Uma ótima estreia para o mundo R&B!
  41. All_ButTrU4
    Aug 24, 2022
    7
    Undoubtedly the Weeknd's best. Released for free by a then unknown Abel Tesfaye "house of baloons " captivated a sense 9f mystery that made the music richer sokehow. The music itself was astounding dark ,dare i say indie rnb. It set a standard for mislxtapes and aobums in general higlights: what you need,house of balloons &wicked games
  42. twentyeightabel
    Apr 8, 2020
    10
    besides after hours, the weeknd’s magnum opus. the project that made him hit the ground running. i love this project and everything that made him what he is today sparked from it
  43. Chernozyom
    Jul 14, 2020
    10
    This is Best The Weeknd's project. Much better than After hours. Lyrics are very good, production is excellent
  44. Oakdogs
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Honestly the album could just get a 10 because of Wicked Games and House Of Balloons/Glass Table Girls but every song on this album is amazing! Whether you’re belting out High For This, or in your feels listening to Twenty Eight, or getting cocky listening to What You Need, you’ll enjoy the ride and the vocals that guide you along.
  45. Mobina1
    Mar 21, 2021
    8
    I listened to this again today as the official release of it on streaming platforms. I loved it. It's literally his best mix tape and his debut single (What You Need) is one of my all time faves from him.
  46. dianalugoar
    Sep 23, 2020
    10
    I wish I had the opportunity to hear this masterpiece for the first time. Not one miss.
  47. weekh
    Oct 26, 2020
    10
    One of the best mixtape I have ever heard in my life. Its very unique even though its 10 years old.
  48. eothh
    Oct 31, 2020
    10
    every songs are a magical, he is so talented !! he create song that are so original and always listenable
  49. OmriMusic
    Dec 12, 2020
    10
    BEST WORK FROM THE WEEKND BY FAR
    HIS FIRST SOLO PROJECT AND BY FAR HIS BEST ONE
    10/10 FOR SURE
    MASTERPIECE
    I OWN THE TWO LP'S VERSION VERY RECOMENDED
  50. mileyscyrus
    Mar 20, 2021
    10
    My favorite project by Abel. Every song hits different and the whole album is an experience.
  51. maiiissa
    Mar 23, 2021
    10
    house of balloons is my favourite mixtape of the weeknd. really good work and good lyrics and beat
  52. Hendo250
    Apr 10, 2021
    9
    this album is a 9 this album is a 9 this album is a 9 this album is a 9 this album is a 9
  53. EVERLEDIS
    Apr 17, 2021
    10
    *Before the song:*

    *( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)*

    *After the song:*

    *( ͡⊙ ͜ʖ ͡⊙)*
    *Before the song:*

    *( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)*

    *After the song:*

    *( ͡⊙ ͜ʖ ͡⊙)*
  54. GehraMC
    Sep 3, 2021
    10
    House Of Balloons, is undoubtedly one of the best projects that have ever been created referring to the R&B genre, Abel through these 9 songs reveals his most intimate secrets that happened in his residence in that distant 2011.
  55. themusicexpert0
    Sep 4, 2021
    10
    Simply phenomenal.His voice is something different but that is not just it.The story of this album makes you love it
  56. Sweethour22
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    the growth in his music is amazing, and in this album he shows it again, the transitions that he makes when advancing each song is incredible, very well thought out of all those who put effort into this amazing album
  57. veljko_
    Jan 9, 2022
    9
    dark and sad. thats it. i only wish Twenty Eight was on the original mixtape cuz its so good.

    best tracks: The Morning and The Knowing
    worst track: Loft Music

    9.6/10
  58. SteezyReviews
    Feb 13, 2022
    10
    In my top 3 pop/rnb records easily definitely my favorite of Able's records everything about it is just perfect
  59. Jackson889
    Sep 3, 2022
    7
    Sounds like a somewhat good pop hip hop album. Overall its one of his most well rounded albums.
  60. daytonatabooywr
    May 17, 2023
    9
    high for this is one of the greatest intro tracks of all time only bested by dark fantasy and ta13oo

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best Album of 2011
15
#15 Most Discussed Album of 2011
15
#15 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. AllMusic
    Dec 21, 2011
    70
    It's no turning point in a field populated by dozens of elder space cadets and mood architects, from Massive Attack to Spacek to Sa-Ra. As a flawed first step from a young newcomer, however, it's impressive.
    Read full review
  2. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Sep 13, 2011
    80
    While overall House of Balloons carries a chilling vibe, it proceeds to rock the listener with exciting tempos and relaxing melodies that intertwine to form a beautiful piece of art.
    Read full review
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Aug 3, 2011
    80
    For what The Weeknd have produced, regardless of what genre it is or isn't, is a very good record.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »