Starboy
by The Weeknd
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Nov 25, 2016
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 748 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 614 out of 748
  2. Mixed: 91 out of 748
  3. Negative: 43 out of 748
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  1. rodericrinehart
    Nov 28, 2016
    10
    One the catchiest songs ever written. Great combination of sound/beat and The Weeknd's slick delivery. He has a great range and has now moved on from his trademark hair.
  2. gustave154
    Nov 25, 2016
    10
    The Weeknd is back and doing what he does best, make chill music based on edgy things like drugs and sex while sounding like Michael Jackson reincarnated.
  3. G0ddeity
    Nov 27, 2016
    10
    One of the best music productions I have ever heard. Through this album, The Weeknd has skillfully displayed his mastery in a range of music genres while seamlessly blending them with his own unique artistic style, and still surprisingly able to deliver a coherent experience
  4. KriticalChaos
    Nov 29, 2016
    10
    The Weeknd just out-popped the pop kings. To me it feels like this is the direction he should keep moving towards. He's still talking about the same things, but everything production-wise is so fancy.

    My only minor gripes: I'm not a fan of Future so "All I Know" is not a favorite song of mine. "False Alarm"'s chorus is just too wacky for me. "Stargirl (Interlude)" just feels like a    The Weeknd just out-popped the pop kings. To me it feels like this is the direction he should keep moving towards. He's still talking about the same things, but everything production-wise is so fancy.

    My only minor gripes: I'm not a fan of Future so "All I Know" is not a favorite song of mine. "False Alarm"'s chorus is just too wacky for me. "Stargirl (Interlude)" just feels like a missed opportunity. Sometimes it feels like he's being a bit repetitive, but at least he's saying good stuff over and over and not the garbage other artists spew out.

    But every single other of the 15 songs on the album are songs I will be repeating for a long time on my playlists. I'm not even a big pop fan but he has a unique voice that's fun to sing along with.    … Expand
  5. JNOTR
    Oct 30, 2017
    10
    Perfect, just Perfect. From "Starboy" to "I Feel It Coming", this album is the resolution of perfection. I have no more words to describe who I love this.
  6. ClaraF
    Dec 20, 2016
    10
    Abel made an amazing work with his newest album "Starboy". It has a lot of great tracks like "All I Know", "Sidewalks", "Rockin'", "Love To Lay" and "Party Monster". They are also different, which makes me like this album even more. It also includes some interesting featuring artistis such as Daft Punk, Lana Del Rey and Future. Certainly a great album to listen and one of the greatest ofAbel made an amazing work with his newest album "Starboy". It has a lot of great tracks like "All I Know", "Sidewalks", "Rockin'", "Love To Lay" and "Party Monster". They are also different, which makes me like this album even more. It also includes some interesting featuring artistis such as Daft Punk, Lana Del Rey and Future. Certainly a great album to listen and one of the greatest of the year in my opinion.… Expand
  7. DavidV293
    Dec 1, 2016
    10
    I know some people are mad about this album being a lot different from Trilogy and BBTM. To me, it sounds like a straight masterpiece and is beautifully written with catchy beats. All the songs from this album are fantastic (In my opinion) and also, you can already tell that a lot of these will become hits. The Weeknd brings his dark lyrics and attempts to sing it in a really sweet rhythm.I know some people are mad about this album being a lot different from Trilogy and BBTM. To me, it sounds like a straight masterpiece and is beautifully written with catchy beats. All the songs from this album are fantastic (In my opinion) and also, you can already tell that a lot of these will become hits. The Weeknd brings his dark lyrics and attempts to sing it in a really sweet rhythm. A genius and amazing album.… Expand
  8. TheKavehJ
    Nov 27, 2016
    10
    The best part of Starboy is the fact that Abel found a way to tie both of his fanbases into one album. Some of the songs, such as Party Monster, Six Feet Under, and Attention, bring the original fans back to the first Trilogy of mixtapes, while songs such as Starboy, Rockin', Secrets, and Sidewalks reach out to the newer fans, who just heard him from his latest album. Nevertheless, TheThe best part of Starboy is the fact that Abel found a way to tie both of his fanbases into one album. Some of the songs, such as Party Monster, Six Feet Under, and Attention, bring the original fans back to the first Trilogy of mixtapes, while songs such as Starboy, Rockin', Secrets, and Sidewalks reach out to the newer fans, who just heard him from his latest album. Nevertheless, The Weeknd shines on his latest album, with no truly bad song. Here is a track by track rating of the songs.

    Starboy - 7/10 - The rating for this song used to be higher, but because of how it has been overplayed too many times, I have brought the rating down to a 7. The Weeknd kicks off his newest album with this Daft Punk produced song.

    Party Monster - 9/10 - A tribute to the old Weeknd is exactly what a good amount of his fans needed. The song reassures our hope that he still has some R&B roots left.

    False Alarm - 6/10 - This song doesn't sound like The Weeknd, at all. It doesn't flow with the rest of the album at all, and just sounds like another artists' song that was put on to this album. The music video makes the song so much better though.

    Reminder - 8/10 - Once again, Reminder takes us back to the mixtapes, which is very needed. The song isn't exactly catchy, and newer fans won't appreciate it, but for the older fans, such as myself, it is gold.

    Rockin' - 10/10 - With a catchy beat, Rockin' is one of the best songs on Starboy. The song has an upbeat tempo, and is so much fun to listen too.

    Secrets - 10/10 - Secrets is another good one. Once you listen to this song over and over again, it will get stuck in your head. The song has a great beat, and is very enjoyable to listen to.

    True Colors - 8/10 - This song also seems like a song that could fit in on his 2013 album Kiss Land. The song is amazing, but after two upbeat songs, it feels weird where it is on the album.

    Stargirl Interlude - 9/10 - Lana Del Rey makes her second appearance on a Weeknd album, and it's a good one. She belongs on the song, and makes it even better than it already is.

    Sidewalks - 10/10 - Upon seeing the tracklist, I knew that this song would be one of the best on the album. And it truly is. Kendrick delivers fire upon the Weeknd's voice, all upon an amazing beat.

    Six Feet Under - 9/10 - I thought that this song was good, but it kind of sounded like Low Life a little bit. The second verse had the exact same style and type of words, but overall, the song is great.

    Love To Lay - 10/10 - This song is another perfect one. On an upbeat tempo, The Weeknd delivers the right kind of music, and makes the song so enjoyable to listen to.

    A Lonely Night - 10/10 - The Weeknd truly resembles Michael Jackson on this track. It has a funk beat and just really works on this album.

    Attention - 10/10 - I really like this song because it reminds me of the Trilogy days. The song is a patronage to his older mixtapes, and is just amazing.

    Ordinary Life - 10/10 - This song reminds me of just cruising down the freeway, with all the windows down, and the volume turned all the way up. This song belongs in that scene.

    Nothing Without You - 9/10 - This song also stands out from all the other songs on the album. It has a different vibe than all the other songs, but the song works out.

    All I Know - 10/10 - The Weeknd and Future. How could that not be amazing. The song is awesome, and does a great job starting to slow the album down for the end.

    Die For You - 8/10 - I like this song, but it's not my favorite. Out of all the songs on the album, this song isn't my favorite.

    I Feel It Coming - 10/10 - This could be one of the best closing songs on an album ever, placing up there with Angel and Till The End. This song is amazing, and is honestly one of the best songs I have heard this year. An amazing close to an amazing album.    … Expand
  9. yulinbarak2001
    Nov 26, 2016
    10
    Un grandioso regreso del exitoso The Weeknd. Los sonidos R&B/Soul fusionados con otros géneros hacen de este la mejor entrega de The Weeknd hasta la fecha.
  10. luizfelipeluiz
    Nov 26, 2016
    10
    huge effort made by Canadian act the weeknd. sounds familiar to his previous works but with a glimpse of fresh beats. this is by far my favorite album of 2016.
  11. tikokito123
    Mar 11, 2017
    10
    one of the best albums i heard! the songs in the album is perfect! i like it! the weeknd prove him self again with this album after buty behind the madnes (that was a great album)! all who's want to buy the album is more than just can!
  12. pauramon
    Nov 25, 2016
    10
    This album is a big masterpiecei¡ in the modern pop music. Full of songs that could be easily hits, surprised for the album. I have been loving The Weeknd for years, but now finally I can define myself as a fan of Abel after listening to Starboy several times since it came out a few hours ago.
  13. sucio_21
    Nov 26, 2016
    10
    it's just like, if RAM and Yeezus have a son and they call him the weeknd, and the boy grown up to become a MTFK starboy!!! yes is the best album of 2016!!!
  14. goodovoxo
    Nov 25, 2016
    10
    If you are only looking for Trilogy-like songs, you will be disappointed. However, the album is a masterpiece in modern pop music and there are plenty of songs that rank among the best songs the Weeknd. Stand out has to be Secrets, which is a beautiful pop song with a dark undertone.
  15. Joel_Freecheck
    Nov 25, 2016
    10
    Killing his old style has let out an entirely different beast. The Weeknd's "Starboy" is wild and explosive, jumping from bangers (Starboy, Six Feet Under) to R&B slow jams (True Colors) to pop gold (Love To Lay, I Feel It Coming). Great album full of amazing singles.
  16. thelastdovahduc
    Nov 25, 2016
    10
    A mix between The Trilogy and BBTM, with A little Kissland. A match made in heaven... Prince and David Bowie would have loved this album. I recommend this album for all!
  17. noelthelastdova
    Nov 25, 2016
    10
    Great album by The Weeknd... He has some experimental sounds in this album like "False Alarm" for example and he has some groovy ass sounds like "Secrets" and "Rockin". I definitely recommend this album.
  18. BCNick22
    Nov 25, 2016
    10
    Oh man what can I say? This guy just keeps making bangers and chart toppers but still stays true to himself! I see some people hate on this new so called "pop" version of The Weeknd so wanted to add my two cents. Why is making great sounding pop music considered a bad thing? The Weeknd continues to evolve with each mixtape/album he drops. Great artists experiment with their sound... itOh man what can I say? This guy just keeps making bangers and chart toppers but still stays true to himself! I see some people hate on this new so called "pop" version of The Weeknd so wanted to add my two cents. Why is making great sounding pop music considered a bad thing? The Weeknd continues to evolve with each mixtape/album he drops. Great artists experiment with their sound... it is what makes them artists, their creative genius.

    This is the best and most excited I've been after a first listen to an album since Empire of The Suns debut and Julian Casablancas: Phrazes for the Young. The stretch of songs from Stargirl interlude - A lonely night is pure bliss. He's got the Michael Jackson swag with an incredible voice of his own and great cadence. I love that he experiments with different genres and sounds throughout the album. You got some trap hood tracks, some electro r&b, pop club songs, and even an interlude very indie rock. Hates might hate, but I am so on board with the direction The Weeknd is taking his music.

    10/10    … Expand
  19. cristian9299
    Nov 26, 2016
    10
    This album completely blew me away. There is not a single song on the album that I don't like. The constant argument that I'm hearing is that it's "no Trilogy", which may be true, but this album is so different. What makes this album special is the constant changes in between songs from R&B to Pop to Hip/Hop and it WORKS. The transition finds a way to be so smooth and that is what makesThis album completely blew me away. There is not a single song on the album that I don't like. The constant argument that I'm hearing is that it's "no Trilogy", which may be true, but this album is so different. What makes this album special is the constant changes in between songs from R&B to Pop to Hip/Hop and it WORKS. The transition finds a way to be so smooth and that is what makes this one of the better albums I have heard in a very long time. I still am struggling to pick a favorite song on the album… Expand
  20. Paparazzi2351
    Nov 26, 2016
    10
    Um hinario desses, primeiro que o cd tem 18 musicas e mesmo assim consegue prender a atenção de quem o escuta de uma forma surpreendente, todas as musicas muito bem escritas e muito bem produzidas.
    Esse cd entra facilmente em um dos melhores do ano e como sempre o THE WEEKND SALVANDO O POP MASCULINO
  21. andykarandas
    Nov 27, 2016
    10
    An amazing piece of work. A beautiful yet dark album. While some songs has a more pop feel, he still comes back to the eerie R&B sound he is known for. Auto-tune was unnecessary for someone with his voice, but works well. Amazing melodies, and vocal performance, and beautiful writing.
  22. Zvloski
    Nov 28, 2016
    10
    I have been following the Weeknd since his very first mixtape. I have loved every subsequent mixtape or album. The thing is some people might like his older music and some his newer music, but I enjoy his creativity, his mind and how he tells his story through his music. I am really enjoying his evolution. People that are just into his music may be disappointed with some of the stuff heI have been following the Weeknd since his very first mixtape. I have loved every subsequent mixtape or album. The thing is some people might like his older music and some his newer music, but I enjoy his creativity, his mind and how he tells his story through his music. I am really enjoying his evolution. People that are just into his music may be disappointed with some of the stuff he released but the people who enjoy him as an artist, his music and his evolution will get it, and Will love it. Also you have to have and open mind and be inclusive of various genres of music to understand his direction. Anyways bomb album!!!!!… Expand
  23. hidde8113n
    Jul 20, 2019
    10
    this is one of the greatest albums of decade and i can't believe it rate is under 80.
  24. mahaliamarie123
    Apr 24, 2017
    10
    Abel Makkonen Tesfaye blew me away with this new album, it seems like some of the songs like six feet under, sidewalks, all i know, ordinary life, and true colors could tell a story about somebody's life, they could even use those songs in a movie. Because if I were to write a movie about something deep, and truthful from the heart and those songs help express it, I would ask him to be inAbel Makkonen Tesfaye blew me away with this new album, it seems like some of the songs like six feet under, sidewalks, all i know, ordinary life, and true colors could tell a story about somebody's life, they could even use those songs in a movie. Because if I were to write a movie about something deep, and truthful from the heart and those songs help express it, I would ask him to be in the movie and if i could use his music… Expand
  25. KripBop
    Jun 29, 2017
    10
    definetly gd electro rnb album influential for the genre not music but bbm remains his best project with the mixtapes although he influences his voice out for the album
  26. Raphael2017
    Jul 25, 2017
    10
    Desde que ouvi starboy pela primeira vez já senti o impacto dessa nova era, não tem uma música nesse album que não vicie, felizmente melhor album masculino de 2016,
  27. Brownboy
    Dec 29, 2017
    10
    One of the best albums from 2017. Talks aobut the struggles and great voice.
  28. Dsros96
    Jun 3, 2020
    10
    The Weeknd outdid himself with this album. Starboy is cohesive yet not plain. Every songs deserves to be a single. The singles which are still amazing don't represent the greatness of this album.
  29. wizardhat
    Mar 2, 2019
    10
    all songs hits
  30. LiiOnGz
    Mar 27, 2020
    10
    Starboy es un muy buen álbum con muy buenas canciones, que a pesar de no ser lo tradicional de the weeknd, sigue siendo un gran álbum.
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Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Most Discussed Album of 2016
17
#17 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. XXL
    Dec 19, 2016
    80
    The Weeknd is a self-described pop star, and proves his worth on Starboy, an album with plenty to love.
    Read full review
  2. Q Magazine
    Dec 13, 2016
    60
    Tesfaye can't decide if he's having the best time f his life or the worst. [Feb 2017, p.119]
  3. Clash Music
    Dec 5, 2016
    70
    It may showcase a cleaner sound, both in lyrical content and production, but its value for money at eighteen tracks comes at the cost of coherence.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »