This single marked a significant shift for The Weeknd, embracing a darker, more aggressive sound that propelled him further into the mainstream. Its raw lyrics and haunting production became a hallmark of his evolving artistic identity.
- "The Hills" debuted at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and quickly rose to number one, becoming his second chart-topping single. The song was produced by Illangelo and Max Martin, with co-production from Oscar Holter. It was eventually certified 8x Platinum by the RIAA.
- The music video for "The Hills" was directed by Grant Singer and filmed in Los Angeles, quickly amassing hundreds of millions of views. It won the award for Best Music Video at the 2015 MTV Europe Music Awards.
- The song's themes of hedonism, addiction, and the darker side of fame resonated with a massive audience, cementing its status as one of The Weeknd's signature tracks. It was a critical and commercial success, further establishing his dominance in contemporary pop music.
Abel Tesfaye is a Canadian singer and songwriter known for his dark R&B sound and genre-blending style. "The Hills" was released as the second single from his highly anticipated second studio album, Beauty Behind the Madness.
Tracklist
