Moth to a Flame

Where they were

By the time 'Moth to a Flame' was released in October 2021, The Weeknd had already established himself as a leading figure in contemporary R&B, following his critically acclaimed album 'After Hours' from earlier that year. This collaboration with Swedish House Mafia marked his first major project after achieving commercial peak status, showcasing his ability to merge pop sensibilities with darker thematic content.

Why it matters

'Moth to a Flame' is significant not only for its commercial success but also for marking a reunion between The Weeknd and Swedish House Mafia, a group influential in shaping electronic and pop music. The single received extensive radio play and charted well internationally, further solidifying The Weeknd's reputation as an artist capable of crossing genre boundaries.

Essential tracks

• "Moth to a Flame" — The title track encapsulates the central themes of longing and emotional vulnerability while blending catchy pop hooks with atmospheric production.