High for This

Last updated

"High for This"
Song by the Weeknd
from the album House of Balloons and Trilogy
ReleasedMarch 21, 2011
Recorded2010 – 2011 [1]
Studio Cirkut's Dream House (Toronto, Ontario)
Genre
Length
  • 4:07
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)

"High for This" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd, and serves as the opening track of his debut mixtape, House of Balloons (2011). It was written by the Weeknd with producers Adrien Gough and Cirkut. The track was later remastered and commercially released on the Weeknd's compilation album, Trilogy (2012).

Contents

Music and recording

The producer Cirkut first met the Weeknd after being told about him through a mutual friend, who called him "the next big thing." The two later met for a recording session in Cirkut's home studio. After Cirkut created a bassline and some "general music arrangements", the Weeknd freestyled over the instrumental, which led to the creation of "High for This". The song was recorded in one day, but the two went over it several times before its final version. [2]

The song's sheet music, published by Songs Music Publishing at Musicnotes.com, shows that the song is written in the key of B minor and follows a tempo of 69 beats per minute. The Weeknd's vocal range spans from D6 to B4. [3] "High for This" starts with a sound that is described by HotNewHipHop as "an eerie, ominous ringing in your ears," while stating that Tesfaye sings the first verse "as though he is on an MDMA-influenced high." [4] Billboard 's Kat Bein had described the track as "moody noise," with "throbbing percussion." [5]

The lyrics of "High for This" are described in a review of its parent mixtape by Pitchfork as "[the Weeknd handholding] a partner through some strange sex act", [6] while Highsnobiety further added on, interpreting the lyrics as the Weeknd coaching the listener through "getting high". [7] Rolling Stone went more into detail, stating the lines "Open your hand / Take a glass / Don’t be scared / I’m right here.” was the Weeknd's way to "red-pill" his listeners. [8] Bein interpreted that the song could be his way of telling the listener that they want to be "high for the musical greateness that is to follow, i.e. his whole career." [5]

Critical reception

Consequence ranked "High for This" as the Weeknd's 8th best song, stating that it "embodies" the label of "haunted strip club music," and called its production "cavernous [and] titillating". [9] Rolling Stone ranked it as the Weeknd's 7th best song, stating it serves as the perfect introduction to the Weeknd's "groundbreaking" aesthetic, and further stating that the song hovers between "darkwave and bedroom R&B." [8]

Commercial performance

In France, the song peaked at 97. [10] In the United States, "High for This" did not enter the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, but peaked at number 22 on the Hot R&B Songs chart. [11]

Personnel

Credits adapted from liner notes for Trilogy [12]

Charts

Chart performance for "High for This"
Chart (2012–2015)Peak
position
France (SNEP) [13] 97
US Hot R&B Songs ( Billboard ) [14] 22

Certifications

Certifications for "High for This"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada) [15] Platinum80,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [16] Silver200,000‡
United States (RIAA) [17] Platinum1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

In other media

The song "High for This" was featured in the promo for the final season of the HBO show Entourage in July 2011. [18]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Weeknd</span> Canadian singer-songwriter (born 1990)

Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known professionally as the Weeknd, is a Canadian singer and songwriter. He is known for his unconventional music production, artistic reinventions, and signature use of the falsetto register.

<i>House of Balloons</i> First of three 2011 mixtapes by the Weeknd

House of Balloons is the debut mixtape by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd. It was released on March 21, 2011, by the artist's own record label XO. The mixtape was released for free on the Weeknd's website and was the subject of increased media discussion upon the use of its songs on television, as well as the then-anonymous identity of the individual behind the Weeknd. House of Balloons was entirely recorded in Toronto, with production handled primarily by the Weeknd, Doc McKinney, Illangelo, and Cirkut; the Weeknd would later collaborate with all three on several future releases. Its title is derived from the nickname the singer gave to his former home in Parkdale, Toronto.

<i>Thursday</i> (album) Second of three 2011 mixtapes by the Weeknd

Thursday is the second mixtape by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd. It was released on August 18, 2011, by XO. Like his debut mixtape House of Balloons (2011), the Weeknd collaborated with producers and songwriters Doc McKinney and Illangelo; the duo produced Thursday in its entirety, and it contains fewer samples than its predecessor. Recorded in Toronto, the mixtape features a guest appearance from the Canadian rapper Drake.

<i>Echoes of Silence</i> Last of three 2011 mixtapes by the Weeknd

Echoes of Silence is the third mixtape by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd, released on December 21, 2011, by XO. Like his debut mixtape House of Balloons and his second mixtape Thursday, the Weeknd collaborated with musician Illangelo; who produced the majority of the project. The project also featured first-time collaborations with producers Clams Casino and DropXLife and a spoken-word interlude from rapper Juicy J. Lyrically, Echoes of Silence contains similar themes to the Weeknd's previous projects, exploring his drug use and experiences with love. The project was preceded by the release of the promotional single "Initiation" on October 10, 2011.

<i>Trilogy</i> (The Weeknd album) 2012 compilation album by the Weeknd

Trilogy is the first compilation album and major label debut by Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd. It was released on November 13, 2012, through XO and Republic Records. It is composed of remixed and remastered versions of the songs contained in his 2011 mixtapes House of Balloons, Thursday and Echoes of Silence, and three previously unreleased songs, "Twenty Eight", "Valerie", and "Till Dawn " were included as bonus tracks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Twenty Eight (song)</span> 2012 single by the Weeknd

"Twenty Eight" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd, featured as a bonus track on the version of his debut mixtape House of Balloons (2011). It was released as the album's second single on November 13, 2012 by XO and Republic Records. The song only appears on the reissue of the mixtape that is included with his 2012 compilation album, Trilogy. The song was recorded at Site Sound Studios and mixed at Liberty Studios in Toronto. Producers Doc McKinney and Illangelo co-wrote the song and performed all instrumentation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Hills (song)</span> 2015 single by the Weeknd

"The Hills" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd. It was released on May 27, 2015, as the second single from his second studio album, Beauty Behind the Madness (2015). The song was written by the Weeknd alongside producers Emmanuel "Mano" Nickerson and Illangelo, with Belly receiving additional writing credits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acquainted</span> 2015 single by the Weeknd

"Acquainted" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd, from his second studio album, Beauty Behind the Madness (2015). It was sent to urban contemporary stations on November 17, 2015, by XO and Republic Records, serving as the album's fifth single. He wrote and produced the song with DaHeala, DannyBoyStyles, Illangelo, and Ben Billions.

<i>Starboy</i> (album) 2016 studio album by the Weeknd

Starboy is the third studio album by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd, released on November 25, 2016, through XO and Republic Records. It features guest appearances from Daft Punk, Lana Del Rey, Kendrick Lamar, and Future. As the album's executive producers, the Weeknd and Doc McKinney enlisted a variety of producers such as Diplo, Cashmere Cat, Metro Boomin, Frank Dukes, and Labrinth, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Starboy (song)</span> 2016 song by the Weeknd featuring Daft Punk

"Starboy" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd featuring the French electronic duo Daft Punk. It was released on September 21, 2016, through XO and Republic Records, as the lead single from his third studio album of the same name (2016). The artists wrote and produced the song with Doc McKinney and Henry "Cirkut" Walter, with Jason "DaHeala" Quenneville receiving additional credits. It is an R&B and electropop song that reflects themes of extravagance and celebrity life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Feel It Coming</span> 2016 single by the Weeknd featuring Daft Punk

"I Feel It Coming" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd featuring the French electronic duo Daft Punk, from his third studio album, Starboy (2016). The song was written and produced by the Weeknd, Daft Punk, Doc McKinney, and Cirkut, with Eric Chedeville receiving writing credits. It was released for digital download as the album's third single on November 17, 2016. Throughout 2016 and 2017, the song was sent to radios in the UK, the US, and Italy. It is a disco-pop song which lyrically discuss the themes of love and lust, where he reassures his lover after their failed relationships and trauma. Music journalists complimented the song's vocals and production, drawing comparisons to the works of Michael Jackson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reminder (song)</span> 2017 single by the Weeknd

"Reminder" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd from his third studio album, Starboy (2016). It was written by him with Dylan Wiggins, DaHeala, and its producers Doc McKinney, Mano and Cirkut. The song was released to rhythmic contemporary radio on May 9, 2017, as the album's fifth single in the United States.

"House of Balloons / Glass Table Girls" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd, from his debut mixtape, House of Balloons (2011). The Weeknd wrote the song with its producers, Doc McKinney and Illangelo. It was included on his compilation album, Trilogy (2012). The song is a two-part track. Its first part, "House of Balloons", was built around a sample of the British band Siouxsie and the Banshees' 1980 single, "Happy House", and lyrically attempts to convince someone that everything is fine in his "happy house". Its second part, "Glass Table Girls", replaces the sample with a more darker beat, and discusses lyrical themes of drugs and sex.

"After Hours" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd from his fourth studio album of the same name. It was released through XO and Republic Records as the album's promotional single on February 19, 2020. The Weeknd wrote and produced the song with Illangelo, DaHeala and Mario Winans, with Belly receiving additional writing credits.

"Until I Bleed Out" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd from his fourth studio album After Hours. It was released as the closing track from the album on March 20, 2020. It was written and produced alongside Metro Boomin, Oneohtrix Point Never, Prince 85, and Notinbed. A music video for the song was released on April 7, 2020.

"Snowchild" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd from his fourth studio album After Hours. It was released on March 20, 2020, alongside the rest of its parent album. A music video for the song was released on July 22, 2020. The song was written and produced by The Weeknd, Illangelo, and DaHeala; with Belly receiving additional writing credits.

"Too Late" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd from his fourth studio album After Hours (2020). It was released on March 20, 2020, alongside the rest of its parent album. A music video for the song was released on October 22, 2020. The Weeknd co-wrote the song with its producers, Illangelo, DaHeala, and Ricky Reed, with additional production credits going to Nate Mercereau.

"Repeat After Me (Interlude)" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd from his fourth studio album After Hours (2020), featuring vocals from the Australian musician Kevin Parker. The song was written by the Weeknd, along with its producers Oneohtrix Point Never and Parker. It was released on March 20, 2020, alongside the rest of its parent album.

"Escape from LA" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd from his fourth studio album After Hours. It was released on March 20, 2020, alongside the rest of its parent album as the sixth track. The Weeknd co-wrote and produced the song along with Carlo Montagnese and Leland Tyler Wayne, with Mike McTaggart also credited as a songwriter.

"Rolling Stone" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd, from his second mixtape, Thursday (2011). It was released on May 25, 2011, as the mixtape's first promotional single. In 2012, the song was remastered and released commercially on the Weeknd's compilation album, Trilogy (2012). It was written by the Weeknd alongside producers Doc McKinney and Illangelo.

References

  1. ↑ "IamA the Weeknd Ask Me Anything!". September 13, 2013. Archived from the original on October 22, 2021. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
  2. ↑ Gonzalez, Alex (March 19, 2021). "The Weeknd's 'House Of Balloons' Launched A Pop Career Shrouded In Mystery". MTV . Retrieved April 4, 2024.
  3. ↑ "High for This". www.musicnotes.com. January 11, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  4. ↑ Lilah, Rose (July 10, 2020). "The Weeknd's "High For This" Is For The Youth". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  5. 1 2 Bein, Kat (December 24, 2016). "The Weeknd's 20 Best Songs: Critics' Picks". Billboard. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  6. ↑ "The Weeknd: House of Balloons". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  7. ↑ Barnett, Donovan (May 2, 2023). "The 31 Best Songs By The Weeknd To Bump When You Are In Your Feelings". Highsnobiety . Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  8. 1 2 "The 50 Best Weeknd Songs - Rolling Stone". Rolling Stone . February 14, 2022. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
  9. ↑ "The Weeknd's 10 Best Songs". Consequence . February 16, 2023. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  10. ↑ "lescharts.com - Discographie The Weeknd". lescharts.com. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  11. ↑ "The Weeknd | Biography, Music & News". Billboard. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  12. ↑ Trilogy (CD liner). The Weeknd. Republic Records. 2012. 3719793.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  13. ↑ "The Weeknd – High for This" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  14. ↑ "The Weeknd Hot R&B Songs Chart History". Billboard . Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  15. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – The Weeknd – High for This". Music Canada . Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  16. ↑ "British single certifications – The Weeknd – High for This". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  17. ↑ "American single certifications – The Weeknd – High for This". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  18. ↑ Osei, Anthony. "Video: The Weeknd's "High For This" is Entourage's Season 8 Promo Song". Complex. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.