In the realm of music, artists use various techniques to convey their intended messages and evoke certain emotions in their listeners. One such technique is the use of contrasting elements within a song, such as the outro and the rest of the composition. In this article, we will explore the captivating track “The Hills” by The Weeknd and examine how the outro presents a contrasting meaning to the rest of the song, resulting in a thought-provoking listening experience.

 

Outro	Rest of Song
Energetic and euphoric sound	Dark and brooding atmosphere
Sudden shift in tone	Consistent bleakness throughout
“When I’m fucked up, that’s the real me” – Challenging authenticity	Portrays a tormented character and their struggles
Raises questions about the true nature of the protagonist’s emotions	Depicts a life of indulgence, self-destructive behavior, and toxic relationships
Sparks interpretations about moments of clarity or duality of human nature	Emphasizes emotional emptiness and a desperate longing for connection

This table highlights the contrasting elements between the outro and the rest of the song, showing how they present different meanings and evoke different emotions within the overall composition.

Setting the Stage

Released in 2015 as the lead single from The Weeknd’s second studio album, Beauty Behind the Madness, “The Hills” quickly gained popularity and became a chart-topping hit. The song’s dark and brooding atmosphere, combined with its introspective lyrics, captivated audiences worldwide. However, it is the outro that truly sets it apart, sparking a dialogue about its contrasting meaning in relation to the rest of the song.

The Hills: A Journey into Darkness

From the very beginning, “The Hills” establishes a dark and haunting soundscape that draws the listener into The Weeknd’s world. The lyrics depict a tortured character caught in a cycle of indulgence, self-destructive behavior, and toxic relationships. The verses and choruses paint a vivid picture of a life filled with fleeting pleasures, emotional emptiness, and a desperate longing for connection.

Clashing meanings

Amidst this sonic exploration of darkness, the outro unexpectedly diverges from the song’s prevailing narrative. In the final moments of “The Hills,” the music abruptly shifts to a more euphoric and energetic sound. The Weeknd sings, “When I’m fucked up, that’s the real me,” challenging the listener’s perception of the previous verses. This sudden shift leaves the audience questioning the authenticity of the emotions portrayed and the true nature of the protagonist’s struggles.

Interpretations and Debates

The contrasting meaning between the outro and the rest of “The Hills” has sparked numerous interpretations and debates among fans and music enthusiasts. Some argue that the outro represents a moment of clarity in which the character embraces her true self amidst the chaos. Others believe it serves as a provocative statement about the duality of human nature, challenging the notion of authenticity and the masks we wear in our daily lives.

Artistic expression and emotional impact

One of the beauties of music is its ability to create powerful emotional experiences for listeners. “The Hills” masterfully uses the clash between the outro and the rest of the song to evoke a range of emotions and leave an indelible impression on its audience. The conflicting tones and meanings create a sense of unease, prompting introspection and encouraging listeners to question their own perceptions and experiences.

Key aspects and impact of ‘The Hills’ by The Weeknd

1. Background and inspiration:
   “The Hills” was co-written by The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Ahmad Balshe, Emmanuel Nickerson, Carlo Montagnese and Mano. It was produced by Mano and Illangelo. It was inspired by The Weeknd’s experiences with fame, success, and the darker side of his personal life.
2. Chart success and impact:
   “The Hills” was a commercial success, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s popularity helped solidify The Weeknd’s position as a prominent artist in the music industry. It was certified multiple times platinum and received numerous awards.
3. Artistic Evolution:
   “The Hills marked a significant shift in The Weeknd’s musical style. While his previous work had a more atmospheric and introspective sound, “The Hills” introduced a darker and more aggressive tone, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
4. Music Video:
   The music video for “The Hills” was directed by Grant Singer and further emphasized the song’s themes of darkness and excess. It depicts a car crash scene and explores surreal and disturbing imagery, adding another layer of visual storytelling to the song.
5. Critical reception:
   “The Hills” received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its production, The Weeknd’s vocal performance, and its ability to create a haunting atmosphere. The song’s contrasting outro was often highlighted as a standout element, adding depth and complexity to the overall composition.
6. Cultural Impact:
   “The Hills” not only resonated with audiences, but also had a lasting impact on popular culture. Its unique blend of gritty R&B, pop, and hip-hop influences influenced subsequent artists and helped shape the contemporary music landscape.

Conclusion

The Weeknd’s “The Hills” is a testament to the power of contrast in music. The clash between the outro and the rest of the song presents listeners with a thought-provoking narrative that challenges their understanding of the protagonist’s struggles. It exemplifies the artistic depth and emotional impact that can be achieved through the interplay of contrasting elements within a composition. Ultimately, the contrasting meanings within “The Hills” invite us to explore the complexities of human nature and the masks we wear in our quest for connection and self-discovery.

FAQ

What inspired The Weeknd to create The Hills?

“The Hills” was inspired by The Weeknd’s personal experiences with fame, success and the darker aspects of his life. The song reflects his journey and the challenges he faced while navigating his newfound celebrity status.

How does the contrasting outro in “The Hills” contribute to the overall meaning of the song?

The contrasting outro in “The Hills” challenges the prevailing narrative of the song by raising questions about the authenticity of the protagonist’s emotions. It serves as a thought-provoking moment that asks listeners to reconsider their understanding of the struggles depicted in the rest of the composition.

What impact has “The Hills” had on The Weeknd’s career and the music industry?

“The Hills” propelled The Weeknd to new heights of success and solidified his position as a major artist. The song topped charts worldwide and garnered critical acclaim for its unique blend of dark and brooding elements. It also influenced subsequent artists and contributed to the evolution of contemporary music, showcasing The Weeknd’s artistic growth and versatility.

What does ewedihalehu mean in english?

Ewedihalehu/ Yene konjo, ewedihalehu/ Yene fikir, fikir, fikir, fikir/ Yene fikir, fikir, fikir, fikir. This means: I love you very much/ My beautiful, I love you very much/ My love, love, love, love/ My love, love, love, love. in Amharic (a language native to Ethiopia (he is of Ethiopian decent)).

How many versions of The Hills did the Weeknd make?

67 versions

“There are 67 versions of ‘The Hills,’ arguably one of my biggest songs,” he said.

Is the weekend Ethiopian?

The Weeknd is the son of Ethiopian immigrants. The East African country continues to grapple with a brutal internal conflict with natives from the northern region of Tigray. He has been vocal about his feelings on the situation and has encouraged others to match his generous donation.

Does Basta mean stop?

Basta is the imperative form of the Italian verb bastare, “to stop.” It’s a forceful way to command: That’s enough!

What does YENE fikir meaning?

Yene Fikir, Ethiopia, meaning ‘My Love, Ethiopia‘, follows the turbulent and mystical journey of a young girl searching for freedom after being separated from her family.

What is The Weeknd’s most successful song?

Best Weeknd Songs: 27 Career-Defining Tracks From The Starboy

• 8: Rolling Stone.
• 7: The Birds Pt.
• 6: The Birds Pt.
• 5: Starboy (featuring Daft Punk)
• 4: Sacrifice.
• 3: King Of The Fall.
• 2: Coming Down.
• 1: Blinding Lights.

Who is more successful The Weeknd or Drake?

Meanwhile, in Drake’s career, which spans just over a decade, The Boy has sold 164 million units, making him the second biggest-selling streaming artist of all-time. The Weeknd is eighth on that list. The rating of importance in this situation seems to be in the eye of the beholder.

What is The Weeknd’s most listened to song?

Blinding Lights

“Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd is the most streamed song on Spotify with over 3.3 billion streams.

What dies grotty mean?

unpleasant or of bad quality

/ˈɡrɑː.t̬i/ unpleasant or of bad quality: a grotty little room. Informal words for bad.

What language is Basta?

Italian and Spanish verb

: that’s enough : stop it!

What is konjo?

From the Ethiopian language of Amharic, Konjo means BEAUTIFUL.

What is Parra language?

Parra is a Romance language created for the Tauridian Republic of Crimea in Ill Bethisad.

What language is Jim?

Etymology. From Arabic جِيم‎ (jīm).

What language is Pantera?

Translation of pantera – Italian–English dictionary

panther [noun] a leopard, especially a large one.