Starboy

The harmony is defined by a repetitive four-bar loop that utilizes the Natural Minor (Aeolian) scale. Unlike traditional functional harmony that uses a Major V chord (E7) to resolve to Am, 'Starboy' uses the flat VII (G major), which provides a more modern, 'cool' R&B aesthetic characteristic of Daft Punk's production. This lack of a leading tone (G#) prevents the progression from feeling overly dramatic or 'classical,' allowing the focus to remain on the rhythmic pocket and Abel's vocal delivery.

The song was a collaboration between The Weeknd and the French electronic duo Daft Punk. During a session in Paris, Daft Punk played a drum loop and a basic track they had developed. The Weeknd reportedly wrote the lyrics and recorded the vocals in a single session lasting about 30 minutes, capturing his thoughts on his rapid rise to global stardom.

Teaming up with French duo Daft Punk, this track blends moody R&B with a polished electronic pulse to explore the duality of fame. It serves as a definitive turning point in Abel Tesfaye’s career, effectively killing off his underground persona to embrace high-fashion stardom.