Less than Zero (The Weeknd song)

"Less than Zero" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd. It was released to French contemporary hit radio on July 7, 2022, as the fourth and final single from his fifth studio album Dawn FM (2022).^[1] The song was written by the Weeknd, Max Martin, and Oscar Holter, and produced by the three alongside Oneohtrix Point Never.

"Less Than Zero"
Single by the Weeknd
from the album Dawn FM
Released	July 7, 2022 (2022-07-07)
Genre	Synth-pop new wave
Length	3:32
Label	XO Republic
Songwriter(s)	Abel Tesfaye Max Martin Oscar Holter
Producer(s)	The Weeknd Max Martin Oscar Holter Oneohtrix Point Never
The Weeknd singles chronology
"Out of Time" (2022) "Less Than Zero" (2022) "Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength)" (2022)

Background and promotion

The song's name was first revealed on January 5, 2022, when Canadian singer the Weeknd posted the track listing for the song's parent album Dawn FM (2022).^[2][3] A lyric video for the song directed by Micah Bickham was released on January 9, 2022.^[4] It was also one of the songs performed in the television music special The Dawn FM Experience.^[5]

The song was given a limited single release in France, with it being sent to contemporary hit radio on July 7, 2022, in the country.^[1]

"Less than Zero" served as one of the two official theme songs for WWE's WrestleMania 39, marking the fourth straight year a song by the Weeknd served as the theme song for the annual event.^[6]

Lyrics and composition

"Less than Zero" has been described as a slow-dance new wave and synth-pop track where the Weeknd sings about remaining regretful sentiments he has after the end of a relationship and how he blames himself. It is in the key of C major.^{[7][8][9][10][11]}

Critical reception

"Less Than Zero" was met with widespread acclaim. Critics noted the song as a highlight on the record, with particular praise being given to the song's production, lyrics, its acoustic ending and The Weeknd's emotionally resonant vocals.^[7][12] Critics from Billboard noted that the song had the ability to potentially achieve the top 40 success that the singles from the Weeknd's previous After Hours predecessors had.^[13]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.^[14]

• The Weeknd – vocals, background vocals, songwriting, production
• Max Martin – guitar, keyboard, bass, background vocals, programming, songwriting, production
• Oscar Holter – guitar, keyboard, bass, programming, songwriting, production
• OPN - production
• Şerban Ghenea - mixing
• Dave Kutch – mastering
• Kevin Peterson – mastering
• Jeremy Lertola - engineering
• John Hanes - engineering
• Matt Cohn - engineering
• Sam Holland - engineering
• Shin Kamiyama - engineering

Charts

Chart performance for "Less than Zero"

Chart (2022)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA)[15]	47
Australia Hip-Hop/R&B Singles (ARIA)[16]	18
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[17]	32
Canada CHR/Top 40 (Billboard)[18]	46
Denmark (Tracklisten)[19]	33
France (SNEP)[20]	82
Global 200 (Billboard)[21]	24
Greece International (IFPI)[22]	14
Iceland (Tónlistinn)[23]	21
India International Singles (IMI)[24]	16
Lithuania (AGATA)[25]	30
Portugal (AFP)[26]	39
Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100)[27]	56
South Africa (TOSAC)[28]	63
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[29]	67
UK Audio Streaming (OCC)[30]	57
US Billboard Hot 100[31]	53

Certifications

Certifications for "Less than Zero"

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[32]	Gold	35,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[33]	Gold	20,000‡
France (SNEP)[34]	Gold	100,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[35]	Gold	15,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[36]	Silver	200,000‡
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Region	Date	Format	Label(s)	Ref.
France	July 7, 2022	Contemporary hit radio	Universal	[1]