Released: March 21, 2011
Genre: R&B, Alternative R&B
Label: XO, Republic
Length: 38:36
House of Balloons is the debut mixtape by The Weeknd, released on March 21, 2011. Blending alternative R&B with dark, moody production and haunting vocals, the project redefined the genre and set the stage for his signature sound. Featuring tracks like Wicked Games and The Morning, the mixtape explores themes of excess, heartbreak, and escapism. Its atmospheric production, influenced by indie rock and electronic music, made it an underground sensation and a pivotal moment in modern R&B.