Less Than Zero

Lore & Background

The song's name was first revealed on January 5, 2022, when the Weeknd posted the track listing for Dawn FM. A lyric video directed by Micah Bickham was released on January 9, 2022. It was also one of the songs performed in the television music special The Dawn FM Experience. The song was given a limited single release in France, being sent to contemporary hit radio on July 7, 2022. "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.

In Their Own Story

The Weeknd sings about remaining regretful sentiments he has after the end of a relationship and how he blames himself. The track has been described as a slow-dance new wave and synth-pop song in the key of C major. Critics noted the song as a highlight on the record, with particular praise given to the song's production, lyrics, its acoustic ending and the Weeknd's emotionally resonant vocals. 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 had.

Reader's Guide

The song was produced by the Weeknd, Max Martin, Oscar Holter, and Oneohtrix Point Never. Credits adapted from Tidal list the Weeknd on vocals, background vocals, songwriting, and production. Max Martin contributed guitar, keyboard, bass, background vocals, programming, songwriting, and production. Oscar Holter played guitar, keyboard, bass, programming, and handled songwriting and production. Oneohtrix Point Never is credited for production. Mixing was done by Şerban Ghenea, with mastering by Dave Kutch and Kevin Peterson. Engineering credits include Jeremy Lertola, John Hanes, Matt Cohn, Sam Holland, and Shin Kamiyama.

Did You Know?

• "Less than Zero" was released to French contemporary hit radio on July 7, 2022.
• The lyric video for the song was directed by Micah Bickham and released on January 9, 2022.
• The song was one of two official theme songs for WWE's WrestleMania 39.
• It was the fourth straight year a song by the Weeknd served as the theme song for WrestleMania.
• The song is in the key of C major.