By Jack Major
Staff Writer
Utilizing the carefree sounds of chirping birds to begin and end the album, Khalid delivers a soulful, upbeat debut album that encapsulates an idyllic American teenage experience. The combination of meaningful lyrics, vibrant beats, and a message of enjoying one’s teenage years, allows Khalid to deliver an exceptional freshman album.
Khalid Robinson is a 19-year old R&B singer and producer from El Paso, Texas. He is an up-and-coming soulful singer who encapsulates the American teenage spirit. He has released seven singles and one album to date.
“American Teen” was co-released by RCA Records and Right Hand Music Group on March 3, 2017 to generally positive reviews. It features production from Khalid and famous producer Syk Sense, but has no featured artists, allowing Khalid to shine in his own spotlight.
Photos: Khalid performing live and posing for photo shoots
Khalid’s lyrics are very introspective and reveal both his personal highs and lows. They culminate to show his overall positive outlook. On songs, “American Teen” and “8Teen” he talks about the carefree teenage spirit and encourages children to enjoy their teenage years before they become burdened by responsibility. On the songs “Cold-Blooded” and “Winter” he talks about his negative experiences with girls in high school. However, he channels the pain into positive energy and realizes his true love is of his hometown of El Paso.
Syk Sense and Khalid combine powerful drums, guitar loops, and piano chords to create an uplifting atmosphere that allows his inspiring lyrics to shine. The use of synthesizers, which combines different frequencies to cultivate a smooth sound, gives off a warm and soothing vibe reminiscent of a summer aura. On songs “Location” “Keep me” and “American Teen” the drums and guitars make an uplifting beat that complement his cheerful lyrics. On the flip side, the use of pitched-down guitars and smooth piano beats on songs such as “Cold-Blooded” create a sorrowful background that allows his heartache to stand out.
The main theme throughout the album reflects on the teenage experience of life and love. Although unrequited love gets him down on songs such as “Shot Down” and “Hopeless” he finds love in other songs including standout single “Location” and the soulful “Therapy”. Throughout the album, he encourages high school-age kids to enjoy their life before responsibilities start to weigh them down and to appreciate the little happinesses in life.
Despite very few shortcomings, one criticism of this album is its repetition. The album is fifteen songs long and by the end some of the beats start to sound quite similar. Khalid also maintains a similar inflection in his singing throughout the album, which does not allow for much variance.
Despite this being the debut album for the 19-year old, he sounds wise beyond his years, both intellectually and musically. He is inspiring and seems to have a clear vision of the world, and his sound is refined. In a hard time for the country, Khalid brings a beacon of light with his fantastic “American Teen” that reminds us to live each day to the fullest.
The album is available on all major streaming services including Apple Music and Spotify and is available for purchase on iTunes for $9.99.
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