The new generation of up-and-coming music artists is full of notable young talents, and one at the forefront is 21-year-old contemporary R&B singer Khalid [1]. After the release of his 2017 debut studio album American Teen [2], Khalid's sweet and wistful vocals began taking over the airwaves and streaming services. Since then, it feels as if the El Paso, TX, crooner has been catapulted into the spotlight [3], and he keeps delivering top-notch jams.
In 2018, he won a Billboard Music Award for top new artist, an American Music Award for favourite male artist, and two Teen Choice Awards for choice R&B/hip-hop song and breakout star, among other honours [4]. Already this year, he received five Grammy nominations [5] and shows no signs of slowing down as he recently released his follow-up album, Free Spirit — only five months after dropping his EP Sun City [6] — and is set to perform at the Billboard Music Awards [7] for the second year in a row [8].
As a passionate music enthusiast, I'm usually able to remember when, where, and how I discover a new artist that I end up loving. Unfortunately, that's not the case with Khalid. I just remember hearing "Location" being played everywhere shortly after its release. I vibed with it, but I hadn't really listened to any of his other songs.
Fast forward to about eight months after American Teen dropped, and I suddenly found myself listening to the entire thing over and over again. Why? Well, I won't get into too many details, but I'll say it had something to do with a little thing called catching feelings (*shudders*). Things didn't work out in my favour, and I fell into a funk. So I did what I always do whenever I'm dealing with something: I played music nonstop. One tune led to another, and soon enough I was solely listening to American Teen.
That album helped me get through a pretty rough time (and multiple crying sessions). It was truly astonishing how it felt like he understood everything I was going through. If I didn't know any better, I'd think "Another Sad Love Song" and "Saved" were somehow written just for me. Before I knew it, I had healed, and his song "Angels" — which has a message of hope — became my go-to jam as I was finally brought out of my despondency.
Not only is that the power of music, but it's the power of an artist who is able to connect with listeners. No doubt, that's a skill set Khalid seems to naturally have. Ahead, check out some of his best songs to date!
"Location"
Khalid longs for a genuine partnership in this mellow tune. He admits that he has feeling for someone, but is afraid of getting hurt. Still, it's a risk he's willing to take if it means possibly finding love.
"Saved"
Khalid himself revealed that this jam is about one of his past relationships that became strained after he moved from New York to El Paso. Though he and his ex-girlfriend decided to end things, they agreed that they would still be there for each other. "She had to find herself. I had to find myself," he told Genius [10]. "But at the same time, we always let each other know, 'I'll keep your number saved in case you need me. In case you need someone to talk to.'"
"Better"
In this song, Khalid rejoices in having a strictly sexual relationship with someone. There's no shame in friends with benefits!
"Twenty One"
Turning 21 is a major milestone (alcohol!), but it's not always what it's cracked up to be. In "Twenty One," Khalid addresses the anxieties of growing up watching those around you go through similar issues.
"Vertigo"
Khalid ponders the ups and downs of life and the changing seasons that come with simply existing. Life is never easy and we often find ourselves in messy situations that are out of our control. But it all plays a part in making us who we are.
"Love Lies" (feat. Normani)
Khalid and Normani beautifully fuse their vocals together in this pop, R&B bop. They go back and forth portraying love interests who are feeling each other out, trying to figure out what they are and if there's something between them.
"Lovely" by Billie Eilish (feat. Khalid)
Khalid and Eilish assume the roles of two people attempting to overcome depression. Its message is so heavy, they opted to give it the ironic title, "Lovely." The track was included in the soundtrack for season two of 13 Reasons Why [11].
"Youth" by Shawn Mendes (feat. Khalid)
In this melody, Khalid and Shawn Mendes offer a sense of hope [12] in a world full of social injustice and tragedy. There might be turmoil, but the future generation shouldn't let that stop them from making positive change.
"This Way"
As one of the songs on the soundtrack for the film Superfly, "This Way" features Khalid and 21-year-old singer H.E.R. [13] characterizing two partners who feel tension in their relationship and a lack of effective communication.
"Young Dumb & Broke"
The title says it all. Who hasn't been young, dumb, and/or broke at some point in their life? Most of us have probably been all three, which makes this upbeat tune about the carelessness of youth both relatable and fun to sing along with.
"Talk"
A relationship seems to be moving a little too fast and toward an unknown destination in "Talk." Khalid expresses interest in a potential love, but before they develop anything further, he wants to know what the other person is feeling.
"Reasons"
Khalid is head over heels for someone in "Reasons." They see him for who he is, which makes him love them even more. But he's still left wondering if those romantic feelings are mutual.
