New on the scene, 19-year-old R&B artist Khalid released his first full length album in early March. Here is Vision’s track-by-track review of “American Teen.”
American Teen
The birds start chirping and an alarm clock rings. That’s how the title track, “American Teen,” begins—like how one’s morning typically would. The song then introduces Khalid’s vocals that are complemented with soft and slow synths that will make listeners nostalgic.
Young Dumb & Broke
Heavy bass and what sounds like an organ in the background start out the next track “Young Dumb & Broke.” Throughout this slow smooth R&B song with a subtle trap influence, Khalid sings about what it was like to be a young, dumb and broke high school kid.
Location
On “Location,” Khalid brings in a reggae sound as he sings to a possible lover, asking her for simply a time and place to communicate. Although, as the lyrics reveal, it is not that simple as Khalid still appears to be hesitant in pursuing his lover.
Another Sad Love Song
As the title implies, this song is more of a sad one which the listener can tell right away. While the song begins very mellow, the tempo picks up making listeners almost want to dance ironically as Khalid continues singing painfully about the downfall of his relationship.
Saved
Khalid begins by counting “2, 3, 4” which then starts the slow, smooth jazz track “Saved.” As the hip-hop beat continues throughout the song, Khalid continues singing about his past lover and how he kept her number saved in hopes they could reconcile one day.
Coaster
A soulful chorus accompanied by a piano ballad begins the track “Coaster.” He treats his past love life as a roller coaster, hence the title, as he “coasts through his emotions.”
8TEEN
“8TEEN” is one of the few songs off of “American Teen” that you can dance to. Steel drums and a hip-hop beat definitely give off chill vibes. The song once again focuses on youth and the feelings one usually experiences like never falling in love but still wanting to do “all the stupid shit young kids do.” Expect this song to be played at your local Urban Outfitters.
Let’s Go
This just might be the catchiest track from the album. The synthesized beats are what brings this song to life whether you choose to chill out with some friends or have a small dance party. The chorus is all about having fun, as Khalid sings about leaving sorrow at the table and throwing worries out the window.
Hopeless
While this track still has the same beat as the previous one, “Hopeless” is definitely more mellow, as the name implies. Khalid continues singing about love in this track, as he still thinks about his past relationship even though it is hopeless to get her back.
Cold Blooded
The vocals on this track lead the way as the instrumentation is much more subtle, as Khalid describes his past lover as “cold blooded.”
Winter
While this song starts out slow just like the season of winter, it suddenly picks up as he sings about love dying in the winter. This track is another case of sad themes juxtaposed with a jazz-like pop instrumentation.
Therapy
Khalid sings soulfully on the song “Therapy” about comparing love to drugs and constantly needing that as if it were therapy. Once the song nears its ending, we hear someone leaving a message to Khalid about their relationship not working despite still having feelings. We then hear the sound of a text being typed, but suddenly deleted reflecting his conflicted feelings about what he just heard.
Keep Me
On the song “Keep Me,” we hear once again Khalid singing about his past love and the feelings that come with remembering an ex. He sings about being her biggest fan even if she got the words wrong on their favorite songs, which some couples may be able to relate to. Ultimately, he is having trouble letting go of the past by asking to keep him alive and keep him in her life.
Shot Down
As the song “Shot Down” begins, we hear ambiance along with a piano, which really sets the tone. Khalid compares his pain to being shot down and knocked down. “Shot Down” really does capture the essence of heartbreak with its mellow instrumentation and sad melodies.
Angels
“Angels” begins by sounding more optimistic than previous songs. The piano ballad features Khalid singing about hope in the form of angels. As the final song on the album, this song really wraps up the entire theme well by returning to the very beginning. As the piano fades, we once again hear birds chirping and an alarm clock go off, as if it was all a dream… or a nightmare.
