Why Every American Teen Should be Listening to Khalid’s American Teen

By Emily Kretch: Feb 5, 2018

 

Khalid Robinson is a 19 year old army brat from El Paso Texas, who quickly rose to fame after Kylie Jenner posted a snapchat story that included his first hit “Location”. That song and most of his songs on his breakout album “American Teen”, were written his senior year of highschool to help him deal with the loneliness of not knowing anyone in his new town.

 

Through his writing he seems to be  in no particular rush, content to drift through life while accepting, and occasionally sort of celebrating, the present. Using this album Khalid says he wants other misfits and outsiders to take comfort in his example, in terms of both artistic and material success.

 

With songs like "Coaster", “Another Sad Love Song”, “Saved” and, “Keep me” Khalid shares the troubles of young love in a way that is relatable to teens in this day and age. He also represents all the “Young Dumb & Broke” highschool kids,as he puts it in the song of the same name, and the joy of late adolescence, with songs like “8TEEN”,”American Teen”, and “Let’s Go”. "Shot Down" and “Angels”  have a soulful, gospel feel as it speaks to deeper feelings of love and  his times of despair.

Some songs on the album  like “Location”, give off calm smooth beats and melodies that Khalid seemed to deliver while lying on his bed, or maybe someone else's couch, eyes glued to his phone, just after waking up.

 

Other songs like “Coaster” and “Hopeless”, are gracefully structured enough to be sung by icons like Sam Smith or Adele. Khalid’s singing unfolds in slow, syrupy drops. While other songs on the album give off a more upbeat energetic, makes you wanna get up and travel to the beach, vibes;He still sings not with power but only internal grace and calm.

 

American Teen generally plays things straight up, not too concerned about chasing the sound of classic pop or R&B but resting nicely in the pocket between the two. At 15 tracks, American Teen doesn't take too long to get through but his straightforward lyrics and silky vocals will keep you pressing replay.