Khalid began writing songs in high school in El Paso, Texas, turning the highs and lows of the teenage experience into anthems that defined a generation.
His 2017 debut album American Teen became an instant breakthrough, with his first two singles, “Location” and “Young Dumb & Broke,” both landing in the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 20. Over the years, Khalid’s crooning R&B sound was further established through albums like Free Spirit and Scenic Drive. Whilst these have shown Khalid’s maturation with his music, they’ve often lost the spark and vulnerability that made his debut magnetic. Khalid returns with after the sun goes down and he’s come full circle.
His first album as an openly gay artist after being outed by an ex-boyfriend on X, this newfound freedom charges the record with energy and fiery romance. Drawing influence from the themes of freedom and honesty that once belonged to a restless teenager, after the sun goes down is no longer Khalid’s escape from the world, but a celebration of finally belonging to it.
The lead single, “in plain sight” captures the album’s upbeat essence with a pop-funk, synth-driven beat. The lyricism is deliciously defiant, with Khalid exposing the deceit and details of a past lover.
“Oh, I got so much to tell you / ‘Cause somethin’ ain’t right / shoulda saw it comin’,” Khalid sings, a line that feels like the project’s purpose of spilling everything that he’s been holding back.
“Whenever you’re gone” lulls the listener into a soft, dreamy haze with Khalid’s signature falsetto, reminiscent of his earlier work. Just as the work settles into familiarity, an explosive and infectious pop chorus hits, capturing the ache of yearning yet still leaving heads bobbing.
“So tired, up, manic / Soul tie, fell in love with our dark side” Khalid raps, surprising listeners again as he experiments outside his usual smooth vocals.
Executively produced by ILYA, known for numerous Ariana Grande hits, the album explores love in all forms — flirty, messy, spiteful and emotional with a glossy shine. Khalid notes inspiration from the likes of Britney Spears, Janet Jackson and Rihanna, and the former can clearly be heard and felt in tracks such as “out of body.”
“Dumbstruck” leans into hyperpop and UK garage influence as the track pulses with ‘80s synths and a Troye Sivan-esque energy.
“Now it’s one more gram and I’m elevated / Two more hits and we’ll never make it,” Khalid sings.
Despite the pulsing pop anthems that dominate the album, Khalid maintains his emotional core that built his career. “Hurt people,” the last track, stands as the album’s quiet anchor, reaching back to his experience of losing his father with a seasoned perspective as he sings, “Oh, I’ve known hurt before, hurt before / And I know hurt people hurt people”.
Khalid’s personal freedom bleeds into the album, as it feels brighter, riskier and full of acceptance. However, tracks such as “nah” and “impulsive” blend into the background and create too much noise for the standout tracks to shine. Nevertheless, for an artist who once made heartbreak sound despairing and full of longing, this new version of Khalid sounds liberated and unafraid to be fully seen.
3 ½ suns out of 5
