Review
Khalid burst onto the scene in 2017 with his stunning debut, "American Teen." Seamlessly blending contemporary R&B with pop, this album became an instant classic thanks to chart-topping bangers like "Location" and the anthem of youthful recklessness, "Young Dumb & Broke." Both tracks had us all vibing and reminiscing about the trials and thrills of teenage life.
Right from the get-go, Khalid’s silky, conversational vocals pull you in, riding on minimalist yet richly textured production. The first half leans heavily into R&B with heartstring tuggers like "Location" and "Another Sad Love Song," where Khalid’s raw, emotive lyrics stand out. By the time you flip to the latter half, you get those pop grooves on tracks like "Hopeless" and "Winter" that'll get you moving.
Lyrically, "American Teen" is all about the highs and lows of adolescence—think love, heartbreak, and finding yourself. Khalid’s writing connects on a personal level yet speaks to the universal experience of growing up. Critics were all in, praising his unique voice and the album’s slick production. Certified 4x platinum and even snagging a Grammy nod for Best Urban Contemporary Album, "American Teen" etched Khalid's name in the stars, and it's easy to hear why: it’s a sonic snapshot of youth in all its messy, beautiful glory. - Morgan
