They both spoke with NPR's Michel Martin about their bond and about Khalid's music. While his lyrics are very much of the moment, the themes he explores - belonging, love, loneliness, loss - are timeless.Īnd even though American Teen is blowing up the charts, Khalid hasn't gotten too big to credit his biggest influence: his mom, Linda Wolfe, a singer who has performed with the U.S.

He has been called a pop prodigy by Rolling Stone and counts people like Elton John among his fans. Album DescriptionKhalid's debut album, American Teen, explores timeless themes of love and loss.Īre you still trying to understand that intense first love? Are you grounded from messing up your mom's car? Are you passionate about music that makes it all worthwhile? If so, then maybe you're a teenager looking for an anthem.Įnter Khalid Robinson with his debut album, American Teen, which he wrote when he was a senior in high school. See more Your browser does not support the audio element. Dusty ballad 'Cold Blooded,' in particular, demonstrates that he's perfectly capable of conveying grief without being overly demonstrative.

While he opens 'Another Sad Love Song' by confessing 'I'm not the best at showing my emotions,' some bright moments make it apparent that Robinson has clearly sold himself short. After a nonchalant chorus that consists primarily of the song's title and a lethargic warble - surprise - he dumps one of his best melodies in the bridge. On 'Young Dumb & Broke,' the mere concept of commitment seems so silly to him that he can't be bothered to enunciate the word, or maybe he just lost interest after the second syllable. There's not a whole lot of enthusiasm for revelry, dulled by substances, apathy, a combination of the two, or just the aspiration to look the part: 'I'm so faded off of all the things I've taken, and maybe I'm not really drunk, maybe I'm really good at faking.' There are points at which Robinson makes Frank Ocean sound like Teddy Pendergrass. 'American Teen' itself - hollowed-out late-'80s mall pop with a disco-funk bassline - is a youth anthem of shrugging aimlessness. He's in no particular rush, content to drift through life while accepting, and occasionally sort of celebrating, the present. In that song, and through much of what fills out American Teen, his debut album, Robinson's not one to get worked up.

Khalid Robinson made major commercial headway in early 2017 with 'Location,' a drowsy, teetering ballad the singer and songwriter seemed to deliver while lying on his bed, or maybe someone else's couch, eyes glued to his phone, just after waking up. Purchase and download this album in a wide variety of formats depending on your needs.

American teen khalid album