Anyone who says millennials waste their youth should listen to American Teen and immediately reevaluate. The debut album from prolific new artist Khalid is all about the vibrant, cinematic adventures of unapologetic youth. Soft synths and heartfelt stories come effortlessly to the 19-year-old, whose affinity for retro pop and R&B melodies are far beyond his years. Truthfully, there isn’t a disappointing moment on this entire record. This album is 54 minutes of pure pastel-hued bliss, a fifteen-track sigh of relief in a world constantly swarming with negativity.
Each of these 15 songs exudes its own individual breath of life, yet the album could not be more cohesive. It’s a work that completes a full circle, beginning and ending with the incessant beeping of a distant alarm. There’s an overarching theme to the record, but the songs still exist as distinct entities. Though the hit single that threw Khalid into the spotlight was the soulful “Location,” the album peaks with the infectious “American Teen” and “Let’s Go.” Everything about this album — and those two songs in particular — feels nostalgic for a memory that might not even exist yet.
Though Khalid’s work leans heavily toward modern alternative R&B, his tone and songwriting technique stem from a wide array of notable artists. The young singer has cited Frank Ocean and Chance the Rapper as inspirations, alongside more unexpected names such as Grizzly Bear and James Blake. Subtle odes to Blake’s melancholy and hypnotizing beats are evident in slow and sultry songs like “Therapy” and “Shot Down.” There is a wisdom and tenderness in Khalid’s voice that makes even the most delicate, haunting moments feel utterly euphoric. “Hopeless” and “Winter” disguise the pain of heartbreak with syrupy, up-tempo synths.
American Teen is a masterpiece, and not just for a debut LP. The innovative style and earnest songwriting proves Khalid has the potential to be one of the biggest names in music. Even Elton John thinks so. (Seriously).