Record Collection: Khalid
Record Collection 004.
Free Spirit
It’s been TWO FREAKIN’ YEARS since Khalid dropped American Teen. TWO YEARS! The album that fuelled my 2018, numerous road trips and HIIT class warm-downs… Shot Down has healing powers, I swear it. The man’s music feels like pure sunshine.
And NOW we’ve been blessed with a whole new cocktail of songs from his second album Free Spirit.
Although American Teen remains my favourite with its relatable anecdotes and nostalgic vibes, Khalid scored his first no. 1 album on the Billboard charts with Free Spirit.
With amazing new tracks like My Bad, Right Back, Don’t Pretend and Talk to name a few, there are plenty of new funky synths and toe-tapping beats to get grooving to. The once broody and bold teenage lyrics have been replaced with something less innocent and not so naive.
Ironically Free Spirit feels far more cautious than being Young, Dumb & Broke. Khalid opens up about mixed emotions and mental health, as well as dealing with the downsides of fame. The lyrics of Bad Luck indirectly shout out to “friend” freeloaders:
And people only love you when they’re needing your wealth
Damn, laying down, staring at my ceiling fan
Everybody acting like they give a damn
Where is everybody when you need a hand?
But with this realness and open attitude, we still get the same relationship reflections that fed through in the first album. A little corny at times? Sure, but who doesn’t love a little corny tune every now and then. The warmth and softness remains, and so does my soft spot for Khalid.
Vibe – Contemporary R&B
Favourite track – Ok, so my favourite changes daily, but I’m gonna’ go with My Bad. It’s so simple with its neat, underwater guitar riff looping throughout, and it’s also undeniably catchy! In the words of Paris Hilton, loves it.
Favourite lyrics –
We might be a little late, Hey, but at least we’re on our way – Let Go
Ok, this is from American Teen, but I feel like everyone can relate to this on a spiritual level. Who hasn’t received that ‘where are you?’ text and responded ‘literally 10 mins away!’ whilst still sat in a towel with wet hair? Guilty.
Can’t we just talk? Talk about where we’re goin’. Before we get lost, lend me your thoughts. Can’t get what we want without knowin’ – Talk
Power, got me sitting by my phone, I been waiting for hours – Right Back
Life is never easy when you need it to be – Hundred
Ciao
xoxo
The Atomic Blonde
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The Atomic Blonde
