Perhaps as a branching point, “Present” may be the piece that Khalid uses to take a step away from the consistency of his previous music.

Although great for full-album listening, these blurred lines between individual pieces can limit the noticeability and traction of the artist. Khalid’s many songs have a similar sound and can sometimes blend into one another.

With such a distinct style, it is understandable that Khalid may want to try and break the mold he has built for himself. The song even takes a more repetitive approach to the lyrics with a lot of weight on the chorus. Rather than having the vocals be the centerpiece of the song, the ensemble takes over. “Present” feels more like a party song, with a loose sense of continuity and an emphasis on a strong beat. At times, the vocals are muffled under the sounds of bass and snare. While maintaining some of the trap-style elements of his hit “Young, Dumb, and Broke,” “Present” loses some vocal acuity and intensity. “Present” feels like a distinct move away from his tried and true consistency. These everyday stories paired with vocal maturity beyond his age create the stage where the artist could thrive and grow - reaching the top of the Billboard charts time and time again. Songs such as “8Teen” and “Location” from the debut “American Teen” tell sympathetic stories of young heartbreak, growing up, and navigating the maze of adulthood. The collabs and “Present” take a slightly different turn for the Georgian from Fort Stewart, while much of his two albums focuses on his incredible vocal talent and storytelling ability.

With a lot of big names bolstering the singles and one-offs, ranging from Ed Sheeran to Halsey and Martin Garrix, Khalid never limited himself and branched into pop and house. In a year of new normals, Khalid - thrust into stardom with the 2017 release of his album “American Teen” - takes a step in a new direction with his newest single, “Present.” In a slightly more trap-focused sound, Khalid branches away from his intimate and conversational tone while maintaining some of the personal notes which his fans have come to expect.Īlthough over two years have passed since his 2019 full album release “Free Spirit,” Khalid hasn’t slowed his production down, with a slurry of singles and collabs frequenting the charts.

Khalid new album 2018