Album Review: Khalid – Sincere

Genre: R&B/Soul
Label: RCA
Released: August 2, 2024

“Sincere is an emotional journey, striving to reconnect with long-time fans while attracting new listeners.”

Amid the ever-evolving trends and fierce competition in the music industry, Khalid makes an underwhelming return after 2019's Free Spirit. The question arises: where has he been over the past five years? During this time, Khalid has remained largely low-key, stepping back from the spotlight. However, with the release of his third LP, there's an opportunity for him to reconnect with his loyal fans. A lot has changed since his 2017 debut, American Teen. Sincere arrives at a time when the industry is saturated, with countless artists dropping albums and embarking on tours. Though Khalid's return demands attention, one can't help but ask—who’s truly listening? Known for his smooth, vulnerable sound and rebellious persona, Khalid, once the beloved voice behind hits like "Location" and "Better," seems to have outgrown his earlier phases. Now embracing a more mature version of himself, Khalid presents a level of growth and self-awareness previously unseen in his work. Though he sometimes struggles to fully embrace these changes, his music effortlessly bridges the gap, inviting listeners to journey with him through his current mindset over the course of the album.

Khalid embarks on a journey of self-discovery, taking a new direction that allows him to rediscover lost aspects of himself. His songwriting here is impeccable, but what truly stands out is his sincere storytelling. There's no attempt to fit in or fabricate narratives for the sake of attention or catchy lyrics. Each track feels like a personal diary, offering listeners a therapeutic experience as they dive into the music. Sincere takes listeners on an intimate journey, inviting both old and new fans into Khalid's world. He successfully reinvents his signature sound while incorporating fresh elements that drive creativity. While some of his earlier tracks tended to blur together, Sincere introduces a clear distinction, showcasing his growth. It's evident that considerable effort went into crafting this project. Although it may be dismissed as just another R&B album from a well-known artist, Khalid is making a heartfelt plea, sonically asking to be truly heard.

The album opens with "Adore U," a joyful yet introspective ballad that sets the tone perfectly, delivering heartfelt romance with well-crafted lyrics: “Thousand miles apart and God knows that I hate it/ Nothing hurts me more than when we're separated.” Khalid excels at delivering reflective tracks, but his creativity occasionally falters, holding him back from reaching his full potential. While the album shines in terms of production and quality, it lacks the sonic innovation needed to feel truly fresh. Though the songs are well-executed and emotionally resonant, they may not appeal to everyone, even within the R&B and Soul genres. Sincere struggles with a lack of global appeal, affecting its replay value. Many tracks feel as though they were written years ago and shelved for this moment, coming across like bonus or deluxe edition material. The sequencing is disjointed, with transitions between tracks feeling out of place, which ultimately weakens the album's overall cohesion and impact.

While Khalid makes a genuine effort to deliver a memorable performance, he still falls short of fully capturing the hearts of listeners, though the attempt is admirable. At times, he identifies weaker sections and attempts to rejuvenate them with guest features, as seen on "Breathe" with Arlo Parks. This track is arguably the highlight of Sincere, a beautiful duet that effortlessly merges R&B and rap, showcasing Khalid's versatility. His lyrics resonate powerfully: “Even in my bed I feel afraid when the lights go off/ Just my thoughts and I and I've been dying to clear my conscience/ Like the walls are closing in, I get so claustrophobic/ Open up my eyes, I'm still surrounded by all this darkness, and I know that.” The hook is infectious and memorable, leaving you wishing Khalid rapped more on this track—it’s undeniably a standout moment on the album.

Notable tracks include "Ground," "Long Way Home," and "Tainted," with the latter being the most introspective moment on the album. "Tainted" combines R&B with psychedelic instrumentals, resulting in a cohesive track that enhances the album's appeal. The straightforward and effective songwriting on "Tainted" also makes it a potential candidate for TikTok challenges. Sincere is an emotional journey, striving to reconnect with long-time fans while attracting new listeners. The album balances R&B, Soul, and Rap in its approach, but despite Khalid's efforts to engage his dedicated audience, there are moments where he seems detached and disenchanted, affecting the overall success of the album.

Sincere consistently addresses themes of heartache, loneliness, and deep connection, but the frequent recurrence of these motifs can become monotonous. Despite its genuine and heartfelt approach, the album's success is not assured by authenticity alone. It needed more than a series of love songs to effectively capture and maintain public interest.

Outstanding Tracks: "Breathe" & "Tainted"

Album Score: 5.3/10