Khalid’s latest album, “Sincere,” is a thoughtful and introspective collection that showcases his growth as an artist. The 16-track album combines smooth melodies, heartfelt lyrics and a mix of R&B that creates an authentic listening experience.
It has been five years since the release of his album “Free Spirit,” which was my personal favorite from his discography. With high expectations from a very well-rounded album last time, I was eager to see the approach with his latest release.
“Adore U” is the first track and it captures feelings of a long distance heartache. The song was first released as a single before being featured on the album. This song is a perfect opening song with a blend of beats and heartfelt lyrics.
The second track “Everything We See” is a bit more upbeat and cluttered with lots of background vocals. This song has a lot of different aspects that are seemingly not cohesive. The following track, “Altitude,” is a bit of a moment of redemption as one of the best songs on the album. The song being under three minutes is my only critique. Although the song is fairly simple, it has a great combination of catchy lyrics and an electronic synth.
The tracks “It’s All Good” and “Broken” follow with a distinct vibe change. With both tracks having a deeper rhythm, it slows the progression of the album slightly. While these tracks are slower, they are still strong songs that add to the evolution of the record.
The following track, “Dose,” is one of the strongest on the album. After my first listen, I was unsure if this seemed like a typical Khalid song. The more I listened, the more I grew to enjoy it. When the chorus hits, the listener hears a drastic beat drop where the song evolves in a more ethereal way that makes this song stand out.
“Please Don’t Fall In Love With Me” is another shorter track that is under three minutes. In this song, he explores a more unique opening melody which fades into fast-paced verses. This leads to track eight, “Breathe,” which features Arlo Parks. Here the listener sees Khalid step into a more rap-like singing with more acoustics from Parks. This was another song that was not a favorite on my first listen, but became more appealing as I heard it more.
Following this is tracks nine through 11, “Ground,” “Who’s There to Pick Me Up” and “Tainted.” This is where I feel the album slows and I struggled to stay engaged. While I do enjoy the chill vibe of each track, it was hard for me to fully recognize the transition in each song.
The album picks back up with “Long Way Home” being one of my personal favorites as it has a very fun, upbeat vibe. I especially love the harmonies combined with the quick beat. This song is consistent with the theme of shorter tracks.
After this is “Heatstroke,” which is more light-hearted and has gained popularity on TikTok and Instagram. “Sincere, ” the track the album is named after, shifts entirely with vulnerable lyrics about loyalty and trust. “Owe To You” is one of the last songs, maintaining sentimental lyrics with a lighter beat. It is more positive in terms of love and relationships.
The album concludes with “Decline,” a beautiful closer that leaves a lasting impression. This song is easily one of the best on the album with heartfelt lyrics that had me in tears. He mentions the heartbreak of a relationship between two people that are not on the same page which cuts deep for listeners who can relate. The song builds gradually with a slow, soft start and a loud ending that encapsulates a true heartbreak.
Overall, “Sincere” is an album that feels deeply personal and grounded in emotional truth. Khalid’s ability to express vulnerability in his music is what makes him stand out as an artist, and “Sincere” is no exception. The album strikes a careful balance between somber introspection and moments of lightness, making it a well-rounded listen for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Rating: 4/5
