American Teen
Khalid · 2017
54 min · 15 tracks · contemporary R&B
A smooth blend of contemporary R&B and pop that captures the essence of youthful introspection and modern relationships.
Top tracks — play these first
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American Teen Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Location — This track serves as Khalid's breakthrough hit, introducing his signature sound with its laid-back groove and relatable lyrics about longing and connection.
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Young Dumb & Broke — The song encapsulates the carefree spirit of youth while addressing the struggles of young love and uncertainty, making it an anthem for its generation.
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Therapy — This poignant track delves into themes of emotional vulnerability and self-reflection, showcasing Khalid's ability to blend personal narrative with universal experiences.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends youthful themes with smooth production, though it follows some contemporary R&B conventions.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that explore themes of youth and relationships, while the second half shifts to more introspective ballads.
- Khalid's vocal delivery often employs a laid-back, conversational style, which contrasts with the polished production and layered harmonies.
- Several tracks utilize minimalist instrumentation, allowing Khalid's voice to remain the focal point, particularly in songs like 'Location' and 'Therapy'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady flow for reflective moments
- youthful themes of self-discovery
- catchy melodies for sing-alongs
- for late-night drives
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced instant gratification
- seek complex, sprawling narratives
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Debut album that established Khalid's reputation after viral success.
- Career context
- Released in January 2017, American Teen was Khalid's debut studio album, emerging after his breakout single 'Location' became a viral sensation. This album marked a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his unique sound and relatable themes that resonated with a generation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- SZA· H.E.R.· Daniel Caesar
Tracklist
- 1 American Teen Start here 4:10
- 2 Young Dumb & Broke 3:22
- 3 Location 3:39
- 4 Another Sad Love Song 4:04
- 5 Saved 3:26
- 6 Coaster 3:19
- 7 8TEEN 3:48
- 8 Let's Go 3:24
- 9 Hopeless 2:47
- 10 Cold Blooded 3:27
- 11 Winter 4:01
- 12 Therapy 4:17
- 13 Keep Me 4:36
- 14 Shot Down 3:27
- 15 Angels 2:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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