Scenic Drive
Khalid · 2021
28 min · 9 tracks · contemporary R&B
A smooth blend of contemporary R&B and intimate storytelling that captures the essence of youthful introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Present Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
-
→
Backseat — This track encapsulates the mixtape's vibe with its laid-back production and reflective lyrics about navigating relationships and personal growth.
-
→
Retrograde — With its atmospheric soundscapes and poignant exploration of emotional distance, this song represents Khalid’s signature style while pushing his artistic boundaries.
-
→
Scenic Drive — The title track serves as a culmination of the mixtape's themes, blending vivid imagery with a contemplative mood that captures the essence of youth and freedom.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Khalid's smooth vocals and cohesive production create an engaging atmosphere, though it may not have broad cultural reach yet.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken intro that sets a reflective tone, followed by tracks that maintain a mid-tempo groove throughout.
- Each song features layered vocal harmonies and minimalistic production, emphasizing Khalid's voice and lyrical content.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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 mid-tempo drive vibes
- introspective moments for reflection
- background warmth for relaxation
- short bursts of emotional clarity
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy party tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid entry that showcases Khalid's evolving sound but isn't a primary highlight.
- Career context
- Released on December 3, 2021, 'Scenic Drive' marks Khalid's first project following his sophomore album, 'Free Spirit'. At this stage in his career, he was solidifying his position as a leading voice in contemporary R&B while exploring more personal themes in his music amid the challenges posed by the pandemic.
- Stylistic neighbors
- SZA· H.E.R.· Daniel Caesar
Tracklist
- 1 Intro 1:12
- 2 Present Start here 2:36
- 3 Backseat 2:54
- 4 Retrograde 3:40
- 5 Brand New 2:51
- 6 All I Feel Is Rain 3:24
- 7 Voicemail 4:07
- 8 Open 3:47
- 9 Scenic Drive 4:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.