Released 8 years ago this October
Suncity
Khalid · 2018
21 min · 7 tracks · contemporary R&B
A vibrant blend of contemporary R&B and pop infused with introspective lyrics and catchy melodies that reflect youth and longing.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Vertigo Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
-
→
Saturday Nights — This track stands out for its poignant narrative about love and longing, capturing the essence of youthful experiences with an infectious melody.
-
→
Better — 'Better' highlights Khalid's smooth vocal delivery and introspective lyrics, exploring themes of reassurance and commitment within a romantic relationship.
-
→
Suncity — The title track embodies the overall vibe of the EP, combining upbeat production with reflective lyrics that celebrate both joy and vulnerability.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive flow throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track shifts to a spoken-word interlude that disrupts the flow.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, with Khalid's voice often doubled or tripled for emphasis.
- The EP closes with an upbeat title track that contrasts with the more introspective nature of the preceding songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
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
- sun-soaked afternoon vibes
- brief yet impactful journey
- introspective moments of reflection
- early energy for motivation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, sprawling albums
- seek immediate high-energy tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This EP further solidified Khalid's status after his debut, showcasing his evolution.
- Career context
- Released on October 19, 2018, 'Suncity' came after Khalid's breakout debut album 'American Teen' (2017), which established him as a leading voice in contemporary R&B. This EP showcases his evolution as an artist while maintaining the relatable themes of youth and emotional exploration that characterized his earlier work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- SZA· H.E.R.· Daniel Caesar
Tracklist
- 1 9.13 0:54
- 2 Vertigo Start here 4:30
- 3 Saturday Nights 3:29
- 4 Salem’s Interlude 1:21
- 5 Motion 3:55
- 6 Better 3:49
- 7 Suncity 3:09
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.