Sincere is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Khalid. It was released through RCA Records on August 2,2024. His first studio album release since Free Spirit (2019),the album features a sole guest appearance from English singer-songwriter Arlo Parks,who is featured on the eighth track,"Breathe".[2][3]
The album's deluxe edition was released on December 6,2024 and included six new songs,with guest appearances from Normani,Ayra Starr and Chloe Bailey.[4]
Background and composition
Five years after his second studio album Free Spirit and the mixtapeScenic Drive (2021),Khalid explained that he needed time to understand what kind of artist he wanted to be after his debut at the age of seventeen.[5] In fact,"I wasn't even writing based on my experiences. I took it back to the roots and approached it as if I were debuting as an artist again. It's like going back to the beginning of my journey,but this time with more awareness and knowledge."[6]
On April 5,2024,Khalid released the lead single of the album,"Please Don't Fall in Love with Me".[7] On June 14,2024,he released the second single,"Adore U".[8] On July 1,2024,Khalid announced the album along with its cover art and release date.[9] He released the third single from the album,"Ground",on July 19,2024.[10] He revealed the tracklist three days later.[11] "Heatstroke" impacted US contemporary hit radio on August 23,2024 as the album's fourth and final single.[12]
Mark Kennedy of Associated Press wrote that the album "is a collection of beautiful harmonies and airy and spare rhythms",loosing the singer's songwriting past works,pointing out that it "just zips along without leaving much of a trace,[...] maybe because the artist is just treading water".[15] Okla Jones of Essence wrote that Khalid "took a minimalist approach with this project",in which "he visits the more tumultuous side of intimacy,which provides listeners with a smooth balance of storytelling throughout the album".[16]
Andy Kellman of AllMusic penned in a less sanguine review,"doesn't seem to be titled to distinguish the material from what preceded it,though the lyrics are certainly more frank,especially with regard to relationships. The development can be easy to miss;Khalid remains so committed to his groggy and earnest vocal technique that he sticks with it even when he divulges that he wants to incinerate an ex's belongings".[13] Sophie Carlin acknowledged there being "standout,beautiful moments," though in similar sentiments to Kellman,felt several tracks leaned into "blandness," where there was "little to differentiate them,blur into a kind of impressionistic wash".[14]
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