
Khalid’s “after the sun goes down” captures a new era for the artist — one filled with light, love, and a sense of freedom that feels entirely his own.
STREAM
TOP 5 SONGS
5. Angel Boy
Khalid’s romance feels like heaven.
“Angel Boy” slows things down in the best way. It’s tender, almost devotional, as Khalid reflects on being wholly wrapped up in someone — seeing them as ethereal, flawless, essential. There’s a sense of awe woven through the lyrics, where love feels sacred and consuming. It’s romantic and a little needy, but never too much.
You can feel the softness in Khalid’s tone, the way he leans into vulnerability without hesitation. The production is warm and airy, giving the song a glow that perfectly matches its title. “Angel Boy” is one of the most emotionally open songs on the album, and it feels deeply personal. There’s comfort in its simplicity, a sweetness that doesn’t need embellishment. It’s the kind of love song that feels timeless — not flashy or overly complicated, just sincere and beautifully human.
4. In Plain Sight
This track really introduced us to Khalid’s new sound.
Khalid kicks off after the sun goes down with a burst of pop energy that feels both fresh and familiar. “In Plain Sight” leans into a funkier, dance-ready vibe than his usual mellow style, and it’s the kind of track that sticks with you after just one listen. Khalid’s vocals are smooth and confident but with a slightly brighter tone than usual, adding this playful edge that suits him perfectly.
Lyrically, it’s fun and flirty — the kind of track that could soundtrack a carefree night out or a spontaneous drive with friends. What really stands out is the production: glossy, bouncy, and perfectly balanced between modern pop polish and Khalid’s signature warmth. It’s him experimenting, and it works. You can tell he’s having fun with it — there’s freedom in the sound, like he’s finally shaking off any expectation and just creating what feels good.
3. Whenever You’re Gone
Do you have someone you long for the moment they’re away?
“Whenever You’re Gone” feels like a callback to classic Khalid, but with a refreshed edge. It has that open-road, late-night vibe he does best — where the lyrics ache with longing, but the beat keeps your head nodding. It’s about missing someone so profoundly that every small moment feels empty without them there.
Khalid’s delivery is emotional without being overly dramatic, balancing yearning with restraint. The production takes notes from his earlier works like Free Spirit and American Teen, but adds a poppier polish. All in all, this one sits right in Khalid’s sweet spot: honest storytelling paired with melodies that linger. It’s not just about loss or distance; it’s about love’s persistence, how someone’s presence can haunt even the happiest moments when they’re not around.
2. Yes No Maybe
This track is about showing, not telling.
“‘Yes No Maybe”’ is all about hesitation giving way to clarity. Khalid sings about wanting to define a relationship that’s teetering between casual and committed. There’s this push-pull energy — wanting to play it cool but knowing deep down he’s already in too deep.
The song’s structure mirrors that uncertainty, with verses that simmer and a chorus that bursts open like a confession. It’s romantic, but there’s mystery to it too, a sense of nervous excitement. Sonically, it’s one of the more modern pop cuts on the album, with synths that shimmer and a beat that drives it forward. The lyricism is subtle yet telling — it’s not about grand declarations, but about the smaller, quieter moments of realizing you’ve already fallen.
1. Nobody (Make Me Feel)
I feel like this is the core of the album.
This is the heart of the record — tender, dreamy, and effortlessly smooth. “Nobody (Make Me Feel)” captures the early spark of a friends-to-lovers story, and Khalid sells it with every line. There’s something so comforting about this track: it’s calm but intoxicating, like a slow burn that you never want to end. The feature blends seamlessly, adding to the cozy, nostalgic aura that defines the song. The way Khalid sings about scent and closeness — that sensory pull — makes the emotion feel tangible. It’s love, but still tentative and curious, which gives it this sweet innocence. The production mirrors that softness, pairing light synths with a gentle beat that makes it feel like floating. Overall, this track is simple but effective — the kind you can play on repeat and never tire of because it just feels good.
SONG BY SONG RATING
1. Medicine (4/5)
2. In plain sight (4/5)
3. Nah (3.5/5)
4. Impulsive(3.5/5)
5. Out of body (4/5)
6. Please don’t call (333) (4/5)
7. Tank top (3.5/5)
8. Whenever you’re gone (4/5)
9. Dumbstruck (4/5)
10. Rendezvous (4/5)
11. True (3.5/5)
12. Instant (3.5/5)
13. Momentary lovers (4/5)
14. Yes no maybe (4/5)
15. Angel boy (4/5)
16. Hurt people (4/5)
17. Nobody (make me feel)(4.5/5)
RGM RATING
(73%)
Khalid’s after the sun goes down feels like a breath of fresh air — both a continuation of his signature warmth and an evolution into something freer, bolder, and more open. This is his first project since coming out, and you can feel that sense of release throughout the record. There’s love here, yes, but also curiosity, hope, and self-acceptance. It’s Khalid telling the story of what it means to love fully and live authentically, and it’s as radiant as it is heartfelt.
Musically, he pushes into new territory with bubblegum and electro-pop influences, blending that glossy production with his smooth R&B roots. The throughline is connection — love that starts as friendship, love that grows out of longing, and love that feels new and unshakable. Each track feels intentional, fitting into a bigger story that unfolds with warmth and vulnerability.
While after the sun goes down might not be his most polished or groundbreaking project, it’s one of his most personal. There’s joy here, there’s growth, and there’s freedom. Khalid sounds more confident in himself than ever before — and that authenticity shines through every lyric and beat.
Discover more from RATINGS GAME MUSIC
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.