Khalid’s third studio album, Sincere, marks his return to the solo music scene. Released following a five-year hiatus since 2019’s Free Spirit, this new project showcases his progression sonically, exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. At 26, he brings new dimensions to his music in hopes to further solidify his place in the realm of contemporary R&B.
Consisting of 16 tracks, Sincere opens with the record “Adore U,” an upbeat introduction that serves as the perfect backdrop for Khalid’s heartfelt lyrics. The next three tracks—“Everything We See,” “Altitude,” and “It’s All Good,” the artist goes towards a more positive tone, with messages of connection and perseverance. On songs like “Broken” and “Please Don’t Fall In Love With Me,” he visits the more tumultuous side of intimacy, which provides listeners with a smooth balance of storytelling throughout the album.
While the Texas-born singer has been known to collaborate with his fair share of musicians, he took a minimalist approach with this project, which features only one guest appearance; that of Arlo Parks on “Breathe.” In this mesmerizing duet, the two artists speak on touching topics such as isolation, depression, and the sense of longing that resonates with so many people.
As Sincere enters its core, reflective songs like “Ground” and “Long Way Home” emerge to the forefront. Here, Khalid speaks on finding stability amidst chaotic circumstances, and on the latter he talks about navigating the difficult journey towards self-actualization. The album’s title track is a raw and honest look into the mind of a talented artist. The simple and stripped-down production allows Khalid’s vocals and lyrics to take center stage, making it a powerful and intimate piece. An appropriate ending to the album is “Decline,” an outro that reflects on the end of a relationship and being able to accept things as they are.
Sincere as a whole is a deeply personal release that highlights Khalid’s maturation. It is an album that invites listeners into his world, offering a transparent and heartfelt exploration of life’s complexities. As one of the genre’s most compelling voices, Khalid aims to continue his evolution as both an artist as well as a man—and Sincere embodies that in the best way possible.