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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Denison chapter.

Are there any artists/albums that you could listen to on repeat anywhere and anytime? Once you think of that artist or album just think of what aspects of the music keeps you wanting more. 

The first artist that comes to my mind is Khalid. Growing up in various parts of the world, Khalid Robinson experienced and created many relationships with different people at a young age. During his junior year of high school, his family moved to El Paso, Texas which is the hometown that inspires most of his work. As a singer, Khalid creates music through his experiences as a young adult growing up in American culture. With his first album, American Teen, he represents the feelings that us “8TEEN” year olds struggle with on a daily basis. His newest release, Free Spirit, contains a slightly older and refined perspective from him. 

As I listen to his albums for the hundredth time I continue to notice new aspects of each song that I hadn’t before. American Teen generates a sense of a good intentioned uncertainty. As a freshman in college, I am currently feeling this uncertainty of purpose but I have a positive outlook on the future. Khalid captures the eighteen-year-old experience perfectly by writing about heartbreak, love, and the struggle of being between childhood and adulthood. 

My love for Khalid’s music stems from its ability to match any of my moods. Love and relationships are a prominent aspect of most of his music, especially within American Teen. 

From my own navigation through relationships as a young adult, it is invigorating to find anything whether it is art or a shared experience of another, that relates to how I am feeling. Emotions tend to be the most difficult to put into words as a young person, and having someone express those exact feelings in a beautiful and entertaining way can bring so much clarity. 

Specifically in the album, Free Spirit, Khalid shows a mature perspective on life which focuses on a lack of stress and living with a “Free Spirit”. At this stage in my life I am still learning how to handle difficult situations as well as discovering who I truly am. Listening to Free Spirit lifts those pressures of young adulthood because being unsure is alright. With communication, love, and authenticity of myself I can reach happiness despite the obstacles I will encounter. 

Next time you listen to music that makes you feel great, don’t forget to investigate why you are so drawn to it. Enjoy the beauty of music and its ability to express the feelings you could never put into words. 

Below are a few songs by Khalid that I highly recommend for those who do not listen to him. I hope you enjoy! 

 

  • Saved -American Teen 

  • 8TEEN- American Teen 

  • Paradise- Free Spirit 

  • Self- Free Spirit 

  • Hundred- Free Spirit 

  • Saturday Nights- Free Spirit
Gabriella Longo

Denison '23

Hi! My name is Gabriella Longo and I am from Cleveland Ohio. I am a sophomore at Denison University, and I am interested in majoring in Psychology with a minor in Women's and Gender Studies, and a Queer studies concentration. I have a strong passion for social justice, I enjoy photography, and I am a fencer at Denison. I joined Her Campus for the opportunity to share my writing as well as enjoy the writing of other amazing female writers. I hope you enjoy!
Claire Maurer

Denison '22

Claire is a Cleveland native in her fourth & final year at Denison University and is excited to continue her role as the Co-President for the Denison chapter! While she studies Spanish and Political Science, she loves to write in her spare time. She wants to emphasize topics that she is passionate about, spread positivity and optimism in the world, and connect with people through her writing. When she isn't writing or studying, you can find Claire spending time with her family and friends, staying active, enjoying the outdoors, or listening to music.