It’s the dawn of a new Khalid era. The diamond-selling artist has announced his fourth album, After The Sun Goes Down, will release Oct. 10 via Right Hand Music Group/RCA Records.
According to press materials, the album explores “themes of love, self-discovery, openness, and a refreshed sense of freedom,” as the 27-year-old steps into a new chapter.
“This chapter is about taking my power back, living in my truth, and being able to express myself freely,” says Khalid. “I’m excited for my fans to experience this new era with me, not just musically, but personally.”
Along with his new album announcement, Khalid has unveiled the lead single “In Plain Sight,” which he co-wrote with its producers Mattman & Robin, Savan Kotecha and ILYA.
The song’s luminescent production radiates with dance-inducing synths and digitized handclaps that evoke a sense of liberation. In this case, Khalid frees himself from a partner who has been creeping on the low. “If you’re the type to sneak around / Just leave the keys on your way out,” he sings.
“In Plain Sight” arrives with a music video directed by 91 Rules. In the clip, a blue-haired Khalid throws a dance party inside a glass enclosure, where everyone seems to be caught in the trance of the groove. Later in the video, the enclosure shatters, giving Khalid and his crew the space to move more freely on the dance floor.
In some ways, the video symbolizes a recent event where Khalid “came out” after being outed by an ex-partner on X (formerly Twitter).
After a since-deleted selfie of Khalid and the person circulated on the app, he took to his account to address it: “️!!! there yall go. next topic please lol,” Khalid wrote.
Moments later, he added, “I got outted and the world still continues to turn. Let’s get this straight (lmao) I am not ashamed of my sexuality! In reality it ain’t nobodies business! But I am okay with me love yall.”
The latter post more or less sums up the visual — the glass shattering in the see-through enclosure didn’t break Khalid’s groove, as if it had never been there at all.
After The Sun Goes Down follows 2024’s Sincere, which was led by the Alicia Keys-sampled single “Please Don’t Fall In Love With Me.” The album debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart.
“Sincere is a combination of my life experiences; it takes inspiration from conversations that I have had with my fans, supporters, and the people that love me,” Khalid shared.
“When I listen back to this project, I hear a sound that’s so unique and represents me at my best. This album is me at 26, continuing to evolve with the knowledge that I have garnered throughout the years.”
Khalid concluded the year with Sincere (Deluxe), which featured six bonus tracks and collaborations with Normani, Chlöe, and Ayra Starr.
Stream Khalid’s new song “In Plain Sight” and presave After The Sun Goes Down below.
Presave Khalid’s new album After The Sun Goes Down here.
