Khalid’s “after the sun goes down” Receives Mixed Early Reviews

American singer-songwriter Khalid Robinson’s fourth studio album, after the sun goes down, has begun drawing early reactions following its release on October 10, 2025, on major streaming platforms.

The 17-track project marks Khalid’s latest exploration of mellow R&B, soul, and pop influences, pairing his signature introspection with relaxed, nocturnal production. The album features collaborations with Julia Michaels, Tove Lo, and Oskar med K, while Ilya Salmanzadeh serves as executive producer under RCA and Right Hand Music Group.

Early reviews have been measured. One critic noted that while the album “isn’t exactly much more than your average pop album, and certainly isn’t the pinnacle of Khalid’s career so far, it feels like a more confident expression of who he is now.”

Another reviewer highlighted the album’s tonal shift, writing that “Khalid’s personal freedom bleeds into the album—it feels brighter, riskier, and full of acceptance.” However, the review added that some tracks “blend into the background and create too much noise for the standout tracks to shine,” citing “Nah” and “Impulsive” as weaker entries.

The album’s singles “Out of Body” and “In Plain Sight,” released prior to the full project, continue to gain streaming traction. The cover art, featuring a dimly lit, late-night aesthetic, reflects the project’s contemplative mood.

To commemorate the release, Khalid performed alongside Lauv—known for Steal the Show from Pixar’s Elemental—at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on October 11.

Since debuting in 2017 with American Teen, Khalid has built a reputation for crafting vulnerable and atmospheric pop-R&B records. after the sun goes down continues that trajectory, offering a reflective yet uneven addition to his discography.