Khalid's soft-lit ‘80s synths and heartfelt, raspy vocal will catch your attention from the start, but his debut is most impressive for the effortless warmth and sincerity that lingers throughout. American Teen is all about summer sunshine, young love and the adventures of tight-knit friends—subjects perfectly matched with the elegant blend of throwback R&B, ‘80s pop and glitchy future-soul. The best tunes, openhearted ballads like “Saved” and “Shot Down”, are earnest without being overwrought and easily establish the songwriter as one of 2017’s most impressive newcomers.