When R&B artist Khalid released his debut album “American Teen” in 2017, he sang of “young dumb broke high school kids” falling in love in a new generation connected through smartphones and social media. His audience associated his work with carefree days, happiness and optimism towards the future as his teenager self began to make choices that would impact his life.

Two years and five Grammy nominations later, Khalid delivered his sophomore release, “Free Spirit,” that took a different direction than “American Teen.” Now 21 years old and gaining worldwide fame, Khalid now seems to grapple with themes of insecurity, self-identity, anxiety and new relationships he discusses in “Free Spirit.”

Although Khalid now discusses darker themes in “Free Spirit,” the album uses layering vocals, smooth synthesizers and upbeat claps reminiscent of ‘80s and ‘90s R&B. The contrast between his lyrics and backing tracks show that Khalid may be struggling with his transition into manhood and fame, but he still has an optimistic attitude that one day he will have everything figured out.

Khalid’s internal struggles also seem to come through in his relationships. “My Bad” looks at how the relationship between Khalid and his lover has worsened due to communication problems. Khalid becomes frustrated with his lover for constantly calling his phone, and admits he turns off his phone to ignore her and warns this is a sign that their relationship is failing. Other songs such as “Hundred” focuses more on Khalid’s distrust when it comes to friendships, stating that he doesn’t need friends who only use him for favors and would rather not have any if it means he can complete the “hundred things he’s gotta do today.”

While Khalid struggles with relationships in songs such as “Hundred,” the album focuses more on his internal anxiety and self-identity. In songs such as “Self,” Khalid’s biggest fear is failure, saying that he has had so many wins in his life so far, that losing is something incomprehensible and terrifying. However, at the of the song, he makes a promise to “be one with the sun,” likening this to his goal of having peace and being satisfied with the person he is and the person he will become in the future.

Khalid recognizes his demons, but he does not succumb to them nor does he overcome them in “Free Spirit.” Khalid does not depict himself as the victor or anti-hero in the album, but rather as an everyday person going through life, hoping that one day everything will fall into place and he will be satisfied with the man he chooses to become.