Khalid New Album: After the Sun Goes Down

When Khalid first appeared on our FAULT Magazine cover earlier this year, he spoke candidly about growth, authenticity, and stepping into a new era. That promise has now crystallised into After the Sun Goes Down, his fourth studio album and arguably the most personal project of his career.

A Long-Awaited Return

The announcement arrives with a dual reveal: the album will drop on 10 October 2025, and fans have already had their first taste through the lead single In Plain Sight. With its shimmering dance-floor production, the track signals a departure from the more contemplative R&B textures of his past records. The sound leans towards pop, infused with hints of 80s disco and New Jack Swing. It’s a shift that feels both natural and invigorating, especially for listeners who have waited since Free Spirit for new material.

The Single That Sets the Tone

In Plain Sight comes alive in both audio and visual form. The accompanying video is striking: bold strobe lighting, slick choreography, and a symbolic moment where Khalid dances out of a transparent “glass closet.” It’s a concept steeped in metaphor, balancing celebration with commentary, and it introduces fans to the core themes of the record—freedom, authenticity, and joy.

Embracing a New Chapter

This album marks Khalid’s first release since publicly coming out as gay in 2024. For many, this context brings additional resonance. He has described the record as an act of taking back his power, crafting music that reflects who he is without compromise. The sense of queer joy and self-acceptance is present not only in the lyrics but also in the energy of the production, giving the project a celebratory undertone.

Elevated Collaboration

The creative process has also evolved. Khalid has teamed with high-profile collaborators including ILYA, Julia Michaels, and Ryan Tedder. Their input pushes his songwriting into new, pop-forward territory without losing the intimacy that has always set him apart. The result is a sound that feels FAULTLess in its polish, but still deeply personal in its intent.

Fans and the Future

On social media, excitement has been palpable. Long-time listeners have praised the fresh direction and vibrant artwork, which depicts Khalid with blue hair in a neon-lit setting—a visual marker of his shift towards bold self-expression. It’s clear this isn’t just another album cycle, but the start of a distinctly new chapter in Khalid’s career.

Why This Album Matters

Khalid new album After the Sun Goes Down represents more than a stylistic pivot—it’s a statement of identity. For a generation of fans who have grown up with his music, this moment underscores how pop artists can evolve while remaining true to themselves.

For us at FAULT Magazine, having witnessed his journey since his previous cover story, it feels like the continuation of a narrative we’ve always believed in: an artist unafraid to grow in public, and now finally ready to take the spotlight on his own terms.