Better – Khalid

Released in 2018 as part of his critically acclaimed album Suncity, Khalid’s “Better” stands out as one of the artist’s most introspective and emotionally resonant tracks. Known for its smooth, soulful sound and poignant lyrics, the song captures the essence of Khalid’s unique style and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. The official music video further enhances the song’s impact, offering a visually compelling narrative that complements the track’s themes of love and longing.

The Artist: Khalid

Khalid Donnel Robinson, known mononymously as Khalid, is an American singer-songwriter who has made a significant mark on contemporary R&B and pop music. Gaining widespread recognition with his debut single “Location” in 2016, Khalid’s music is characterized by its blend of soulful vocals, introspective lyrics, and genre-blending production. His debut album, American Teen, established him as a fresh voice in the music industry, and subsequent releases, including Suncity, have solidified his reputation as an artist with a unique and authentic sound.

Khalid’s music often explores themes of love, self-discovery, and personal growth, resonating with a broad audience through its relatable and emotionally charged content. “Better” exemplifies his ability to convey complex emotions with simplicity and sincerity, making it a standout track in his discography.

Musical Composition and Production

“Better” is characterized by its laid-back, smooth production and soulful melody. The song is produced by Khalid himself, along with frequent collaborators SykSense and the team of Asher and Josh. The production combines elements of R&B, pop, and electronic music, creating a sound that is both modern and nostalgic.

The track opens with a gentle, atmospheric intro that sets the tone for the song’s introspective and mellow vibe. Khalid’s vocals are soft and emotive, delivering the lyrics with a sense of vulnerability and authenticity. The production features a blend of dreamy synths, subtle percussion, and a mellow bassline, creating a lush and immersive soundscape.

The chorus of the song is particularly impactful, featuring the lines:

“I’d like to be everything you want Hey girl, let me talk to you”

These lyrics capture the essence of the song’s theme, reflecting a sense of longing and a desire to connect with someone on a deeper level. The repetition of the phrase “I’d like to be everything you want” emphasizes the sincerity of the sentiment and the yearning for a meaningful connection.

The song’s production enhances the emotional impact of the lyrics, with its smooth and mellow arrangement creating a soothing and immersive listening experience. The combination of Khalid’s soulful vocals and the track’s atmospheric instrumentation creates a powerful and resonant sound that captures the essence of the song’s themes.

Lyrics and Themes

The lyrics of “Better” explore themes of love, longing, and personal connection. The song reflects a desire to be close to someone and to make a meaningful impact on their life. Khalid’s lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and sincerity, expressing the complexities of emotions associated with love and relationships.

The verses of the song delve into the introspective aspects of love and the desire for a deeper connection. Khalid reflects on the challenges and uncertainties of relationships, expressing a longing to be everything that the other person wants and needs:

“You know I’m down for whatever, you know that I’ll be there You know that I’ll be there for you”

These lines highlight the song’s central theme of commitment and dedication, with Khalid expressing his willingness to support and be there for someone despite the challenges that may arise.

The chorus reinforces the song’s message of longing and desire, with its focus on the wish to be everything that the other person wants. The repetition of the phrase “I’d like to be everything you want” underscores the depth of Khalid’s feelings and his commitment to making the relationship work.

Overall, the lyrics of “Better” capture the complexities of love and the desire for a meaningful connection, reflecting Khalid’s ability to convey emotional depth and authenticity through his music.

The Music Video: A Visual Journey

The official music video for “Better,” directed by Emil Nava, complements the song’s themes with its visually striking and emotionally resonant imagery. The video features a series of dreamlike and symbolic scenes, showcasing Khalid’s creative vision and adding a layer of depth to the song’s message.

The video opens with a surreal sequence featuring Khalid in a mystical forest, surrounded by ethereal and otherworldly visuals. The imagery reflects the song’s themes of longing and introspection, with the forest serving as a metaphor for the emotional journey depicted in the lyrics.

As the video progresses, Khalid is seen interacting with various symbolic elements, including floating orbs and dreamlike landscapes. These visuals enhance the song’s sense of wonder and emotional depth, creating a visually captivating experience that complements the track’s mellow and introspective vibe.

One of the key elements of the video is its use of color and lighting to create a mood that aligns with the song’s themes. The use of soft, glowing lights and rich, saturated colors adds to the overall dreamlike quality of the video, reinforcing the emotional impact of the song.

The video also features scenes of Khalid performing against a backdrop of abstract and symbolic imagery, reflecting the personal and introspective nature of the song. The visuals are designed to enhance the song’s message of love and longing, creating a cohesive and engaging narrative that complements the track’s emotional depth.

Cultural Impact and Reception

“Better” has been widely praised for its smooth production, soulful vocals, and emotionally resonant lyrics. The song’s success on the charts and its positive reception from critics reflect its broad appeal and the strong connection it has made with listeners. Khalid’s ability to convey complex emotions with simplicity and sincerity has made “Better” a standout track in his discography.

The music video has also contributed to the song’s impact, with its visually captivating and emotionally resonant imagery enhancing the overall experience. The video’s success underscores Khalid’s ability to create compelling and immersive content that resonates with fans and showcases his artistic vision.

Conclusion

Khalid’s “Better” is a standout track that combines soulful melodies, introspective lyrics, and visually striking imagery. The song’s exploration of love, longing, and personal connection, paired with its smooth production and imaginative music video, makes it a memorable and impactful addition to contemporary R&B and pop music. Through his music and visuals, Khalid offers a powerful and resonant anthem that encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences and embrace the complexities of love and relationships. “Better” continues to resonate with audiences, providing a timeless message of emotional depth and authenticity that showcases Khalid’s talent and creativity.

Love to see you shine in the night like the diamond you are
(Love to see you shine in the night like the diamond you are)
I’m on the other side, it’s alright, just hold me in the dark
(I’m on the other side, it’s alright, just hold me in the dark)
No one’s got to know what we do, hit me up when you’re bored
(No one’s got to know) Nah (what we do, hit me up when you’re bored)
‘Cause I live down the street, so we meet when you need it, it’s yours
All I hear is
Nothin’ feels better than this
Nothin’ feels better
Nothin’ feels better than this
Nothin’ feels better, no, no
We don’t gotta hide
This is what you like, I admit
Nothin’ feels better than this
You say we’re just friends but I swear when nobody’s around
(You say we’re just friends but I swear when nobody’s around)
You keep my hand around your neck, we connect, are you feeling it now?
(Keep my hand around your neck) ‘Cause I am (we connect, are you feeling it now?)
I got so high the other night, I swear to God, I felt my feet leave the ground
(I got so high the other night, I swear to God) Ooh yeah (felt my feet leave the ground)
Your back against the wall, this is all we’ve been talkin’ about
In my ears
Nothin’ feels better than this (no, no, no)
Nothin’ feels better
Nothin’ feels better than this
Nothin’ feels better, no, no
We don’t got to hide
This is what you like, I admit
Nothin’ feels better than this
Now, left, right, left, right
Take it back, bring it side to side
Like that, like that, ayy
Ooh, now, left, right, left, right
Take it back, bring it side to side
Like
Nothin’ feels better than this
Nothin’ feels better
Nothin’ feels better than this
(Nothin’ feels better) Oh, no, no
(We don’t got to hide) Hide
(This is what you like) Ooh (I admit)
Nothin’ feels better than this, ooh
(Better than this)