Khalid announces his fourth album with bold new single in plain sight

Khalid has always been celebrated for blending alternative R&B, pop, and a touch of hip-hop, but now the 27-year-old from El Paso, Texas is stepping fully into the pop world with his new single, in plain sight. The track, produced by ILYA (best known for work with Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, and Taylor Swift), even nods to the sounds of 80s dance and disco, while still carrying a polished, modern edge.

Lyrically, the song dives into a relationship filled with dishonesty and betrayal. Khalid sings about facing a partner who has been unfaithful and isn’t even trying to hide it.

“Said he was just a friend (Friend) / If it’s coincidence, baby / Okay, okay, okay, okay,” he delivers with cool detachment. But for Khalid, the song and the project it belongs to mean much more than just heartbreak.

In a conversation with Rolling Stone, Khalid shared that this moment marks a turning point in his personal and creative life. “This chapter is about taking my power back, living in my truth, and being able to express myself freely. I’m excited for my fans to experience this new era with me, not just musically, but personally,” he explained.

That sense of renewal comes through in the upbeat production and the song’s bigger message. As Khalid puts it, it’s about “themes of love, self-discovery, openness, and a refreshed sense of freedom.” Fans won’t have to wait long to hear more, as his fourth studio album, after the sun goes down, arrives on October 10 with a total of 16 tracks.

Khalid "in plain sight"