While Kehlani has never necessarily been underground, it’s safe to say she hasn’t ever really gotten her full dues. That fact has only been accentuated by the outpour of love her single “Folded” received this year. The love is all justified, but it begs the question: where was this hype for all her other releases? The chorus has been inescapable lately, and for good reason. It calls back on familiar R&B themes in a way that naturally lends itself to virality and genuine artistry.
That method has successfully continued with the singer’s latest release, “Out The Window.” When the song was posted as a mere snippet, it already garnered buzz for the cover art photographed by Markus Klinko, the man behind many classic 2000s R&B album covers. The art of the album cover is lost in a day when albums are something scrolled by on a phone, rather than tangibly held. Kehlani and her team understand that even if it’s done through a screen, human nature continues to judge books (or songs) by their cover, and it’s nice to stand out. From her makeup and hair to the font choice, everything about the cover is intentional. It sets the right message, and the same care that crafted the visual is perfectly displayed in the song itself.
The song is truly a force to be reckoned with. It begins slowly with sleek production. Kehlani’s beautiful voice floats over the track, and the smooth instrumental complements her perfectly.
As far as lyrics go, it’s a familiar Kehlani tune reflecting on love. She’s afraid of losing her lover, even though she knows she may be at fault. The intensity of her singing, amplified through the absolute killer production, makes as strong a case as any for taking one back.
As Kehlani sings: “I want you / I’m focused / It’s overdue,” it feels not only applicable to the lyrical matter but to her career as well. She’s been consistently releasing beautiful songs for a decade at this point, and while she was never underground, she has most definitely been overlooked. The success this year has brought her is long overdue, and I cannot wait to see how this momentum furthers her career going forward.
The song may even go on to overshadow “Folded.” On “Out the Window,” Kehlani really leans into the old school R&B she’s always expressed love for. As a nostalgic labor of love, the song proves itself to be one of the best in her already studded catalogue.
