Jaba Khalid, Outside | Song Review 🎵

[otw_shortcode_dropcap label=”I” size=”large” border_color_class=”otw-no-border-color” shadow=”shadow” square=”square”]‘ve been listening to Jaba Khalid’s new single “Outside” on repeat since it dropped, and I have to say, this guy really knows what he’s doing. Working with Miri, he’s created something that hits all the right notes for summer listening.

What grabbed me first was how genuine everything sounds. Jaba’s vocals have this smooth quality that draws you in, especially when he’s singing about putting yourself out there romantically. When Miri comes in, it doesn’t feel forced or like they just stuck a feature on there for the sake of it. Their voices work together in a way that feels completely natural.

The whole thing sits perfectly in that sweet spot between R&B and dancehall. You can hear his Jamaican background coming through, but it never feels like he’s trying too hard to prove anything. It just flows. The production keeps things clean. But it is not overly polished, which I really appreciate. There’s enough texture in the sound to keep things interesting, but it never gets in the way of the vocals.

I love how the song works in different settings too. I’ve had it on during quiet evenings at home, but it also got people moving when I played it at a friend’s barbecue last weekend. That versatility is rare.

Learning about Jaba’s personal journey makes the song even more meaningful. After dealing with peripheral neuropathy for three years and rebuilding his life you can feel that determination in the music. There’s something powerful about someone choosing to step “outside” their comfort zone after going through something like that.

If you’re looking for new music that actually has something to say while still being incredibly listenable, definitely check this one out.

You can take a listen to ‘Outside‘ by Jaba Khalid here. 

Four out of five – George James. 

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