Kehlani, Nights Like This | Track Review 🎵

R&B standout Kehlani makes a strong return on her first single of 2019, “Nights Like This,” featuring the ever-ubiquitous Ty Dolla $ign.

“But all that glitters isn’t gold, I was blinded / Should have never gave you my heart on consignment.” She’s back! Who? Why, Grammy-nominated urban contemporary singer Kehlani, that’s who! Upon the release of her new single, “Nights Like This,” it’s been nearly two years since she dropped her proper debut studio album, SweetSexySavage.  Well, the wait is over, and K gets the assist from the ever-ubiquitous Ty Dolla $ign on “Nights Like This.”

There’s plenty to sink your teeth into “Nights Like This.” First and foremost, Kehlani sounds amazing vocally.  Like her previous music offerings, her tone and overall performance are the draw.  In addition to a sensational, nuanced vocal, “Nights Like This” benefits from its production work. It’s idiomatic of a modern R&B record, yet also has the classical cues that had contemporary R&B popping in the 90s and 00s.  Adding to the excellence is respectable songwriting – nothing brand-new or game-changing, but good, relatable stuff.  The pre-chorus and chorus sections are among the highlights:

“On some nights like this, shawty, I can’t help but think of us
I’ve been reminiscin’, sippin’, missin’ ya
Can you tell me what’s with all this distant love?
If I called, would you pick it up?
On some nights like this, I just wanna text you, but for what
You gon’ say you want me, then go switch it up
Just gon’ play with my emotions just because, no.”

As for Ty Dolla $ign, his distinct sound is effective as well, but it is Kehlani who is the clear star.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Kehlani is on-point with “Nights Like This.”  There are no glaring flaws to be found. The vocals, production, and songwriting are all strong. Nah, new ground isn’t covered, but honestly, where is there considerable innovation in the current music industry? Exactly! “Nights Like This” is a winner.

Kehlani • Nights Like This (Ft. Ty Dolla $ign) – Single • Atlantic • Release: 1.10.19

Photo Credit: Atlantic