Khalid & Summer Walker, Eleven (Remix) | Track Review 🎵

Grammy-nominated R&B artist Khalid improves his pleasant single “Eleven,” with a remix featuring Summer Walker.

Collaborations seem to be all the rage with singles released on May 1, 2020 (or whereabouts).  On “Eleven (Remix),” two of contemporary R&B’s hottest musicians joins forces: Khalid and Summer Walker.  When I think about these two artists, the first word that comes to mind is vibe.  Both nail cultivating a certain vibe when listening to their music.  Seeing these two together isn’t that far-fetched in the least.  On “Eleven (Remix),” they bring the ‘cool energy’ as a duo with respectable results overall.

Upon reviewing the solo version of “Eleven” in January 2020, I asserted it checks off boxes that we’ve come to expect from the Khalid.  His voice is excellent, retaining its distinctness and sheer beauty. The production, courtesy of Digi and Simon Says, provides inspiration for him (and her on this remix) to flourish. The sound is idiomatic of contemporary R&B, yet it can also fly on pop radio.  The first verse, pre-chorus, as well as the chorus remain intact from the original.  Summer Walker provides some contributions to the chorus, of course:

“Late at night, eleven, we’re crusin’
Lately, I’ve been watchin’ your movements
If I’m the only one that you’re choosin’
Am I favorite drug you’ve been usin’?”

Walker, of course, replaces Khalid’s second verse from the original. This is a welcome contrast considering I found “Eleven” to suffer from a lack of innovative spirit and taking risks.  While adding Summer Walker doesn’t eradicate that lack, it does give “Eleven (Remix)” an additional tone color with a female voice, and a beautiful one at that.  Walker, the remix queen, adds some oomph to the bridge as well, making “Eleven (Remix)” a bit more exciting.

Final Thoughts 

“Eleven” in its original form was forgettable.  It had its moments, but there was something missing.  Adding Summer Walker definitely gives the single a boost that it needed.  Does it make it a certified bop? I wouldn’t go so far as to say that, but “Eleven (Remix)” is certainly an improvement any way you look at it.

Khalid & Summer Walker • “Eleven (Remix)” • RCA • Release: 5.1.20

Photo Credit: RCA