It’s been a quiet year for Kehlani. Other than a handful of low-profile features and one solo song in February, she has remained relatively mum about new music. That’s not to say she hasn’t been on her grind, though. From releasing clean-living app Flora and announcing her pregnancy in October, it’s clear the singer had a quietly eventful 2018. It appears that’s all about to change with the Ty Dolla $ign-assisted “Nights Like This.”
In her first song since revealing her pregnancy, Kehlani calls out a woman who continuously gives her mixed signals. With lyrics like “I can’t believe the lies that I went for” and “you gon’ say you want me, the switch it up,” the singer voices her grievances before admitting she often thinks about this partner when she’s had a drink or two. Dolla $ign drops in for a fairly uninspired verse, an upsetting outlier for trap’s go-to feature. The duo go on to harmonize for the final chorus, bringing the song to a satisfying conclusion.
While many of Kehlani’s releases between SweetSexySavage and “Nights Like This” have been primarily acoustic, the single is a return to the trap-influenced R&B that has permeated most of the singer’s output. The production feels calmer than previous singles, perhaps signalling a change in musical demeanor for the soon-to-be mother. With a relaxed vocal and a beat her and Dolla $ign can glide effortlessly over, “Nights Like This” offers an enjoyable — if safe — return to the spotlight.
Rating: 3.5/5