Kehlani, Out The Window | Song Review

Grammy-nominated R&B singer-songwriter Kehlani continues her upward trajectory on her expressive, repentant ballad, “Out The Window.”

“Damn, who knew the silent treatment’d be so fucking loud?”

That is a striking lyric for sure! Kehlani (Kehlani Parrish, she/they) has been on a tear.  While she’s experienced success, it’s always felt like the Grammy-nominated R&B singer-songwriter deserved more.  “Folded” marked a pop breakthrough, earning their first top 10 single on the Billboard Hot 100.  For good reason – the song is incredible! Do you know what other song is incredible? The follow-up to “Folded,” “Out The Window”.  Kehlani continues to flex their buff musical muscles on this memorable, tuneful, and well-rounded ballad.  They never make a bad song, but the consistency seems to be even more pronounced lately. Parrish penned “Out The Window” with Antonio Lamar Dixon, Ashton “SNW” Norful, Khristopher Riddick-Tynes, and Talay Riley. Dixon and Riddick-Tynes produced “Out The Window.”

There are lots of reasons to smile while listening to “Out The Window.” First and foremost, Kehlani sings amazingly.  Their tone is pure and beautiful. They never force things, yet up the ante when it feels and sounds right. Expressive and sincere, you buy what they sell.  With terrific vocals, the lyrics that Kehlani brings to life are superb as well.  “One night of mistake erased all the days I spent building up with you,” they sing in the first verse, and add, “Damn, give anything for you to pick up when I call.” In the second verse, Kehlani continues to accept the blame for messing things up between them: “But I know I’m to blame / I played in your face, too little, too late.” The centerpiece should come as no surprise: the chorus!

“But, baby, I want you

I’m focused, it’s overdue

Don’t throw it out the window

The late nights, the half-truths

I was reckless, let me prove to you

I’ll throw ‘em out the window.”

Kehlani is willing to do whatever she has to do to save the relationship.  If the singing alone is any indication of contriteness, then she is damn serious about it! Adding to the beauty of this R&B gem is the classy, ultra-sophisticated backdrop – keys, strings, programming, the works! “Out The Window” is another fabulous Kehlani single. It’s a fine follow-up to “Folded”!