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Miguel - War & Leisure (RCA Records)
Released: December 1st, 2017
Contemporary pop and R&B standout, Miguel, is back with his fourth full-length album, War & Leisure. This is a follow up to his 2015 release, Wildheart.
Miguel also released an EP entitled Rogue Waves which includes multiple remixes of his song Waves. This EP has some of my favorite Miguel tracks, especially the remix featuring Travis Scott.
Known for his vocals and sensual aesthetics, Miguel delivers another solid set of tracks that venture into different R&B realms. War & Leisure also includes a feature heavy setlist, with highlights from Rick Ross, Kali Uchis and Travis Scott.
The three main singles from this album include "Sky Walker", "Told You So" and "Come Through and Chill".
The Travis Scott feature appears on "Sky Walker", the lead single. The driving bass synths lead the way while snappy and light drums dominate the percussion. Glittery synths sparkle every once in a while throughout the track. Miguel shows off his vocal range during the chorus of this 'Star Wars' inspired title. Travis Scott's presence is smooth and simple; one that a Travis Scott fan would enjoy. His feature is an addition to a great single.
"Pineapple Skies" is a laidback song about being carefree and relaxed. A simple but groovy bass line makes it way through the track while Miguel sings about 'pineapple purple skies'.
Although this is a highlight on the album, I feel like it was missing something. I don't know what it was but the song doesn't "hit" as hard as I think it should/could. I feel the same way about "Told You So".
It's a great tune that contains these 8-bit sound effects along with a deep bass line and psych inspired guitar. The production quality throughout is great; every instrument sounds crisp and clean. But again, I feel like the song should be hitting harder or sounding larger than it is. The track has more breathing room and openness.
That psych electric guitar aesthetics is apparent immediately, especially on the opening track "Criminal". Echoed and reverbed out guitars are present all the way throughout. The drums are chunky and vintage, but fit the style and theme of the song. Rick Ross makes an appearance.
Another vintage-inspired tune appears on "Wolf". Thick and low bass lines combine with these 60s/70s acoustic drum samples that create a very old school vibe. Guitar chops are present on each verse.
I love the vibe and instrumentation on "Caramelo Duro". Translating to "Hard Candy" in English, Miguel sings the majority of the song in Spanish. The production creates a very groovy, danceable, loose, fun energy.
J. Cole dominates the instrumental on "Come Through and Chill". The beat breathes with rim shots and a kick drum. A gentle guitar melody loops throughout while they discuss stories of emotion and "chillin'".
There were a few misses for me throughout.
"Banana Clip" got old really fast. The beat is very straightforward and boring. "City of Angels" didn't do much for me either, along with "Anointed".
Overall, War & Leisure isn't a bad project. Miguel's voice is catchy and addictive throughout, especially on tracks where the production and instrumentation is dense and fun. His drum samples throughout sounded nice along with the guitar sections and synth chords.
I feel like Miguel delivered a decent full-length album with War & Leisure, but nothing more than that. Listen below...
Listen: Miguel - Sky Walker
Genre: R&B/Pop/Soul/Hip-Hop/Singer
Rating: 6/10
Fav Songs: Sky Walker, Pineapple Skies, Told You So, Come Through and Chill, Caramelo Duro
Miguel also released an EP entitled Rogue Waves which includes multiple remixes of his song Waves. This EP has some of my favorite Miguel tracks, especially the remix featuring Travis Scott.
Known for his vocals and sensual aesthetics, Miguel delivers another solid set of tracks that venture into different R&B realms. War & Leisure also includes a feature heavy setlist, with highlights from Rick Ross, Kali Uchis and Travis Scott.
The three main singles from this album include "Sky Walker", "Told You So" and "Come Through and Chill".
The Travis Scott feature appears on "Sky Walker", the lead single. The driving bass synths lead the way while snappy and light drums dominate the percussion. Glittery synths sparkle every once in a while throughout the track. Miguel shows off his vocal range during the chorus of this 'Star Wars' inspired title. Travis Scott's presence is smooth and simple; one that a Travis Scott fan would enjoy. His feature is an addition to a great single.
"Pineapple Skies" is a laidback song about being carefree and relaxed. A simple but groovy bass line makes it way through the track while Miguel sings about 'pineapple purple skies'.
Although this is a highlight on the album, I feel like it was missing something. I don't know what it was but the song doesn't "hit" as hard as I think it should/could. I feel the same way about "Told You So".
It's a great tune that contains these 8-bit sound effects along with a deep bass line and psych inspired guitar. The production quality throughout is great; every instrument sounds crisp and clean. But again, I feel like the song should be hitting harder or sounding larger than it is. The track has more breathing room and openness.
That psych electric guitar aesthetics is apparent immediately, especially on the opening track "Criminal". Echoed and reverbed out guitars are present all the way throughout. The drums are chunky and vintage, but fit the style and theme of the song. Rick Ross makes an appearance.
Another vintage-inspired tune appears on "Wolf". Thick and low bass lines combine with these 60s/70s acoustic drum samples that create a very old school vibe. Guitar chops are present on each verse.
I love the vibe and instrumentation on "Caramelo Duro". Translating to "Hard Candy" in English, Miguel sings the majority of the song in Spanish. The production creates a very groovy, danceable, loose, fun energy.
J. Cole dominates the instrumental on "Come Through and Chill". The beat breathes with rim shots and a kick drum. A gentle guitar melody loops throughout while they discuss stories of emotion and "chillin'".
There were a few misses for me throughout.
"Banana Clip" got old really fast. The beat is very straightforward and boring. "City of Angels" didn't do much for me either, along with "Anointed".
Overall, War & Leisure isn't a bad project. Miguel's voice is catchy and addictive throughout, especially on tracks where the production and instrumentation is dense and fun. His drum samples throughout sounded nice along with the guitar sections and synth chords.
I feel like Miguel delivered a decent full-length album with War & Leisure, but nothing more than that. Listen below...
Listen: Miguel - Sky Walker
Genre: R&B/Pop/Soul/Hip-Hop/Singer
Rating: 6/10
Fav Songs: Sky Walker, Pineapple Skies, Told You So, Come Through and Chill, Caramelo Duro
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