I’m sure by now, each and every one of you has heard the track ‘Adorn’. If you haven’t, then I seriously have to question where you have been for the past few months and I must implore you to make use of the hyperlink provided. Don’t worry, it opens in a new window and I’ll still be here when you return. If you had heard it previously, then you already know the individual behind the song is none other than the man operating under the mononym ‘Miguel’. If you had to make use of the hyperlink, then welcome back :]
Just in case all of this is still going over your head, a little back story; Miguel hails from San Pedro, Los Angeles, California and is a singer, songwriter, producer who has received nominations and wins from Grammy to Billboard. His debut album ‘All I Want Is You’ delivered fan favourites such as ‘Sure Thing’, ‘Quickie’, and the albums title track which features, rapper, J Cole. That was 2010.
Fast forward 2 years and the young man’s sophomore effort is a clear cut indication that he has grown and developed, not only as a writer but as a producer.
Though he was heavily involved with the writing of his first album it featured all external production, whereas this time around he is sole producer of 4 tracks and co-producer of another 5 of the albums full 14. As a music lover, and one who grew up listening to country, soul, and reggae from years before me, as well as the love and sex filled R&B of the 90s, I absolutely love when an artist is involved with as much of the product they are delivering to us as possible. I am often critical about how little feeling and emotion the vast majority of chart topping music of this generation has – which makes me sound and feel a hell of a lot older than 26 years old – and I try to take it for what it is, but in my honest opinion the truth is, it too often isn’t anything worth spending bandwidth on let alone money. I think this was actually a problem I had with Miguel’s first album. It felt disposable, and nothing really stood out to me as having any real meaning to the artist himself which makes me feel like…ok, if you don’t care then why should I?
So as you can see, I honestly wasn’t a huge fan of Miguel after hearing his first album but I cannot even explain how much I truly love this one. It is filled and fuelled with very raw emotion, perfectly displayed on tracks such as ‘Use Me’ and ‘Candles In The Sun’ – the latter being one of those songs that just strike you straight away, due to it’s hypnotic tempo, mesmerising half arpeggio and simple but purposeful drumming pattern. Pair this with the lyrics, which question our existence as well as the state of our world itself and, for me at least, you have an absolute gem.
‘Kaleidoscope Dream’ is out now and it is a dream within a dream, for which I need no kick. Listen to it once and I am sure it will effortlessly seep it’s way into you.
This album combines hip-hop, funk, rock, electro and a soul so it really does have something for everyone; it’s humorous at points, raunchy, inquisitive and reflective. If you are already a Miguel fan, then you know the album is legit; if not, I think this is as good a time as any to become acquainted with sultry, singing sensation simply known as Miguel.
I leave you with this:
Much Love,
Jack
As I See It 