Miguel has been setting the bar high with his music. For someone that has a striking ability to apply himself, Wildheart is a sophisticated work of art. Since 2012’s Kaleidoscope Dream, his experimentation with rock music has glued together his songs quite nicely, and the music on this record is no exception. The transition from his slick and contemporary elements of R&B beats has taken Miguel out of his comfort zone and it works. Wildheart is a refreshing look to why it’s important to channel creative energies when making new material.
Miguel has had critics rave about his music for years and there’s no denying that his thirst for showcasing something different is a speciality of his. The truth is, this record isn’t formulaic. Although this record was released end of June, the hype surrounding the material continues. If you could pinpoint anything as good as Drake and The Weeknd, it shouldn’t be hard to put Miguel at the same level as either of them. He proves that there’s no conventional way of making R&B music, showing another level of excellency in his craft.
Explicit version aside (fans of Miguel, you know what I mean), “Coffee” is one of the finest tracks on the record. Using this track as an example, Wildheart brings an ethereal experience with its soft and mellow instrumentation, creating a profound effect on its lyrics and music. “The Valley” and “…Going to Hell” are both as mesmerising as Miguel’s vocals are charming, emotive and powerful. There’s a trend of sexual tendencies surrounding it with its soulful way of expression; details which surround themes of love, heartache and various experiences shaping an individual.
The record flows effortlessly – like a story needing to be told. There’s a sense of importance resonating from Wildheart with its compelling intricacies and soulful magic. Even if he paces himself throughout the record, there is something brilliantly attractive from Wildheart. It’s a record that is at once sensual and elegant in its own right.
Although the record has been categorised as R&B, Wildheart meets a very genuine approach to rock music and it’s refreshing to see an artist go after this type of sound. Miguel has a way of beautifying everything. Whether it’s his soothing vocals or the way he just intrigues you with the overall sensual themes that surround it, you begin to appreciate artists like him who value change in their material. For Miguel, he has provided a record of influence for future R&B artists and to have that power is an incredible achievement.
Review Score: 9.0 out of 10
Wildheart is available now.
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