Miguel's "Kaleidoscope Dream"

BBC Review of Miguel's "Kaleidoscope Dream"

This one snuck up on me, but I'm now certain that it ranks somewhere in my top three albums of the year. Think of it as a cross between the production value of Frank Ocean's "Channel Orange", mixed in with the vocal stylings of a more subdued Bruno Mars*/higher energy Shuggie Otis. It is friendly enough to be featured on the radio yet something about this album sets it far apart from its contemporaries.

The lyrical content ranges from sexual to introspective to lovelorn. Considering it is an R&B album these topics operate well within the classic R&B format; yet Miguel's vocals do a fine job of convincing the listener of his intent--it draws you in, and takes you aback. We've heard so many love songs throughout our collective lives, and how many of them actually stand out? How many do you actually believe? This is Miguel's strength, making the listener believe and empathize--which is quite a feat within itself regardless of musical genre.

 If this is only his second album, I'm very excited to see what else this man might bring to the table. Just loving the current state of modern R&B.

*Bruno Mars: While I just can't get into some of his sugary sweet pop tunes, I will be the first to admit that he can sing the shit out of a song. Beautiful voice.