Alternative R&B artist Miguel lays out soulful vocals over a combination of melodic guitar riffs and tasteful synth sounds in his atmospheric third LP, “Wildheart.” The album, which is set to release on June 30, is a multi-themed work of art that speaks on the topics of individuality, sex, love and drugs.
Opening with news audio-clips of a police chase in “a beautiful exit,” Miguel urges the audience to stay true to themselves while moving forward. “No fear, no shame,” the artist sings, “Wildhearts cannot be broken.” The “Wildhearts” can be personified as youthful nonconformists who speed past the red lights imposed upon them by societal standards.
The tracks “FLESH,” “waves” and “the valley” feature off-puttingly obvious sexual innuendoes. Meanwhile, Miguel gets personal in “what’s normal anyway” as the track tackles what it means to be summed up into a category and not belong.
The sounds of “Wildheart” can be considered as complex as its themes. From the funky and psychedelic fun heard in “DEAL” to the addictive slow-jam that is “Coffee,” Miguel experiments with layered sound combinations that create a genre in and of itself.
With the electric guitar present in nearly every track, it’s only fitting that guitar-legend Lenny Kravitz make a cameo on the last track, “face the sun.” Also featured is American rapper Kurupt on the gangster-inspired track, “NWA.”
“Wildheart” is a carefully curated collection of tracks containing meaningful lyrics and interpretative imagery. The composition of sounds are unique to the artists. Miguel has left this writer utterly impressed.