Miguel has earned a reputation for pushing the R&B envelope.
As a scholar of galactic and psychedelic sounds of yesteryears, the Grammy winner hasn’t been afraid to blend his relaxed vocal techniques against traditional and experimental R&B stylings. He has spent the last decade releasing infectious love grooves and solidifying himself as a futuristic R&B innovator.
With every album, Miguel has shifted his artistry by innovatively bridging the music that inspired him to flesh out tunes with a modern and fresh energy. His 2010 All I Want is You debut and Kaleidoscope Dream follow-up saw a transition from space-inspired tunes to mind-bending jams.
Moving into Wildheart, he delved deeper into his musical inspirations and embodied the spirit of the ‘70s, bringing in more live instruments and electronic elements to extend the sound. His last album War & Leisure stays true to his audio canon and pushes his current sound further at the same time.
Like many artists, Miguel has seen success on the airwaves with his own material as well as guest spots that have created moments. He also has a number of deep album cuts and promotional tracks that leave quite an impression.
To celebrate the 5th anniversary of his Wildheart album, here are 10 underrated songs by Miguel.
“Girls Like You” from the album All I Want is You
Written by Miguel Pimentel, Mac Robinson and Brian Warfield
Produced by The Fisticuffs (Brian Warfield and Mac Robinson)
Miguel’s debut album All I Want Is You appeared at a time when the R&B landscape began using different elements to bring contemporary R&B to the forefront. “Girls Like You” is one of the tracks that shoots off like a rocket into a space-like energy, while still honoring the standard R&B song structure. The numerous guitar layers with the crashing drum pattern inflate the production, as Miguel’s harmonies and background vocals neatly tie the song together.
“Gravity” from the mixtape Art Dealer Chic, Vol. 1
Written by Miguel Pimentel, Mac Robinson and Brian Warfield
Produced by The Fisticuffs and Miguel Pimentel
Months before the release of his sophomore album, Miguel released an EP trilogy titled Art Dealer Chic. “Gravity,” appearing on the first installment, embodies a groove that makes listeners feel like they’re free falling. The elastic electric guitar and Miguel’s elongated notes create an illusion of being suspended in the air. Even though it didn’t make the final track listing for Kaleidoscope Dream like three other tracks from the trilogy, it was featured on the UK edition.
“Use Me” from the album Kaleidoscope Dream
Written by Miguel Pimentel, Warren “Oak” Felder, Andrew “Pop” Wansel, Steve “Ace” Mostyn, Elle Varner, Ronnie James, Nicole Russell
Produced by Warren “Oak” Felder, Andrew “Pop” Wansel, Steve “Ace” Mostyn, Miguel Pimentel
Kaleidoscope Dream reintroduced Miguel to the world as the artist known today. Incorporating more alternative and funkier influences, this album set him up for his current career. The smoldering and sexy “Use Me” transports listeners to Miguel’s innermost fantasies. Pulling you close with the electric guitar, the chord changes throughout the production is a pleasing and unexpected addition to the stacked production.
“Arch & Point” from the album Kaleidoscope Dream
Written by Miguel Pimentel, Mac Robinson and Brian Warfield
Produced by The Fisticuffs
Featured first on Art Dealer Chic, Vol.2, “Arch & Point” is a straightforward guide to good form. The track goes on an enjoyable flow of effortless rhythmic synergy. Miguel flirtatiously coos the makings of a good night over the growling electric guitar strums and reverberating claps. All pieces of the production cohesively create a sensual sonic sampling in under three minutes.
“DEAL” from the album Wildheart
Written by Miguel Pimentel, Warren “Oak” Felder, Andrew “Pop” Wansel, Steve “Ace” Mostyn Ronald “Flip” Colson
Produced by Warren “Oak” Felder, Andrew “Pop” Wansel, Steve “Ace” Mostyn, Ronald “Flip” Colson, Miguel Pimentel
Delving deeper into a funky, psychedelic sound on his third album Wildheart, that noticeable change is evident on “DEAL.” What makes this track a certified jam is the springy bass guitar that carries the money-making tune. Miguel and the background vocalists fill in the production pockets with stacked delayed vocals, beefing up the rich track. The lively vibe slows down in the last 40 seconds, providing a nostalgic blast to the past that will leave you wanting more.
“Banana Clip” from the album War & Leisure
Written by Miguel Pimentel and Steve “Ace” Mostyn
Produced by Miguel Pimentel and Steve “Ace” Mostyn
Likening his relationship love to war, “Banana Clip” is packing heat that is undeniable to run from. Miguel is willing to air his love gun out on any enemy that tries to break up what he has. His sweet tenor balances out the buttery smooth bass and twinkling synths as he belts the lyrics with conviction.
“Wolf” featuring Quiñ from the album War & Leisure
Written by Miguel Pimentel, Raphael Saadiq and Dylan Wiggins
Produced by Raphael Saadiq and Dylan Wiggins
With a few lyrics leaning to the childhood tale Little Red Riding Hood, the hunt and prey energy can be felt all throughout “Wolf.” Miguel vocalizes his inability to control his desires on the bluesy track. The creeping bass weaving along the production, paired with the bridge resembles a wolf approaching its target; sneaky, luring and about to go in for the kill.
“R.A.N.” from the Superfly Soundtrack
Written by Miguel Pimentel and Rick Nowels
Produced by Rick Nowels and Miguel Pimentel
Miguel has a reputation for his electronic/funk fusion palette; but on “R.A.N.,” he channels rhythmically-dramatic energy. The production exemplifies a healthy helping of instrumentation, as the violins and crashing claps combine for a theatrical effect. Towards the end of the song, Miguel shows off his vocal abilities with melodic runs that let listeners know he’s a real one.
“Python” (Non-album single)
Written by Miguel Pimentel & Steve Mostyn
Produced by Miguel Pimentel & Steve Mostyn
Released ahead of his 2018 Ascension Tour, “Python” reeks in P-funk stank that compliments Miguel’s soaring upper register. Miguel taps into his upper register for the majority of the song, perfectly complementing the bass and electric guitars. Reeking of that P-funk stank, he snuggly fits into the extremely groovy and stimulating jam.
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