It's official: Miguel's latest album is fantastic.
War and Leisure had a good amount of hype, with singles like "Sky Walker" and "Come Through and Chill" satisfying fans of the R&B artist in anticipation of his fourth studio album. The hype did not produce a dud, with the album bringing some much-needed warmth to your soul as the season gets colder. Miguel's vocals got richer in this album, and the instrumentals in it are phenomenal.
Here are nine reactions to his newest album, War and Leisure.
1. When Rick Ross dropped a verse in the opening song
The opening song "Criminal" has a great message in it, and Rick Ross' verse in it makes it even better. SHOUT OUT TO ALL THE PEARS!
2. When you get that 'Adorn'-vibe on "Banana Clip"
It's a bit like his 2012 chart-topper, but it's too good to make a comparison. Even Stanley from The Office has to agree.
3. Basically all of "City of Angels"
The whole concept of the album might be Miguel making metaphors of his love life to warfare and tragedies...but he makes them sound so sweet and powerful. His sultry vocals will definitely provide some intense look into what his true lyrics mean in this song...as long as he actually doesn't go to war.
4. When you try to 'sky-walk' on your haters like he does on "Sky Walker"
His collaboration with Travis $cott on this album is by far the best song off the album, and his closing verse on it really makes you think Miguel is going to declare war on you (in a romantic way). Also, Travis' verse on this song is probably the best rap verse of 2017.
5. When the instrumental on "Pineapple Skies" is quite catchy
Take a listen and you'll know what I mean.
6. When "Caramelo Duro" comes on
Admit it: you'll be dancing like Shawn Michaels in your dorm room when this potential club song comes on.
7. Contemplating the message behind J.Cole's verse on "Come Through and Chill"
J.Cole has returned as a featured artist this year on this song, and he actually provides a very reflective verse on flirting and having a girl come over to his place. The two have collaborated before, including "Power Trip" on Cole's 2013 sophomore album Born Sinner. You'll have a lot to think about during and after the song has played. #ColeWorld
8. Your reaction to "Told You So"
Miguel provides a very catchy vibe to this song, singing about a potential nuclear fallout or something tragic in the future and how he, well, plans to tell everyone, "Told you so".
9. When you realize the whole album is a politically-charged album calling out current racial tensions in America
According to Miguel and Genius.com, this album is Miguel's response to certain racial tensions and controversies in America right now...AND WHAT HE PLANS TO DO WITH HIS MUSIC TO RESOLVE IT. I was surprised by all of this when reading the album's concept on Genius.
This album is tragically beautiful, providing audiences with another unique album to an already stacked year of great albums. Miguel's voice soothes all the messed up things in the world in this album, and the featured artists he's got on it further cements that. War and Leisure is a perfect album to get you ready for December, finals week, even the hectic holiday season. Guaranteed.