Miguel - War & Leisure

War & Leisure emerged in 2017 as the culmination of a journey in which Miguel’s R&B had long navigated between vocal intimacy and pop ambition. The artist’s fourth studio album, released on December 1, 2017, by RCA and ByStorm Entertainment, showcases an unprecedented technical maturity. It presents an electrifying profile that no longer confines itself to the singer’s usual softness, oscillating between political tensions and a pronounced rhythmic diversity.

“Criminal” kicks off the album with a rock-infused edge

The album opens with the track “Criminal,” which immediately establishes an unusual dynamic through its rock-tinged intro. This opening track, positioned first on the tracklist, radically shifts the tone compared to the artist’s previous releases, such as Wildheart (2015). Track 1 stands out for its raw, electric quality, breaking with the genre’s conventional norms. On this song, Miguel invites Rick Ross for a confirmed vocal feature, adding an urban texture to this impactful start. The album comprises twelve tracks with a total runtime of 48 minutes and 6 seconds—a structure that allows for this more aggressive introduction before the subsequent sequences.

“Wolf” and “Caramelo Duro”: a diversity of guests and styles

Beyond collaborations with major artists, the album also features more niche vocalists to enrich its sonic palette. Track 5, “Wolf,” includes a feature from QUIN among the five tracks with guest artists. On track nine, “Caramelo Duro,” Kali Uchis contributes her established vocal style, introducing an international and soulful dimension. These collaborations reflect Miguel’s approach to exploring diverse sounds, rather than confining himself to a single genre. The album already contains moments of intensity, according to critics, demonstrating an energy that runs through the tracks without ever being uniform.

Now concludes the album on a political note

The album ends with track twelve, “Now,” offering a conclusion that contrasts with the energy of its opening. This final sequence allows Miguel to close the album’s narrative arc on a calmer note. The entire work carries political undertones, as the artist describes it as capturing how life feels in this era. Tracks like “Criminal” and “Sky Walker” mark key moments within this sonic architecture. Critical reception has praised the album’s musicality and scope, particularly its rock-inspired intro on “Criminal,” which gives it an electric edge. With this, Miguel releases his fourth studio album following Kaleidoscope Dream (2012) and Wildheart (2015), further solidifying his place in contemporary R&B.

Production directed by Miguel: between a confident solo effort and a variety of contributors

Before the release of War & Leisure, the artist had already established his prominence through the global success of the track "Adorn," which won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song of the Year in 2013. This international recognition directly preceded the recording of his fourth studio album, released by RCA and ByStorm Entertainment. Miguel’s musical legacy is deeply rooted in the familial influences he received from childhood in San Pedro, where his parents instilled in him a strong appreciation for R&B, funk, jazz, and classic rock. The RCA label thus provided him with a platform to explore more electrifying sounds, moving beyond the smooth R&B often associated with his early work. The album’s release context also reveals a distinct artistic ambition marked by Miguel’s social engagement. He describes War & Leisure as a work carrying political undertones, reflecting his personal feelings about the state of the world at the time. This committed approach continues a pattern of bold choices throughout his career, such as his film appearance in Live by Night in 2016 and his contribution to the soundtrack of Cinquante nuances plus sombres. The album’s structure, featuring twelve tracks, allows for an alternation between these political dimensions and moments of pure relaxation. Production is a personal endeavor led by Miguel, who collaborates with renowned producers like Raphael Saadiq and David Andrew Sitek. This collaborative yet independent approach enables him to craft an album with electric undertones without sacrificing his unique vocal signature. Behind this collaborative facade, the production remains a meticulously orchestrated personal project. Miguel oversees the production himself, working with a diverse array of contributors including Happy Perez, Steve Mostyn, David Andrew Sitek, Detail, Raphael Saadiq, Jeff Bhasker, Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis, and Salaam Remi. The album War & Leisure presents an electrifying profile, beginning with the rock-infused intro of the track “Criminal” and culminating in its closing track. By January 2019, the album had sold 500,000 units in the United States, earning a Gold certification from the RIAA.

Technical Sheet

- Release Date: December 1, 2017 - Labels: ByStorm Entertainment, RCA - Tracks: 12 (48 min 06 s) - Opening / Closing Tracks: Criminal / Now - Guests: Rick Ross, Travis Scott, QUIN, Kali Uchis, J. Cole, Salaam Remi - Previous Album: By Your Side (2012)