Wildheart

Released in 2015, Wildheart represents Miguel's most significant sonic evolution, moving decisively into a space he termed 'art-pop' and 'psychedelic soul.' Following the success of Kaleidoscope Dream, Miguel collaborated with a diverse range of producers including Benny Cassette and Cashmere Cat to craft a sound that heavily incorporates live instrumentation, specifically distorted electric guitars. The album is deeply rooted in the geography and mythology of Los Angeles, exploring themes of racial identity (notably on 'what's normal anyway'), mortality, and transgressive sexuality. Critics praised the album for its fearlessness and its ability to bridge the gap between Prince-esque funk and 90s grunge textures. It stands as a landmark of the mid-2010s R&B landscape, proving that the genre could absorb rock influences without losing its soulful core. The inclusion of Lenny Kravitz on 'face the sun' further cements the album's rock credentials, while tracks like 'the valley' push the boundaries of explicit lyrical content in mainstream R&B.