What makes Shockandawe by Miguel notable?

Shockandawe received critical praise for its innovative production and lyrical depth, further establishing Miguel's reputation as a visionary artist within the R&B genre. The album features thought-provoking themes connected to social issues, reflecting the cultural climate of its release year, which resonated with listeners and critics alike. Released in 2017, Shockandawe is Miguel's fourth studio album, following his critically acclaimed work Wildheart from 2015. At this point in his career, Miguel was solidifying his position as a genre-defying artist, known for pushing the limits of R&B and integrating various musical styles into his sound.

How many songs are on Shockandawe?

Shockandawe has 1 track, running approximately 2 minutes.

Shockandawe

Miguel · 2017

2 min · 1 track · contemporary R&B

A bold blend of rhythmic experimentation and introspective lyricism that challenges the boundaries of contemporary R&B.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Shockandawe — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its striking blend of assertive beats and poignant lyrics addressing societal issues.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The track showcases innovative production and thoughtful lyrics, marking it as a strong entry in Miguel's discography.

What we noticed

Lyrically, it combines personal introspection with commentary on broader social issues, shifting between intimate and expansive themes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Innovative production and lyrical depth solidify Miguel's role as a visionary in R&B.
Career context: Released in 2017, Shockandawe is Miguel's fourth studio album, following his critically acclaimed work Wildheart from 2015. At this point in his career, Miguel was solidifying his position as a genre-defying artist, known for pushing the limits of R&B and integrating various musical styles into his sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Frank Ocean· The Weeknd· SZA