Is War & Leisure a good place to start with Miguel?

Yes, War & Leisure is recommended as a starting point for new Miguel listeners. A vibrant blend of alternative R&B and pop, infused with playful lyrics and smooth melodies that evoke a sense of summer joy. Released on January 1, 2017, War & Leisure is Miguel's fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Wildheart from 2015. At this point in his career, Miguel was transitioning from an artist known for his raw emotionality to one embracing more playful and eclectic sounds, showcasing a broader range of influences.

Who is War & Leisure for?

War & Leisure works well if you're into steady groove for relaxed evenings, intimate vibes for close gatherings and melodic flow with sensual undertones.

How many songs are on War & Leisure?

War & Leisure has 12 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

War & Leisure

Miguel · 2017

48 min · 12 tracks · contemporary R&B

A vibrant blend of alternative R&B and pop, infused with playful lyrics and smooth melodies that evoke a sense of summer joy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Criminal Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Sky Walker — This track stands out for its infectious groove and uplifting message, capturing a carefree spirit that resonates throughout the album.
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Pineapple Skies — With its warm instrumentation and optimistic lyrics, this song embodies the album's theme of love and positivity, positioning it as a standout anthem.
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Come Through and Chill — Featuring J. Cole, this track showcases Miguel's ability to blend sensuality with introspection, making it a highlight in both lyrical content and musical composition.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends smooth melodies with varied production, maintaining a cohesive yet diverse sound throughout.

What we noticed

The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a relaxed mood, followed by a series of songs that gradually introduce more upbeat rhythms.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response structures, creating an engaging interplay between Miguel's voice and background vocals.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady groove for relaxed evenings
intimate vibes for close gatherings
melodic flow with sensual undertones
uplifting energy for daytime drives

Maybe skip if you

seekers of abrupt dynamics
prefer fast-paced, high-energy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and innovation in Miguel's evolving sound.
Themes: carefree summer vibes· sensual intimacy· playful love stories
Career context: Released on January 1, 2017, War & Leisure is Miguel's fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Wildheart from 2015. At this point in his career, Miguel was transitioning from an artist known for his raw emotionality to one embracing more playful and eclectic sounds, showcasing a broader range of influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Frank Ocean· The Weeknd· SZA