Miguel’s Journey: From Hiatus to “CAOS”

By GARY GERARD HAMILTON

Associated Press

The Long Wait

If you’ve been wondering why Miguel hasn’t released a studio album in nearly a decade, his explanation is refreshingly honest: “life.” The Grammy-winning artist took a long break to focus on self-discovery and personal growth. “I needed to do some growing. I had to get my (expletive) together,” he candidly stated.

Since the release of his last album, “War & Leisure,” in 2017, the world has changed dramatically. From political upheaval during Donald Trump’s presidency to a global pandemic and significant social justice movements, life became a reflective journey for Miguel. “We’re just seeing a big question mark of humanity being asked in real time every day,” he noted.

A New Sound

This period of introspection culminated in Miguel’s latest album, “CAOS,” released on the day he turned 40. Crafted with a distinct shift from his previous work, “CAOS” is darker and more urgent. It is characterized by a blend of alternative rock, R&B, and electronic music, resonating with themes of protest and rebellion. The album comprises 12 tracks, all primarily written and produced by Miguel, showcasing his evolution both as an artist and as a person.

Leading singles like “RIP” and “El Pleito” reflect this new, angsty tone, marking a departure from the sensual, vibey sound that first established him in the R&B scene. Miguel exclaimed, “This album is the most angsty, angry album I’ve ever made,” highlighting his desire to express discontent in a constructive manner.

Personal Struggles

Beneath the creative surface, Miguel also faced personal challenges. His divorce from Nazanin Mandi, whom he began dating at 19, was a significant emotional hurdle. “It was a painful thing to go through,” he reflected, articulating how loss has shaped his artistic narrative. The song “Always Time” emerges from these feelings, illustrating his journey through heartbreak.

In this time of introspection, he also grappled with the value of his work. “The value of my work became about outside appreciation as opposed to internal gratitude,” he admitted, recognizing the slippery slope of comparing himself to others in the industry. This realization pushed him to connect more deeply with his audience rather than just aiming for commercial success.

Embracing Fatherhood

Recently, Miguel celebrated becoming a father, marking another transformative phase in his life. He publicly announced the birth of his son with filmmaker Margaret Zhang, and he dedicated the emotionally rich track “Angel’s Song” to his child. This shift provided a newfound inspiration as he explored the themes of love and responsibility.

A Cultural Connection

In a significant departure from his previous works, “CAOS” also features Spanish-language tracks, including “Perderme.” Miguel explained that this choice became more about his identity rather than a mere marketing strategy. “Here I am now,” he said, embracing his multicultural background, which consists of African American and Mexican American roots.

Looking Ahead

Beyond music, Miguel is dedicating his time to helping foster new talent. As this year’s scholar-in-residence at NYU’s Steinhardt School, he’s focused on initiatives that support Black, Mexican, and Latino creators. He’s also excited about the current landscape of futuristic R&B, a genre he significantly influenced.

“I love that I can hear my influence in some of the music today,” he expressed, taking pride in the fact that tracks like “Sure Thing” have recently gained traction on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Despite the challenges of staying true to himself in a fast-paced industry, Miguel finds comfort in the loyalty of his fans. “I’m so lucky to have found a core audience who really rides with me through all of my evolutions,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of gratitude in his artistic journey.

In summary, Miguel’s transition from personal struggles to artistic resurgence with “CAOS” illustrates not just his growth as a musician, but also his evolution as a person navigating the complexities of life and identity.