Kaleidoscope Dream
by Miguel
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Oct 2, 2012
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
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  1. Expert Witness (MSN Music)
    Dec 30, 2012
    91
    He's major now, and musically, this locks in top to bottom.
  2. The A.V. Club
    Oct 9, 2012
    91
    Kaleidoscope Dream will almost surely attract comparisons to another recent R&B album with its own amiable internal logic, Frank Ocean's Channel Orange, and not unfairly, given that both are uniformly excellent.
  3. cokemachineglow
    Dec 21, 2012
    90
    He, like his album, works best in its woozier, hushed moments.
  5. Exclaim
    Nov 28, 2012
    90
    Kaleidoscope Dream is a statement that Miguel has arrived.
  6. Spin
    Oct 4, 2012
    90
    Miguel has impeccable songwriting chops and a deceptively supple voice, not to mention total command of both.
  7. AllMusic
    Oct 4, 2012
    90
    There are instances where the lyrical content edges too close to "artsy" teenage erotic poetry, but no song is without an attractive quality, whether it's a heavenly melody, a riveting rhythm, or a boggling production nuance.
  8. Chicago Tribune
    Oct 16, 2012
    88
    The singer with the feathery falsetto creates a fluid, dreamscape environment that floats across eras with a connoisseur's discerning feel for the telling detail.
  9. Pitchfork
    Oct 4, 2012
    84
    It's respectful of tradition, quietly ambitious, and deeply personal, a wonderfully considered album from an artist who was starting to seem a lot like a forgotten gem in the wake of mishandled promotion.
  10. Q Magazine
    Dec 11, 2012
    80
    On his impressive second album, the LA-born R&B auteur offers fresh options for mainstream urban pop. [Jan 2013, p.110]
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  11. BBC Music
    Nov 19, 2012
    80
    Enjoy Kaleidoscope Dream for the rarity that it is: an unerringly consistent, very good pop record.
  12. PopMatters
    Oct 19, 2012
    80
    Even with a weaker Side B collection of songs, Kaleidoscope Dream is a thrilling listen that draws comparisons to D'Angelo's Voodoo or Erykah Badu's New Amerykah Part One on first listen.
  13. The Guardian
    Oct 18, 2012
    80
    Miguel has pushed himself hard on his second album, and pulled it off.
  14. Consequence
    Oct 5, 2012
    80
    The success owes a good deal to the production, sparse and specific, and always in tune with Miguel's tenor.
  15. DJ Booth
    Oct 4, 2012
    80
    There's no doubting that he's gone from a freshman to a full-fledged member of R&B's graduating class with Kaleidoscope Dream.
  16. NOW Magazine
    Oct 4, 2012
    80
    Miguel's second album delivers on the L.A.-based musician's early promise, taking the best ideas from the debut--slow, lilting grooves, layered electric guitars, darkly squelching bass lines, meandering falsetto--into a more expansive, emotionally varied and personal sound.
  17. Under The Radar
    Dec 4, 2012
    75
    It's a record that's every bit as multifaceted as its kaleidoscopic cover art, and one sure to grow over multiple listenings.
  18. The Quietus
    Oct 16, 2012
    70
    The range of sonic ideas, fully realized songs, and prodigious vocal talent on Kaleidoscope Dream arrives as the most pleasant of shocks.
  19. Rolling Stone
    Oct 5, 2012
    70
    He rubs his shadowy croon against electronic gurgles or electric guitar, keeping his tracks spare and unpredictable.
  20. Fact Magazine (UK)
    Oct 4, 2012
    70
    In its finished form, Miguel's Kaleidoscope Dream is a testament to his evolved songwriting, reverence to the past, and refusal to be pigeonholed.
  21. Boston Globe
    Oct 4, 2012
    70
    He's at his best when he slips into his expressive falsetto, but Miguel frequently comes off too remote for a true soul singer.

Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best Album of 2012
100
#100 Most Discussed Album of 2012
53
#53 Most Shared Album of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 141 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 129 out of 141
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 141
  3. Negative: 6 out of 141
  1. Mradix
    Oct 5, 2012
    10
    This is really unlike anything you ever listened to, even if you are not a fan of R&B (like me) you are probably going to enjoy this just fromThis is really unlike anything you ever listened to, even if you are not a fan of R&B (like me) you are probably going to enjoy this just from an artistic and interesting point of view. Check it out!… Full Review »
  2. eoperez
    Oct 5, 2012
    10
    Oh my!!! What a beautiful album. This will definitely compete with Frank Ocean's - Channel Orange for best R&B album of the year. ProductionOh my!!! What a beautiful album. This will definitely compete with Frank Ocean's - Channel Orange for best R&B album of the year. Production is awesome and songs are well written and sang. I feel R&B could be making an amazing come back!… Full Review »
  3. N10
    Nov 22, 2012
    10
    Maybe the year's most pleasurable album. The songwriting is really good and vocally Miguel is amazing, and as a producer he works very well.Maybe the year's most pleasurable album. The songwriting is really good and vocally Miguel is amazing, and as a producer he works very well. Have heard about this guy for some months, and you can't deny that Miguel has talent, as an artist he's amazing and really creative. Have played this all day long since it's release, it's still as good as it were the first time, or even better. Entertained from beginning to end, the production fits Miguel's very dreamy voice perfectly.
    One of the best releases this year, it's truely a strong year for R&B. Miguel has a wonderful voice that few has, and from a artistic view you better check this dude out. Unlike everything that's released this year.
    Recommend this strongly!    … Full Review »
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