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Kaleidoscope Dream
by
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Kaleidoscope Dream Image
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 141 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length release for the R&B singer includes six songs from two EPs released earlier in the year and features guest appearances from Alicia Keys and Wiz Khalifa.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Expert Witness (MSN Music)
    Dec 30, 2012
    91
    He's major now, and musically, this locks in top to bottom.
  2. Spin
    Oct 4, 2012
    90
    Miguel has impeccable songwriting chops and a deceptively supple voice, not to mention total command of both.
  3. cokemachineglow
    Dec 21, 2012
    90
    He, like his album, works best in its woozier, hushed moments.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

See all 20 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  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!… Expand
  2. 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!    … Expand
  4. 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!… Expand
  5. BluIsGOAT
    Oct 5, 2012
    8
    Solid album all in all. Very strong year for RnB with this release, channel ORANGE & the Trilogy next month. Miguel's production was also verySolid album all in all. Very strong year for RnB with this release, channel ORANGE & the Trilogy next month. Miguel's production was also very good, only dislike was the Eminem sample. favorite song is "Candles In The Sun.… Expand
  6. Brad_
    Feb 21, 2013
    8
    I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the entire album. It really captivates his artistic intention and participation in R&B music to the extentI thoroughly enjoyed listening to the entire album. It really captivates his artistic intention and participation in R&B music to the extent where we are audibly stimulated by trance like harmonies, sultry beats and lyrics. The title song, kaleidoscopic dream, is one of my favourites from his sophomore album because of the marriage with the instruments, lyrics and vocals. 'Body limb like piano keys, allow me to evoke' is just an example of his clever metaphors that is shown throughout. I urge you guys to listen to this album, though I'm not a great fan of the 'radio friendly' term, I do think this album fits nicely on the border of that which I think is good. If I had to choose between Kaleidoscope Dream or Channel Orange, I would definitely pick the former hands down. Favourite song: Kaleidoscope Dream Best Instrumentation: Adorn Most played: Adorn
    Most fun: is mine    … Expand
  7. Southtown
    Oct 6, 2012
    8
    Smooth cuts, laying it down for more upcoming R&B artists to follow! I would rate "Adorn" as my favorite on the album, feeling the beats fromSmooth cuts, laying it down for more upcoming R&B artists to follow! I would rate "Adorn" as my favorite on the album, feeling the beats from the start and finishing it off wanting to hear what else this album had in store.… Expand
  8. jyo_tirmaya
    Oct 6, 2012
    5
    All of these new R&B artists don't have the same soul feeling like early Stevie Wonder or Anita Baker. None of them have any stand out hits .All of these new R&B artists don't have the same soul feeling like early Stevie Wonder or Anita Baker. None of them have any stand out hits . I feel a certain weakness in their R&B where there should be solid hits. I have a yearning to want to like this music, but they are coming up just a bit short. Sorry...… Collapse

See all 12 User Reviews

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