Miguel, New Martyrs (Ride 4 U) | Song Review 🎵

Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Miguel continues his comeback with “New Martyrs (Ride 4 U),” the second single from his long-awaited fifth studio album.  

“Tell me that you’re with it, babe / ‘Cause I’m with it, babe.” Admittedly, Miguel (Miguel Pimentel) was one of my favorite R&B artists from the 2010s.  He represented the total package: creative, gifted, sexy, and talented. But, following his terrific 2017 album, War & Leisure, Pimentel only released singles – no new album. “New Martyrs (Ride 4 U)” arrives as the second single from Miguel’s long-awaited fifth studio album, CAOS (arrives October 23, 2025).  He penned and produced the fourth track from the LP.  

The sound of “New Martyrs (Ride 4 U)” is familiar – like much of Miguel’s music from the past. He leans into a pop-infused alternative R&B aesthetic, thanks to the prominence of the guitar. The instrumental backdrop isn’t innovative, particularly the drum groove, but it fits the artist’s aesthetic and sensibilities overall.  Miguel delivers expressive vocals, as expected. The melodies are chill and relaxed during the verses.  The sections to beat include the choruses, which are tuneful and feature memorable lyrics, particularly the final chorus.    

“You said, ‘I’ll ride for you 

I’ll ride for you 

Oh, I’ll ride for you’ 

Tell me that you’re with it, baby (Ooh) 

With it, honey, yeah (Ooh), yeah.” 

The bridge sounds starkly different than the verses or chorus, which keeps the song engaging. It marks an intriguing moment (“But how / Much can I lose without / Changing who I am?”). So, how does “New Martyrs (Ride 4 U)” stack up? It’s not the second coming, but it is an enjoyable and respectable track from a talented singer-songwriter. I’m glad that he’s back, and I hope that CAOS is as strong as his ace-in-the-hole, Kaleidoscope Dream (2012).