Miguel, Sky Walker | Track Review 🎵

Miguel returns, assisted by Travis Scott, on his new single, “Sky Walker.”  On “Sky Walker” he denounces the haters. 

Miguel knows his sex – at least in regards to capturing it musically.  His 2015 album, Wildheart, was by far the sexiest album of his career.  While it checked off boxes as a personal favorite of 2015, there’s no doubt the R&B standout may have overexerted himself at times.  He returns, assisted by Travis Scott on a new single, “Sky Walker.” 

As expected with a Miguel song, there are ample pros.  First and foremost, vocally, it’s undeniable how soulful and nuanced he sounds handling the lead. The production work falls in a similar boat.  The majority of the sound is in line with the musician’s style.  Perhaps there are some tweaks, but the lushness, with a touch of eclecticism, is what we’ve come to expect.  Additionally, we get a respectable chorus out of “Sky Walker”:

“Captain is still, catch a wave, roll us (splish)
Take a shot, make a friend, just enjoy the moment
I’m Luke Skywalkin’ on these haters (splish)
Celebrate every day like a birthday
Good things come to those that wait up (splish)
But don’t wait to jump in too long
Don’t sleep, you gotta stay up (splish)
Don’t, don’t sleep, you gotta stay up.”

The message is all about denouncing and proving haters wrong, something that is made clear from the jump. Miguel sings on the intro: “Quick to dead the bull like a matador.” On the second verse, Travis Scott plays into the message, flexing lyrically.  He doesn’t break new ground, nor does he deliver the verse of the year, but it’s okay.

Final Thoughts 

Ultimately, “Sky Walker” has it moments.  The messaging by Miguel is rock solid, as is his vocal performance.  He doesn’t sound as exceptional as he did on say “Adorn” or “Coffee,” but he remains one of the crème de le crème as far as R&B artists and vocalists.  “Sky Walker,” unfortunately, doesn’t quite sound like the next “big” hit by Miguel.  Still, it’s enjoyable and definitely above average.

Miguel • War & Leisure • RCA • Release: 12.1.17 

Photo Credit: RCA