Miguel – RIP

Miguel returns with “RIP,” the third single from his upcoming album “CAOS,” dropping October 23 via ByStorm/RCA. It’s his first studio effort since 2017’s “War & Leisure,” making this an eight-year wait for new material. Previous singles “New Martyrs (Ride 4 U)” and “El Pleito” set the stage, but “RIP” shifts things up.

The title plays on ripping as tearing rather than rest in peace, though it works both ways given the emotional weight. Miguel and Happy Perez wrote and produced the track, which starts soft and misty before transforming completely. Warm, floating keyboards open things up with Miguel’s vocals in their typical gentle mode. Then an old-school house keyboard riff cuts through, followed by a massive breakbeat that flips the energy entirely.

Miguel keeps singing in soft echoes even as the music erupts around him. The production moves from tranquil to frantic, mirroring the contradictions he’s exploring. Ominous sub-bass tones signal rising anxiety before the drums go wild. The contrast between his restrained delivery and the chaotic instrumentation creates tension.

The song addresses vulnerability and human pain, touching on fears of exploitation and the struggle between heaven and hell in everyday existence. Miguel questions whether he can surrender his defences while navigating the contradictions of being alive. The production reflects this internal conflict, with peaceful moments and explosive ones that follow.

“RIP” should translate precisely live, where that breakbeat and house influence can hit harder. Miguel’s vocal approach stays consistent with his catalog, but the production takes risks. After nearly a decade away, he’s clearly not playing it safe.