3. Miracle

Miracle

“Miracle” brings us in softly, more of a warm welcome with high-pitched echoing vocals accompanied by what seems to be an organ of some sort. The beat is immediately more of a thudding vibration than the pangs we became accustomed to in the first two songs on this album. We get some unexpected chimes with the electric tones. After the electronic effects, we’re soon introduced to a horn section. It doesn’t sound quite like the horns in the previous tracks though, these sound more computerized and manipulated. The impressive instruments in this song, however, are the violins. This is not something we’ve notably heard yet. Much of this song, as seems to be the theme throughout this album, is primarily ruled by electronic sounds and effects. Labrinth really takes advantage of the high-tech available in the recording studio. His vocals manage to feel strained on this track while still sounding smooth and rich, maybe even with some soul. His shouts of “yeah” are nothing new, but they do have the effect of adding to the distant echoes throughout. We end off with a gospel-type verse, not accompanied by any instruments. This verse pretty much stands on its own, not the same tune as the other verses or chorus, and in a different tempo than the rest of the song. This gospel verse closes off the tone of wishful dreaming we’ve had until now, with “Imagination” setting us up for an ideal world, and “Misbehaving” putting us in the mindset that we are unstoppable. This verse asks for help from G-d – heavenly assistance. Although Labrinth seems to wish to leave most of it behind, we do live in a material world as Madonna famously once told us.

The title of this track is curious; what is the miracle ebing spoken of? It remains unclear, although not completely elusive. The lyrics bring up points about what happens when the brightness of fame and fortune fade and we return home. I suppose the miracle may be saving from the drab reality of life. We need reassurance that everything is going to be okay, personally and in the world. At times the world could use a miracle. The obscurity of this miracle makes it applicable to anything and anyone. People may have many different interpretations of what types of miracles the world could use. Each individual wishes for something different, a different personal miracle. We may not always think about the world as an entire unit because we are so wrapped up in our lives. “Miracle” adds perspective to the very subjective outlook of the world.

The theme and idea of miracles is also a strong theme and driving force in Christianity. As we see throughout this album, Labrinth has some strong connections with religion and Christianity. This is most evidently seen through his use of gospel in the background of several of his songs. He also runs with the theme lyrically in referencing God. We see in a later track that he refers to Sunday as a “God day”. This track may be playing into religious ideas and ideals, as well as the miracle of personal and societal successes.

“Miracle” is preparation for coming back into the real world. When you’ve spent so much time idealizing your life and living in the highs, this brings you back down even though you’d much rather stay on the high. We’re brought down slowly and met by the rest of the “lonely hearts” around us. Sometimes we can lose sight of what’s real around us and need the comfort of knowing everything is alright, or at least is going to be. Everyone wishes at some point that they could be rid of the pain of the world and their lives. Including a gospel verse at the end brings us back to the comfort and relatability and adds a component we haven’t seen thus far - religion. Religion connects to the soulful aura Labrinth’s voice brings to these tracks. It also serves as a different “genre” of support. The upbeat slides and sharp notes juxtapose this comforting message yet it still somehow provides consolation and support in knowing even the rich and famous just wish everything could be calm and peaceful.

This track gives me a sense of calm and comfort. The volume may be high, but the energy remains calm, even when excited. The instruments jump around with their staccato notation, while relaying a sense of safety. Labrinth’s voice is so full and clear on this track, helping this sense come alive even more. I feel as though I am being brought up to a higher level, whether that may be in the world of success, knowledge, or a literal higher place than the ground I am on now. This song has a way of holding your hand and guiding you through the lyrics and instrumentation, ending with another sense of calm with the gospel vocals secluded at the very end.