Childish Gambino 'Awaken, My Love!' Album Review
Donald Glover is a successful writer, actor, and comedian but one large aspect of his game has expanded. His music. Known in the music industry as Childish Gambino, Glover had previously built a large following as a rapper.
Gambino's third album ‘Awaken, My Love!’ takes the rapper and his followers in a completely different direction. The album offers a smooth 70's funk vibe, while also embodying a fresh, new sound.
Fans of Gambino's previous body of work may be left bewildered upon listening to ‘Awaken, My Love!’ for the first time as it is completely unique to his formerly established style.
'Redbone' demonstrates the expansion on Gambino's style, with its smooth seventies swagger and silky vocals. The slow soft synth beat and tunes ensure the listener is completely relaxed and engaged in the music.
On the other hand, 'Me and Your Mama' offers a different feeling. At six minutes long, the song is a journey that entertains every step of the way. It's smooth, relaxing and dream-like lullaby washes the listener over with a sense of calm, which is suddenly juxtaposed by the deep, gospel-like climax, culminating in the re-entering of the dreamlike tone. In this, it provides the audience with a new and varied piece of music.
'Have Some Love' continues in the gospel style. The song is packed with an interesting mix of quick vocals and diverse beats, as well as an incorporation of scat in which Gambino's jazz undertones really come to the forefront. Although not the strongest song on the album, 'Have Some Love' definitely captures Gambino's quirky side, which his audience have come to appreciate.
Childish Gambino’s drastic change in music style makes for an intriguing and bold listen. It is due to this that the album has been well received by critics and fans alike, boasting to be Childish Gambino's highest-charting album to date.
We look forward to seeing where Donald Glover takes his music next.
