On December 2, 2016, Donald Glover, rap alias Childish Gambino, released a new album titled "Awaken, My Love!" This album was much awaited, considering the last Childish Gambino album, "Kauai," was released in 2014.
"Awaken, My Love!" contains a completely different vibe than Gambino's earlier music. Instead of elongated and witty rap sequences, this new album is much more electric. Based on funk sounds, "Awaken, My Love" holds 11 new tracks that Gambino previewed back in September at his live music event, the PHAROS Experience, in California.
Understandably, "Awaken, My Love!" is receiving a lot of flack from fans due to the complete 180 degree difference from Childish Gambino's previous sound. Dedicated fans who were waiting a long time for another album with snappy word play, like in top-rated track "Bonfire," were disappointed in "Awaken, My Love!"'s lack of wordplay and lyricism.
Although, in my personal opinion, if you listen closely to "Awaken, My Love!", you can hear Gambino's personal trials and story come through the titles and music alike. With a child on the way with his girlfriend and the results of the 2016 election, this has been a red-letter year for Gambino-- who isn't scared to voice his opinions. With tracks such as "Have Some Love" and "The Night Me and Your Mama Met," listeners can feel Glover's life experience ebb through the tracks.
While I personally am a big fan of Gambino's wordplay, highlighted in previous albums such as "Because The Internet and Camp," "Awaken, My Love!" has easily become one of my favorite albums to listen to. With almost a nod to the '70s, listening to the full album of "Awaken, My Love" is an experience. From "Zombies" and "Boogiemen" to slow jams like "Redbone," "Awaken, My Love!" has the most unique content in comparison to 2016's other albums.
For those on the fence about Gambino's new sound, I urge you to sit back and listen to the whole album at once, in order. Let it wash over you and I promise that you'll definitely love Gambino's new sound, even if, much like me, you can't describe it to its full potential.
