Actor-writer-musician Donald Glover is truly a modern Renaissance man. As an actor, Glover goes by his given name, but, as a rapper, he goes by the moniker Childish Gambino.
Not content to stay confined to one musical style, each of Gambino’s albums has run the gamut of hip-hop styles, from more traditional releases like 2011’s EP and Camp, to his art house effort in 2013, Because the Internet.
Childish Gambino’s 2016 album Awaken, My Love! is a psychedelic trip through throwback soul. Unlike his earlier work, Gambino decides to shelve his rap talents for the time being and, instead, depart on a one man ’70s funk revival. Taking cues from Parliament Funkadelic and Sly and the Family Stone, Gambino breaks out his pipes from the opening track “Me and Your Mama” and gives his vocals a workout over heavy bass riffs and crashing drums.
Awaken, My Love! is a triumph in bringing back ’70s soul while utilizing the best in modern music production. “Redbone,” the second single and one of the standout tracks on the album, opens with a groovy synth line, and Gambino’s killer falsetto. It’s impossible to try and predict what Glover will do for his next record, but I can’t wait to see the result.
Photo courtesy of Childish Gambino.