Childish Gambino's 'Awaken, My Love!' - Unapologetically Funk.

    Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino has had an amazing 2016 - he became a father, created and starred in the critically acclaimed comedy series ATLANTA (check it out, it's dope) and has been cast as Lando Calrissian in the next Star Wars installment. His 3rd album, Awaken, My Love! is an artistic left turn from a rapping/punchline delivery to an eclectic mix of funk and psychedelic soul.

Artistic curve balls/evolution in Hip-Hop are not uncommon, but one thing they always do divide opinions (a la 'I miss the old Kanye'). Gambino's move away from rapping has been coming, his 2014 EP Kauai is predominantly pop and reports from his pharos music camp in September 2015 pointed to a new musical direction altogether (check out the virtual video for 1st single 'Me and Your Mama' from the camp).

On Awaken, Gambino draws inspiration from 70s black music (retro-futuristic funk & soul) which his dad used to play when he was younger.

"How do you start a global revolution, really? Is that possible with the systems we've set up? There's something about 70's black music that felt like they were trying to start a revolution" - Childish Gambino, Billboard interview.

The results of the album wears its influence on its sleeves. Whether it's channeling his inner Prince falsetto on 'Redbone' or flat out imitating George Clinton on 'Boogieman' or instrumentally showing shades of master funk guitarist Eddie Hazel - 'The night me and your mama met', the results come out with largely positive results.

Awaken is characterized by guitar riffs and drums stabs layered around Gambino's various vocal deliveries (of course with help of studio manipulations). 'Riot' sounds like it's title with noisey guitar riffs and rolling percussions and 'Redbone' urges you to 'stay woke, niggas creeping'. 'Zombie' and 'Boogieman' embrace scarier themes linked with the black lives matter movement. Stand out track and 1st single 'Me and Your Mama' is a ramble-like love song accompanied by a small choir with a gospel-esque style chorus. The choir returns on the album's final song 'Stand Tall', an inspirational song with all the regular markings which actually escapes being corny - "If you are strong, you cannot fall" sings Gambino with his raw voice. 'Baby boy' feels personal and can be linked to his character in the Atlanta series - A dotting father who's also detached/self absorbed but still wants to be with his child.

Just like Andre 3000 from The Love Below, Gambino feels he can resonate with music fans without rapping. Awaken seems to support his theory, his voice though manipulated and sometimes heavy to take sounds good and his band has the chops to bring the sounds to live under his direction with longtime collaborator Ludwig Gorransson. Open your mind to a new Childish (Adultish? No? Okay) Gambino and feel the funk.

Essential tracks - 'Me and Your Mama' 'Redbone' 'Baby Boy'

Rating - 4/5.

Tracklist
01. Me And Your Mama
02. Have Some Love
03. Boogieman
04. Zombies
05. Riot
06. Redbone
07. California
08. Terrified
09. Baby Boy
10. The Night Me And Your Mama Met
11. Stand Tall
Download HERE



Reviews done by Dennis Peter