‘Awaken, My Love’, is the long awaited album by the multi-talented artist that is Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino. Released on Dec. 2nd, its first week sales reached 72,000 copies according to Nielsen Music. In contrast to his previous album, ‘Because of the internet’ which raked in 96,000 copies in the first week.

With the social media buzz and Gambino’s two headliner tracks (‘Redbone’ and ‘Me and Your Mama’) that were released before the album date, it gave way to a promising new direction in his music. However the entirety of ‘Awaken, My Love’ remained consistent to the funk, soul and RnB genre. Though it is often said, change is good, in regards to this album it took a definite experimental left turn in contrast to Gambino’s previous work. With the first listen, ‘Redbone’ and ‘Me and Your Mama’ were the only tracks that stood out to be something that is pleasant. With a wide range of instruments arranged in a smooth funk fuelled way and Gambino’s falsetto complimenting both tracks perfectly is one of the redeeming qualities of the entire album.

Tracks such as ‘California’ felt as if Childish Gambino tried to push his experimental side in funk, soul and RnB music to its limits. However rather than transcending, the way he tries to push his voice comes across laughable and not authentic, albeit over a very interesting beat.

Songs such as ‘Boogieman’, ‘Zombies’ and ‘Baby Boy’ all have elements that could grow on you over time. After a couple of listens, it successfully conveys a soulful vibe if you’re willing to be open.

In an interview between Childish Gambino and Billboard, Gambino had discussed his inspiration and influences that led to ‘Awaken, My Love’ in which he states:

“I remember listening to songs my dad would play—albums by the Isleys or Funkadelic—and not understanding the feeling I was feeling. I remember hearing a Funkadelic scream and being like, ‘Wow, that’s sexual and it’s scary.’ Not having a name for that, though; just having a feeling. That’s what made it great.”

Ludwig Goransson, the co-writer and co-producer for the entirety of ‘Awaken, My Love’ also had an interview with Billboard and stated:

“The whole album started out with me, Donald and a couple musicians just being in the studio together for a week and basically just experimenting, Donald just kind of being open to anything,”

“But it was also taking a step away from computers and to have the whole recording process filled with more air and live performances. I think that opened up a lot of new doors for us.”

Taking a step away from computers is undisputedly evident in the instrumentals, hearing grand musical performances that give the album maturity and strength. Although this album is very experimental, there is optimism that his maturity will have an impact in his future music hopefully crossing over back into hiphop.

Donald Glover’s critically acclaimed show ‘Atlanta’, his past work as Troy on the hit show Community and his future role as Lando Calrissian in Star Wars, undoubtedly illustrates his range as an actor. But it is clear that, musically he is a heavy hitter in the industry, whilst also providing help to artists such as Chance the Rapper and Logic and a mentor to many others in the game, we hope to see more of Childish Gambino.