Childish Gambino - Awaken, My Love! (December 2, 2016) Album • Page 13

complex called this "a community theater production of a funk album" and a "haunted house of derivative sounds" haha, a lot closer to my feelings that most of the other reviews i've seen

 

I think it's interesting that he decided to do this, but I ultimately wish he would have channeled his energy and talent into something else, because the type of music he is trying to emulate here is still being made, by artists that are much better at it. So yeah, it's interesting, but not something I'm looking for in a Childish Gambino project. I'll wait for his next project.

 

I'd listen to this record on Halloween.

 

I like a few songs, not digging the rest.

 

Just starting this album now. "Have Some Love" is a catchy song. Really liking that one.

 

This is definitely getting better after a few listens - Boogieman is a standout track for me

 

I wanted to like this so bad, but by the 6th or 7th song I felt so tired. Its all samey to me, nothing stands out at all. Lots of good ideas, but he did a bad job with them.

 

I enjoy the album. Sure it's not reinventing the funk wheel, but I think he's getting criticized harsher for it because it's a Childish Gambino funk album, and I'm saying this as someone who doesn't like his rap stuff. 'Zombies' and 'California' are obvious bum tracks but even then, 'Zombies' is more dull than bad and 'California' fails because of a bad vocal choice but is pleasant instrumentally. That Funkadelic album Questlove posted is a solid comparison but if you actually listen to it, much better than this one. A decent enough funk album in 2016 is a good novelty though. I don't understand the 'outright failure' comments.

 

The only time I think one of the vocal effects or different "voices" used doesn't work at ALL for me is "California"... that song would be great in just his normal voice. For the most part though I actually think the different voices are interesting, when his normal singing comes in on "Stand Tall" it feels that much more powerful because of the numerous other inflections and effects he used throughout the album.

 

Listened to it three times - loving the vibe

 

I'll give it this compliment: I listened to this and the Weeknd in the past two days and this is the one I thought about while I wasn't listening. Weeknd washed over me with a few pleasant tracks and I was kinda done with it. I want to hear this again.

I mean that might mean it's so bad it's unique, but it definitely left more of an impression

 

This is so weird but I really really like it on the first listen. Definitely like Redbone better in context with the rest of the album, and California is definitely the weakest track. My only real "complaint" is I wish these was a few raps on here somewhere, but either way I still enjoyed it.

 

I actually fuck with this more on a second listen, now that I know what I'm getting into. Again, this style isn't necessarily my favorite but there are moments of classic Motown sound that I really, really enjoy. I don't think it's the failure that many of you are making it out to be

 

This is much better on second listen already

 

Is this seriously getting negative reactions? I've been blown away by this. Maybe it's because I'm a huge fan of P Funk already but this is brilliant...

 

I think I'm in the boat that it's better after a few listens- same with pretty much everything DG releases. I'm still pretty sure Me and Your Mama is the best track for me but it's holding up better than it was.

 

It's actually getting very good reviews almost everywhere I've seen other than this thread haha

 

Yeah this thread and Complex are the only places I saw people hating on it.

 

Also just saw that Gary Clark Jr. and George Clinton both have writing credits on this. Nice!

 

even my brother doesnt like this and hes a massive gambino apologist. not looking forward to my listen but i'll keep an open mind...

 

I'm gonna give it another shot at some point. I didn't finish the album on my first listen but I can't say I was that focused on it. After seeing some people I trust be more receptive to it I'm gonna engage with it more fully. I did really like Me and Your Mama.

 

I'm of the opinion he should've released this under a different pseudonym. I totally understand why he didn't on a commercial and artistic basis, but it feels so different that it sticks out like a sore thumb from the rest of his material. Not in a bad way, just very, VERY different.

 

Definitely curious to see how his live shows are going to be, balancing this with his older material. If he even has time to tour, I assume Star Wars and Atlanta S2 are going to eat up his next few years

 

Still really digging this. "California" is so nutso but it's probably my favorite.

Will be interesting to see reaction to this years down the road.

 

I think it's awesome that he released this as Childish Gambino and not under a different name. Yes, it's totally different than his old work, but I love when an artist throws out a complete curveball like this. Maybe if I was a bigger fan of his older stuff, I'd be more disappointed at the change, but artists evolve and as an audience member I enjoy watching the evolution.