"Awaken, My Love!"
by Childish Gambino
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
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  1. Mojo
    Dec 20, 2016
    60
    This radiantly executed effort is also, curiously, Childish Gambino's most anonymous. [Feb 2017, p.92]]
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  2. Q Magazine
    Dec 13, 2016
    60
    What's missing is a sense of Glover himself as a defining character. [Feb 2017, p.112]
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  3. Slant Magazine
    Dec 7, 2016
    60
    A maddening ride with an authenticity problem, Awaken, My Love! finds Glover confusing his idols for muses.
  5. Drowned In Sound
    Dec 7, 2016
    60
    What we get is an interesting departure from his usual work, but not interesting enough to create the eternal music that he is talented enough to execute.
  6. Pretty Much Amazing
    Dec 2, 2016
    58
    It’s simultaneously daunting, exhausting, terrifying, all at the same time. It’s all a lot to take in, with not a whole lot of the Gambino we are familiar with to help wash it down.

Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Most Discussed Album of 2016
29
#29 Most Shared Album of 2016

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 448 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 410 out of 448
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 448
  3. Negative: 18 out of 448
  1. HugoPavi
    Dec 2, 2016
    10
    Objectively the best thing Gambino has ever done. If you were expecting a rap album you will be sorely disappointed, but what we got is evenObjectively the best thing Gambino has ever done. If you were expecting a rap album you will be sorely disappointed, but what we got is even better: an operatic album full of psychedelic soul, rock, and funk that is always engaging and interesting throughout its 49 minutes. Comparisons to Funkadelic's Maggot Brain will be made, but I wouldn't call it a rip-off so much as it is an homage to the sound of that era that updates it for modern times. If you are open-minded and have good taste, I can't imagine how you could dislike this album, it's simply great music and an awesome sonic experience!… Full Review »
  2. Thejaywhip
    Dec 2, 2016
    0
    Some artistic ventures sound like innovative and genre pushing measures. However there are some that feel like they are trying too hard andSome artistic ventures sound like innovative and genre pushing measures. However there are some that feel like they are trying too hard and this CD is one of them. The frequent mumblings and imitating echoes of known and better vocalists isn't artistic but annoying. You can barely hear what Gambino is shouting and saying throughout the album. Most of the beats are just okay, so you don't have much to go off of. Kendrick Lamar's Pimp a Butterfly or Kanye's Yeezus pulls off the innovation and left field artistic venture far better than this attempt at going against the norm.… Full Review »
  3. johncolosium
    Dec 3, 2016
    0
    I hope some bars in this album but hell no, WTF is this album? Even his singing is bad, why the hell people can love this trash? JustI hope some bars in this album but hell no, WTF is this album? Even his singing is bad, why the hell people can love this trash? Just disappointed of this album.

    Looking for J. Cole's album next week...    … Full Review »
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