"Awaken, My Love!"
by Childish Gambino
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
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  1. nikerays
    Aug 4, 2023
    9
    "Awaken, My Love!" de Childish Gambino é uma obra-prima musical que encanta e desafia as expectativas. Abandonando o hip-hop e se entregando ao funk e ao soul dos anos 70, Glover nos guia por uma viagem única. Sua versatilidade vocal, letras profundas e arranjos fazem deste álbum uma experiência inesquecível. Com músicas como "Redbone" e "Terrified", Glover prova ser um artista corajoso e"Awaken, My Love!" de Childish Gambino é uma obra-prima musical que encanta e desafia as expectativas. Abandonando o hip-hop e se entregando ao funk e ao soul dos anos 70, Glover nos guia por uma viagem única. Sua versatilidade vocal, letras profundas e arranjos fazem deste álbum uma experiência inesquecível. Com músicas como "Redbone" e "Terrified", Glover prova ser um artista corajoso e talentoso, merecendo sem dúvida a nota 9, por sua inovação, originalidade e paixão que transbordam em cada faixa deste album.… Expand
  2. AxlKss
    Jun 13, 2023
    7
    The vast majority of the songs are good, they are like to be quiet at night, but it also has very skip songs
  3. VanZizek
    Mar 6, 2023
    9
    If my father had produced music and he doesn't make me an album like this, I hope he would have given me up for adoption in any way, what a beautiful sentiment.
  4. Diego_19
    Jan 31, 2023
    7
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  5. TheLoverBoy
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    "Awaken my love" brings a feeling of something known but reinvented, the experience brought by childish gambino on this album is something unique and very pleasant to experience. "Awaken my love" isn't for everyone, it comes with some strong social criticism that reflects on the image of America at the time it was composed in a sequence of introspective songs. Finally we have a great"Awaken my love" brings a feeling of something known but reinvented, the experience brought by childish gambino on this album is something unique and very pleasant to experience. "Awaken my love" isn't for everyone, it comes with some strong social criticism that reflects on the image of America at the time it was composed in a sequence of introspective songs. Finally we have a great album that revives funk and soul music in its most interesting forms, for R&B lovers it's a full plate.… Expand
  6. trulyunknown
    Mar 28, 2022
    8
    Childish Gambino is absolutely amazing. He's super talented and showed his versatility by making a solid album without rapping at all. I'm not a fan of the track "California", it's the one true skip on this album in my opinion, but tracks like "Me and Your Mama", "Terrified", and his most popular song as of right now, "Redbone" make up for it.
  7. CordRafael
    Feb 17, 2022
    8
    so p deixar no perfil so p deixar no perfil so p deixar no perfil so p deixar no perfil so p deixar no perfil
  8. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 12, 2022
    5
    Awaken, My Love!' signals the continuation of Childish Gambino's shift away from of his signature cartoonish brand hip hop for more ambitious projects, choosing for the first time to abandon hip hop almost entirely. Like the album's predecessor, this new project brings forth new songs that immediately rank among the best of his catalogue, with 'Redbone' and 'Me and Your Mama' easily beingAwaken, My Love!' signals the continuation of Childish Gambino's shift away from of his signature cartoonish brand hip hop for more ambitious projects, choosing for the first time to abandon hip hop almost entirely. Like the album's predecessor, this new project brings forth new songs that immediately rank among the best of his catalogue, with 'Redbone' and 'Me and Your Mama' easily being contenders for the best singles of 2016. Unfortunately, like it's predecessor the album, despite refreshingly ambitious, is frustratingly hit-or-miss.

    The album's opener is absolutely stunning, a psychedelic soul masterpiece, with Gambino delivering a performance unrecognizable to the unremarkable hooks delivered on 'Camp' or the apathetic displays of affection running through his projects. The pure weight of this experience inevitably raises the bar high for this album, which is immediately dashed in the next couple of tracks.

    'Have Some Love' and 'Boogieman', like most of the songs on the album, have clear influences that can be appreciated. Unfortunately these two songs in particular are absolutely gutted by abysmal vocal performances and awful lyricism. Childish Gambino on Boogieman can only be described as sounding like a cross between Woody Allen and the singer from Korn, whereas 'Have Some Love' appears to have Gambino impersonating Young Thug having an asthma attack. Sonically these songs are definitely some of the more interesting on the album, but the obnoxious vocal delivery make them a chore to listen to, especially after listening to the quality of the vocals on the album's opener.

    'California' is a terrible track. The autotuned vocals alongside awful lyrics and upbeat reggae beat, leaves the genuine question: 'Why is this song on the album?'. The song sounds ridiculously out of place sandwiched between two of the albums more dramatic songs, and the quality has even led 'die-hard' fans of Gambino to claim this is parody of 'mumble-rap', an absurd notion on an album that takes itself as serious as this. Fortunately this is not a running trend on 'Awaken, My Love', as even the less interesting but pleasant to listen to songs, such as 'Zombies' and 'Baby Boy', see Gambino delivering decent vocal performances.

    Despite the album's shortcomings, Gambino does produce some truly stunning tracks with 'Redbone' highlight in not only the album but his career so far, making excellent use of the deceptively simplistic instrumental coupled with his pitch-shifted and filtered vocals. 'Terrified' and 'Stand Tall' showcase Gambino's ability to deliver a heavyweight performance in a song, without slipping into melodrama, both including sublime vocals on Gambino's part. 'Riot', the short and sweet funk explosion, definitely sticks out as one of the albums best tracks, without being derivative.

    The album easily ranks as Childish Gambino's most mature and it is certainly admirable to see an established artist ditch the roots he based his entire career around, in service of creating something as ambitious as 'Awaken, My Love'. The disappointment of this album sadly is that when it hits, it is great, when it misses, it is awful.    … Expand
  9. LilScience
    Jan 15, 2022
    5
    Um álbum que traz referências do jazz junto com o r&b, não acho tão espetacular mas reconheço seu valor. 'Awaken, My Love!' é um álbum mediano meio experimental em suas misturas de batidas, porém aos meus ouvidos pecou muito nas batidas que não me agradaram muito.

    Faixas favoritas: Riot, Redbone e Baby Boy.
  10. Fidelito
    Nov 21, 2021
    9
    Definitivamente las mejores composiciones musicales que ha hecho Glover en toda su carrera, obra maestra

    Definitely the best musical compositions Glover has ever made in all of his carrer, a masterpiece
  11. rhanks815
    Apr 14, 2021
    9
    I love this album a lot, the emotional potency of it is without a doubt there and I find this an especially great "night" album, as signaled by the cover and the laid back style of many of the tracks here.

    It doesn't come without it's flaws though, although I enjoy every track on here to some degree, there are just some decisions that were made that I just don't understand, for example,    I love this album a lot, the emotional potency of it is without a doubt there and I find this an especially great "night" album, as signaled by the cover and the laid back style of many of the tracks here.

    It doesn't come without it's flaws though, although I enjoy every track on here to some degree, there are just some decisions that were made that I just don't understand, for example, the track "Riot" which is one of the most energetic tracks on here just ending abruptly with a simple fade out, I don't understand this choice at all and if it was extended it's very likely this would've been one of my favorite tracks on the record. The track "The Night Me and Your Mama Met" is a pleasant interlude to my favorite track on the record, Stand Tall, but it's not much more than that, in fact it seems like filler more than anything else and I think the album would've done fine without it, or if the vocals played a larger role within it. The track I have something negative to say about is "California", yeah, it's infamous, and everybody knows why, like what the hell are these vocals? I enjoy the instrument and lyrical content but with all the vocal ranges presented on this album, this was the last place I would've wanted it to go.

    That's it for all the negatives on this album, I love this thing, a lot. It was one of the first R&B/soul records I've listened to and has inspired me to go in deeper to R&B and similar genres. My favorite tracks on this thing are "Me and Your Mama", which never fails to give me chills at the amazing beat drop, "Boogieman", which I don't know why, but feels like a predecessor to "Redbone", "Terrified", which is a simple but beautiful and mysterious track, the vocals at the end of this thing might be one of my favorite moments of the album. And "Stand Tall", an absolutely amazing multi-phased track that is so good, each segment of this thing can easily be it's own song, but yet it all ties together into a single ambitious track, the flute segment is one of the most beautiful things I've heard out of music before, and words cannot describe the sensation I feel when listening to it.

    Great, great, great album.    … Expand
  12. hdcooper
    Apr 8, 2021
    8
    Glover's best work yet. He's not afraid to experiment and push the boundaries.

    8.6/10
  13. Hendo250
    Apr 6, 2021
    7
    this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7
  14. sambartlett2004
    Jan 17, 2021
    8
    An album that really picks up in the second half and isn’t afraid to experiment.
  15. gabriscaff
    Dec 31, 2020
    8
    Awaken, My Love! Is a departure from hip hop by Childish Gambino and explore funky waves, with great results. Atmosphere is awesome, production is on fire and Childish demonstrate to be on fire on funky sounds. Length and replaybility is not simple, due to a lot of songs that has a duration of six minutes.
  16. Lamerson19
    Nov 9, 2020
    8
    This album features 11 tracks, all equally psychedelic and experimental. Each instrumental feels like you are floating boundless with no cares or problems holding you down. The album covers the unbelievable love you hold for your children and that breaking a romantic relationship cannot affect the love you have for your children. This album also covers the problems in a relationshipThis album features 11 tracks, all equally psychedelic and experimental. Each instrumental feels like you are floating boundless with no cares or problems holding you down. The album covers the unbelievable love you hold for your children and that breaking a romantic relationship cannot affect the love you have for your children. This album also covers the problems in a relationship leading to a loss of love. Very few misses, great album.… Expand
  17. desperate_derin
    May 29, 2020
    10
    It's not for everyone, but it's safe to say that Donald Glover and Ludwig Göransson's "Awaken, My Love!" is a modern masterpiece. This is one of those rare albums that transports the listener to a different world. Childish Gambino has seen a surge in artistry, and with a more mature outlook and iconic influences, his music deserves a chance from everyone now that he's found his voice.
  18. markosaric
    Nov 2, 2019
    8
    Some of the shorter songs fall flat, but this was a pleasant surprise and I'm excited for Childish Gambino to explore.
  19. Shaymooose
    Aug 17, 2019
    9
    One of my favorite albums period. Fantastic from start to finish. Donald's singing is incredible here.

    Best Tracks: The Night Me and Your Mama Met, Redbone, Terrified, Me and Your Mama, Baby Boy, Zombies, Stand Tall, Have Some Love, Boogieman, California.
    Worst Tracks: Riot.
  20. mellonhead
    Jan 12, 2019
    8
    If 808s & Heartbreak was done the right way...
    I wasn't too impressed by this at first, but I think it might be accurate to say I'm mildly blown away by this. It's not a revolutionary album, but it doesn't have to be and it isn't trying to be. It's very good though and isn't crutched by Redbone by any means.
  21. C_dot
    Dec 3, 2018
    9
    Donald Glover steps away from being a rap star to take a risk and release a soulful project. The production is top tier, and Glover reinvents himself and maintains a unique sound.
  22. Alessio99
    Jul 21, 2018
    10
    One of the most essential funk / r&b albums of the past decade. One of the best albums of either 2016 or 2017 and a must listen for Redbone alone, nevermind all the other jems on this project. Worked really well at the start of "GET OUT" too.
  23. draediamond
    Apr 24, 2018
    9
    If California wasn't on the album, he may well have a 10 from me but that song is terribly unavoidable. Aside form that, this album sees him take risks that are rare from an artist who has only made rap albums. A departure like this hasn't been seen since Kanye went from Graduation to 808s and Heartbreak and it's beautiful. Perfect balance on song subjects between love, race, and a varietyIf California wasn't on the album, he may well have a 10 from me but that song is terribly unavoidable. Aside form that, this album sees him take risks that are rare from an artist who has only made rap albums. A departure like this hasn't been seen since Kanye went from Graduation to 808s and Heartbreak and it's beautiful. Perfect balance on song subjects between love, race, and a variety of issues. I can hear strong D'angelo influences even though it's not on the same level.… Expand
  24. ToiletBoy
    Dec 25, 2017
    10
    The perfect example that taking risks, being creative, and being smart can lead to greatness. The production is right up my alley. The warm bassline on California makes you dance, the rapid drums on Riot make you want to...y'know, the huge thick synths at the end of Stand Tall are epic and pretty, the insanely catchy chorus on Have Some Love is infectious. These are all amazing but theyThe perfect example that taking risks, being creative, and being smart can lead to greatness. The production is right up my alley. The warm bassline on California makes you dance, the rapid drums on Riot make you want to...y'know, the huge thick synths at the end of Stand Tall are epic and pretty, the insanely catchy chorus on Have Some Love is infectious. These are all amazing but they don't even compare to the PERFECT opener that is Me And Your Mama. That song is so freaking incredible i literally have no words. Easily Gambino's best album, without a doubt.… Expand
  25. jeanvaljean
    Oct 23, 2017
    10
    Going back old school but in it's own, very unique way. I felt this voodoo vibe that remind me of (great master of guitar and vocal) Jimmy Hendrix...and that could be enough for a huge compliment. My favorite album of 2016.
  26. FruitJuice
    Jul 18, 2017
    7
    good album............................................................................................................................................................
  27. eNVyous
    May 2, 2017
    10
    At first, I was disgusted and hated this album, but over the course of a few weeks, I decided to try to listen to it and by god was I surprised at how good it actually was. Its funky rhythms and 70s aesthetic make it sound so... nostalgic and head-bobbingly good at the same time. Not many albums can do that nowadays, ya know. While others might disagree with me because of Glover's previousAt first, I was disgusted and hated this album, but over the course of a few weeks, I decided to try to listen to it and by god was I surprised at how good it actually was. Its funky rhythms and 70s aesthetic make it sound so... nostalgic and head-bobbingly good at the same time. Not many albums can do that nowadays, ya know. While others might disagree with me because of Glover's previous works as a rapper, you can't deny that it sounds at least decent enough for a second, third or maybe fourth listen. I respect Donald for going in this direction and trying something new and respect him even further for making something as good as Awaken, My Love.

    Please, give this album a listen.    … Expand
  28. myfaultstudios
    Apr 16, 2017
    10
    Gambino has made some great hip hop but this is unlike anything I've heard before. RNB? Soul? All I know is that it is an incredible grower. I appreciate albums that I can listen to from beginning to end.
  29. tommy1607
    Apr 16, 2017
    7
    This album is a bold statement from Donald Glover and a huge departure from his days of being a poor man's Chance the Rapper. The vocals are outstanding across the album, particularly on 'Terrified' and 'Redbone' which are both highlights. However the album simply lacks consistency, it shows signs of genius but songs like 'California' and 'Zombies' lack the quality of other songs likeThis album is a bold statement from Donald Glover and a huge departure from his days of being a poor man's Chance the Rapper. The vocals are outstanding across the album, particularly on 'Terrified' and 'Redbone' which are both highlights. However the album simply lacks consistency, it shows signs of genius but songs like 'California' and 'Zombies' lack the quality of other songs like those previously mentioned. Overall an exciting project with sparks of quality, but lacking in overall consistency.… Expand
  30. ablaise82
    Apr 15, 2017
    8
    Ive never been a big Gambino fan. but this album is creative, unique, and very chilling. A relaxing soul infused funk fest with some sweet vocals, I would say this is my favorite Childish album.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Mixmag
    Jan 6, 2017
    90
    Charming, incredibly soulful and emotionally charged, this record introduces us to a whole new, golden side of Donald Glover--and should elevate him to a new level of stardom.
    Read full review
  2. HipHopDX
    Jan 3, 2017
    80
    The album transpires without so much as a lyrical couplet--exchanging raps for electromagnetic soul and fluorescent funk--and will ultimately be remembered for its experimentation over its execution.
    Read full review
  3. Mojo
    Dec 20, 2016
    60
    This radiantly executed effort is also, curiously, Childish Gambino's most anonymous. [Feb 2017, p.92]]
See all critic reviews »