"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. thedeviousmatt
    Dec 7, 2016
    9
    A spontaneously unique album from an artist who has just proven just how versatile he is. Sure, a couple tracks on here are definitely questionable, such as "California" and "Riot". In my opinion however, the overall quality of the album and the fantastic highs that it hits on songs like "Stand Tall" and "Redbone" more than earn it a place in your collection.
  2. iSimon420
    Jan 24, 2017
    10
    This album is a complete masterpiece. Childish Gambino transports the listener into another world, filled with tight and rock solid funk beats, interspersed with psychedelic tunes that stretch your mind into outer space. Gambino combines rap, soul, funk, and rock, all mixed together in a harmonious blend thus unmatched in the hip-hop landscape. A true diamond in the rough, and worth everyThis album is a complete masterpiece. Childish Gambino transports the listener into another world, filled with tight and rock solid funk beats, interspersed with psychedelic tunes that stretch your mind into outer space. Gambino combines rap, soul, funk, and rock, all mixed together in a harmonious blend thus unmatched in the hip-hop landscape. A true diamond in the rough, and worth every moment of your time and money. A purchase you will never regret!… Expand
  3. GreisNShine
    Dec 15, 2016
    9
    Although I heavily respect Donald Glover as an artist, I never enjoyed his 'Childish Gambino' work prior to "Awaken My Love!". As many have noted, this album is nothing like its predecessors. The album is heavily referential to funk music from artists such as Parliament-Funkadelic, Sly & the Family Stone, Earth Wind & Fire, Charles Wright, the Brothers Johnson, etc. This influence goes allAlthough I heavily respect Donald Glover as an artist, I never enjoyed his 'Childish Gambino' work prior to "Awaken My Love!". As many have noted, this album is nothing like its predecessors. The album is heavily referential to funk music from artists such as Parliament-Funkadelic, Sly & the Family Stone, Earth Wind & Fire, Charles Wright, the Brothers Johnson, etc. This influence goes all the way down to the cover, which is an obvious reference to Funkadelic's 1972 album, Maggot Brain. The vocals are beautifully layered, and the complex instrumentals live up to many great funk instrumentals from yesteryear. The album was very refreshing to me in 2016's soundscape because Glover successfully attempted a genre that few artists have succeeded in since the early 1980s. My favorite tracks on this album were Me & Your Mama, Redbone, Terrified!, and Stand Tall. One of the most common areas of complaint about this album is the song "California". While I agree that "California" felt a bit out of place, I still loved the instrumental and can at least respect Gambino's attempt at an innovative sound, possibly based off of scat singing from 70's funk. Overall, I thought this album was an outstanding project. I applaud Glover for his ambitious return to the funk sound, great vocals, and incredible instrumentals. 9/10.… Expand
  4. marshall_nazari
    Feb 16, 2017
    10
    Donald Glover has poured his emotions into his latest album. The tracks read like a collection of short stories, bleeding together effortlessly through the underlying beats and melody. Whether you're listening track #6, "Redbone" which is born from Glover's effortless flow, or track #9 "Baby Boy" with a melancholy edge to it, this organic piece of oral poetry is flawless. Although it takesDonald Glover has poured his emotions into his latest album. The tracks read like a collection of short stories, bleeding together effortlessly through the underlying beats and melody. Whether you're listening track #6, "Redbone" which is born from Glover's effortless flow, or track #9 "Baby Boy" with a melancholy edge to it, this organic piece of oral poetry is flawless. Although it takes some time to get into due to the rawness of its content, "Awaken, My Love!" is without a doubt one of the most underrated gems of the past year.… Expand
  5. FruitJuice
    Jul 18, 2017
    7
    good album............................................................................................................................................................
  6. 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
  7. Jobin_Klavin
    Dec 3, 2016
    9
    As a fan of Donald Glover's "Because the Internet", this album was a very ambitious follow up. "Awaken, My Love" is without a doubt an enjoyable release full of great concepts and music. If you were anticipating another rap album, you will be disappointed. However, this project has some great tracks: "Me and Your Mama", "Boogieman", "Redbone", and "Stand Tall". I highly recommend thisAs a fan of Donald Glover's "Because the Internet", this album was a very ambitious follow up. "Awaken, My Love" is without a doubt an enjoyable release full of great concepts and music. If you were anticipating another rap album, you will be disappointed. However, this project has some great tracks: "Me and Your Mama", "Boogieman", "Redbone", and "Stand Tall". I highly recommend this project to fans of funk and Glover's music.… Expand
  8. Nivek
    Dec 9, 2016
    7
    This album is very different from all of Childish Gambino's other work but it's not bad. There are some really great songs on this album, some terrible ones, and some mediocre ones. Me and Your Mama, Redbone, Zombies, and Stand Tall are great songs and I really don't have any complaints about those songs. Riot is also great but it ends abruptly and is unnecessarily short. Boogieman andThis album is very different from all of Childish Gambino's other work but it's not bad. There are some really great songs on this album, some terrible ones, and some mediocre ones. Me and Your Mama, Redbone, Zombies, and Stand Tall are great songs and I really don't have any complaints about those songs. Riot is also great but it ends abruptly and is unnecessarily short. Boogieman and Have Some Love are good songs, but not great, the chorus on Have Some Love is great but I don't like the way Gambino uses his voice on the verses. Baby Boy is kind of mediocre to me, others love it but I don't really feel a strong connection to it. It's not great it's not bad. I feel kind of the same way about Terrified besides I think Baby Boy is better than Terrified. California has one of the best instrumentals on this album and lyrically is a decent song but the autotune and ridiculous voice inflections make this by far the worst track on the album. The Night Me and Your Mama Met is a boring mainly instrumental song which feels like unnecessary filler.

    Overall, I think this album is actually pretty good but it definitely could have been better. I would like for Gambino to stick with this style of music for another album as I see great potential in him. He drastically improved his rap ability from Camp to Because the Internet, so hopefully he can do the same for this new funky style of music. Gambino has lot's of talent he just needs to use it more and stop trying to do weird things with his voice and just sing because that is when he sounds his best.    … Expand
  9. 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.
  10. 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 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 toObjectively 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!… Expand
  11. HASiiiDimension
    Dec 4, 2016
    10
    It is safe to say that this album really took me to a funky, groovy and outer space journey.

    Glover is the only Donald that we all acknowledge and love, hands down!
  12. AGenericName
    Dec 5, 2016
    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 being'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 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
  13. 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
  14. Zairo
    Dec 2, 2016
    3
    Saw him perform the album at Pharos, and was quite disappointed. The performance was unbelievable and the projections covering the inside of the dome were incredible. However, even if I set my hip hop expectations aside I still don't enjoy listening to the album, and if the album is supposed to be an "experience" rather than a collection of songs then I'm not impressed. Withe the oneSaw him perform the album at Pharos, and was quite disappointed. The performance was unbelievable and the projections covering the inside of the dome were incredible. However, even if I set my hip hop expectations aside I still don't enjoy listening to the album, and if the album is supposed to be an "experience" rather than a collection of songs then I'm not impressed. Withe the one exception being the song "Redbone". To conclude this album doesn't offer the same wonder and immersion that I enjoyed the first time I listened to "Because the Internet" while reading the screenplay.… Expand
  15. TheReviewer24
    Dec 3, 2016
    9
    He really branched out on this album. I was looking for one song where he was rapping, and of course there wasn't one but I was not disappointed when I heard the album. This album is absolutely outstanding. From the fantastic instrumentation to the whole album being for his newborn child. The only gripe I had was of course the song "California" and even though I understand the context IHe really branched out on this album. I was looking for one song where he was rapping, and of course there wasn't one but I was not disappointed when I heard the album. This album is absolutely outstanding. From the fantastic instrumentation to the whole album being for his newborn child. The only gripe I had was of course the song "California" and even though I understand the context I still can't go back to that song without flinching at least a little. Overall fantastic. 9/10… Expand
  16. jivefyve
    Dec 3, 2016
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Glover at his most daring, and his finest. Gambino takes his admirers and critics alike along a funkadelic, soulful journey into his mind versus the punchlines and rhythmic cadences that we come to expect from Donald. Some would even say that "Awaken My Love!" is the little brother of Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly, and of course in the best way possible. I would dare to say that this is Donald's Magnum Opus. This third album is a sign of maturity from the Forever Childish One, and with that said, 'the boy' has definitely has grown a man.… Expand
  17. Lazycatz06
    Dec 3, 2016
    10
    A little different from his usual work a little on the weird side, but still amazing. I love the Funk and soul-ish vibe this new album gives, and i hope his future work stays this way.
  18. allykordei
    Dec 2, 2016
    10
    Okay wow a legend and an amazing album. Every album he releases just gets better and better. Redbone, Stand Tall, and Baby Boy are my faves such a legend.
  19. 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 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'tSome 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.… Expand
  20. TimW001
    Dec 2, 2016
    7
    It's a different sound that what you're expecting this is a funky R&B album. I like the switch the CH sound. But sometimes songs seem really off the mark. Great concept and average execution. Although, Redbone, Stand Tall, and Baby Boy are all 10's and hold the album together.
  21. Animase91
    Dec 2, 2016
    10
    I'm not gonna lie, when I heard the first single, Me And Your Mama, I didn't like the new direction Gambino was going in. I thought we were gonna have another Speedin Bullet 2 Heaven on us and that would've sucked. Big time. I still listened to the album on release and it blew my mind to pieces. It's probably my choice for AOTY. This album made my jump around my room, grooving with theI'm not gonna lie, when I heard the first single, Me And Your Mama, I didn't like the new direction Gambino was going in. I thought we were gonna have another Speedin Bullet 2 Heaven on us and that would've sucked. Big time. I still listened to the album on release and it blew my mind to pieces. It's probably my choice for AOTY. This album made my jump around my room, grooving with the music. I'm also a big Prince fan and this felt like a Prince-like record at times. Give this a shot, it's worth it!… Expand
  22. bsherman
    Dec 2, 2016
    9
    An expansive homage to funk-rock of the 70's, and to his recently come into the world child. Awaken, My Love is Gambino's departure from rap, and it's even better than I would have imagined. Voices reminiscent of Prince, George Clinton, and D'Angelo glide through the tracks, as Glover pours emotion into the songs. Some fans will be turned off, but I think that this is a greatAn expansive homage to funk-rock of the 70's, and to his recently come into the world child. Awaken, My Love is Gambino's departure from rap, and it's even better than I would have imagined. Voices reminiscent of Prince, George Clinton, and D'Angelo glide through the tracks, as Glover pours emotion into the songs. Some fans will be turned off, but I think that this is a great reinvigoration of past sounds.… Expand
  23. MrMemeister
    Dec 2, 2016
    9
    *summary below*
    I have never been a huge Childish Gambino fan (even though i enjoyed him in 'Community' and 'Atlanta'), but after falling in love with the singles 'Me and Your Mama' and 'Redbone', "Awaken, My Love!" was one of my most anticipated albums for this month (December). Well, after a not-so-long wait, I can safely say "Awaken, My Love!" is one of the most enjoyable R&B albums of    *summary below*
    I have never been a huge Childish Gambino fan (even though i enjoyed him in 'Community' and 'Atlanta'), but after falling in love with the singles 'Me and Your Mama' and 'Redbone', "Awaken, My Love!" was one of my most anticipated albums for this month (December). Well, after a not-so-long wait, I can safely say "Awaken, My Love!" is one of the most enjoyable R&B albums of the year. 'Me and Your Mama' kicks things off at a high note, with an energetic performance from Gambino and great instrumentation. From there, tracks like 'Have Some Love' and 'Boogieman' continue the 70s funk aesthetic, with joyous beats, colourful horns and refreshingly chill vocals (which Gambino does pretty well). 'Riot', while being a bit too short to actually develop into something amazing, still manages to be enjoyable with some help from George Clinton. After 'Redbone'(maybe the best track out of all of them), the album takes a sentimental and emotional turn. Tracks such as 'Baby Boy' and 'Stand Tall' still continue the heavy funk/soul influence though(with 'Stand Tall' having a particulaty beautiful performance from Gambino and the background vocals). 'Zombies' also features very slick guitar riffs and bouncy synth licks. Out of all of the tracks though, 'California' and 'The Night Me and Your Mama Met' might be the least enjoyable out of the 11 included. 'California', while having a very catchy, tropical groove, features very unusual vocals from Gambino, who sounds like he's parodying the rest of his performances on this record than actually giving one. 'The Night Me and Your Mama Met' is the only intrumental cut, and hile i would've prefered a Gambino performance along with the catchy chord progression. All in all, though, Gambino has delivered something truly unique to 2016's already amazing catalog of music, while also reinventing his sound for the better (in my opinion, as some would prefer his trap-flavoured songs to this new style).

    Best tracks- Redbone, Me and Your Mama, Boogieman, Zombies, Baby Boy, Stand Tall
    Worst tracks(not necessarily bad)- California, The Night Me and Your Mama Met    … Expand
  24. cwright68
    Dec 3, 2016
    10
    First time listeners and long time Glover lovers will both be in for a welcomed surprise. The album has the feel of a well constructed concept album, with all the warm fuzzy familiarities of genres of days gone by. There's something for everyone... funk, world, hip-hop, rock, electronic, spooky space jazz. As out there as it is it's easy to digest, so much so that it's stayed on repeatFirst time listeners and long time Glover lovers will both be in for a welcomed surprise. The album has the feel of a well constructed concept album, with all the warm fuzzy familiarities of genres of days gone by. There's something for everyone... funk, world, hip-hop, rock, electronic, spooky space jazz. As out there as it is it's easy to digest, so much so that it's stayed on repeat since I first started it.… Expand
  25. SilentBobVG1
    Dec 2, 2016
    8
    This is a tough one to review. I love 'Bino, he's always trying to push himself and constantly evolves throughout his album and EP releases, and this is by far the biggest change yet, for better or worse.

    Some clearly 70s/80s soul and funk inspired tracks, some a little TOO inspired, but this is where we get in to the real positives of the album. The instrumentals on this album are    This is a tough one to review. I love 'Bino, he's always trying to push himself and constantly evolves throughout his album and EP releases, and this is by far the biggest change yet, for better or worse.

    Some clearly 70s/80s soul and funk inspired tracks, some a little TOO inspired, but this is where we get in to the real positives of the album. The instrumentals on this album are phenomenal, exceptionally well crafted and produced. It's almost impossible not to groove along with this album, the instrumentals are that funky.

    Now, the real negatives to this album are quite uncharacteristic for Donald; The vocals and lyrics. These are usually his strong points. However, on this album they are quite lacklustre and sometimes are really only a detriment to the song they're on (see: Zombies, California etc). Most tracks he lazily mumbles through the song, or has some terrible autotune or over the top effect on his voice, not the usual melodic and stunning singing we are used to hearing from him. The lyrics are also completely meaningless and very irrelevant, with not much thought or emotion going in to them.

    Personally, I love this album. Although the vocals and lyrics aren't quite up to scratch, they're still decent on a lot of songs and combined with the insane instrumentals I had a massive smile on my face the whole time listening.

    If I had to rate the album in 3 parts it would be;

    Instrumentals: 9

    Vocals and lyrics: 7

    Overall: 8.5

    So yes, I would strongly recommend this album if you're a Bino fan, or just a soul/funk fan in general.    … Expand
  26. 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? Just disappointed of this album.

    Looking for J. Cole's album next week...
  27. acsfernalld
    Dec 5, 2016
    10
    Great blend of different genres, time periods, and sounds. Immaculate vocal range. Excellent instrumentation and production throughout. A real sonic masterpiece.
  28. Higo
    Dec 4, 2016
    7
    This is the third album by Gambino besides his many singles, and it's interesting to say the least.
    I feel most people will fall into the category of thinking a song or two are good and the rest is weird, but this is a bold experiment and people that like this type of music will be very happy with this album.
    So I would recommend to listen to it on spotify for free on desktop cause why not.
  29. thedaywalker
    Jan 17, 2017
    3
    Swing and a miss from Gambino! I really like him, but this album doesn't work how much some people want it to, i just didn't rate it lower because i kind of enjoyed the production, and it's not even because he changed his style, because he doesn't even sing much in the album... he should either sing more or stick to rapping
  30. 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.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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 »