Because the Internet

Because The Internet stands on its own musically. The project undoubtedly stands much taller when put in context of all the additional material released in order to create something bigger. [Dec 2013/Jan 2014, p.89]

As a concept album on man's most abstract concept, Because the Internet is more than worth the download.

The surrounding flutter of puzzle pieces adds depth, but the record still stands on its own as a bold statement on modern life and the cold distance technology places between human relationships.

Because The Internet is just a giant non-sequitur, a pop culture gag reel that relies a little too heavily on flippancy to ring true.

It's fair to say he's not a Childish Gambino any more though--he's an Adult Gambino.

Because The Internet shows off his full array of talent (writer, musician, comedian) and makes him stand out from the rest.

Tracks still miss on occasions, and Glover writes with such self-awareness that the listener can regard him as a full-of-himself show-off, someone who believes he deserves musical success just because he’s achieved it in television.

Only the occasional clear headed gulps of oxygen--like the creepy-funky "No Exit"--keep Internet from drowning in a harrowing sea of personal insecurities. [20 Dec 2013, p.60]

The forward momentum shown on previous releases continues with Because the Internet. The jokes and gimmicks show up less often and in their place are introspective questions about himself, his relationships, and his family. Most of the time it works.

It’s developed in parts, compelling, and his existential struggles are somewhat realized.

Because the Internet is a nobly expansive attempt at plumbing the catacombs of social media for meaning and exploring the gap between the performative avatars we present as our online selves and the offline realities of our lives, but like the Twitter hounds and comment section warriors it speaks to and about, it could ultimately do well with a little less multitasking.

Because the Internet, like Camp before it, fails to bring the sparkle that Glover has displayed in his comedy writing to his music; where his debut was crude, cartoonish and silly, this effort is faux-reflective, misguided and ultimately collapses under the weight of a concept that’s almost impossible to make sense of.

The production is as rich as the raps, spanning pop, underground R&B, club music, and psychedelic experimentation. The project is further heightened by Glover’s knowing irony, his gift for hooks, and his visionary theme.

Maybe the entire album is a meme itself, a grand existential joke critiquing the all-conquering rise of Internet culture by parodying its overwhelming randomness. Whatever it is, though, it's a bad rap record.

He hasn't quite perfected his talents, but it's far and away the best work he's done as Gambino yet.

For fans who will miss his less-than-entirely-jovial exit from his day job on "Community," Because the Internet carves a place for him in today's Web-addled indie-rap world, even if some offline fresh air might do him some good as well.

Because The Internet finally shows that Donald Glover is serious about his music, and he’s willing to take some chances to make sure that Childish Gambino can grow as an artist.

Bloated with all manner of interstitial suites and assorted skit-like stopgaps, the 19-track Because the Internet could serviceably represent the titular web Glover finds so perplexing.

Because the Internet is a vast improvement over his debut effort, showcasing an artist who has confidently found a way to coalesce his love for music and films into one hybrid effort.

Even though Because The Internet is kind of strange and kind of a bummer, it does show Glover’s range as a musician.

Gambino is observant and often funny, and his loose-limbed flow can sting.

The results are intriguing, occasionally frustrating, rarely boring.

Connecting with the album is nearly impossible, understanding it is difficult, and often enough, its inflated ego is irksome, but Because the Internet is too free and fascinating to be dragged down by these complaints, so if a Yeezus with more flash and fun is what's required, Gambino's got the good stuff.

Childish Gambino still manages to mostly hold our attention, though, because he concerns himself instead with his own terms.