Because the Internet
by Childish Gambino
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 388 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 345 out of 388
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 388
  3. Negative: 16 out of 388
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  1. Geeksreview
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    This is so deep once you learn the screen play and listen to what donald is saying also best album ever
  2. VanZizek
    Mar 6, 2023
    9
    The "shut up I haven't shown who I am" that I required. What a great story and listen while you have the script, I think it's one of those few experiences that you require at least once in a lifetime to do.
  3. jimmybob7172
    Nov 20, 2021
    10
    “i. flight of the navigator” by childish gambino is easily the most beautiful song to exist. its haunting instrumentals, elusive melody paired with its mellow lonely feeling vocals help create childish gambino’s best and most vulnerable song to date. the one thing gambino fears the most is loneliness and as he transcends through the planes of this universe, the one thing he longs for is“i. flight of the navigator” by childish gambino is easily the most beautiful song to exist. its haunting instrumentals, elusive melody paired with its mellow lonely feeling vocals help create childish gambino’s best and most vulnerable song to date. the one thing gambino fears the most is loneliness and as he transcends through the planes of this universe, the one thing he longs for is someone for him to hold close to as he leaves everything and everyone behind. he knows the one thing he fears most - loneliness - is inevitable and this song is his final cry, scream, and plea for help before he leaves forever. the song itself is nothing short of a masterpiece, and as time flies by this song and album will only age better.… Expand
  4. proreview0
    Aug 15, 2021
    7
    tillllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll 300 and 5 holl up
  5. pig____
    Apr 9, 2021
    9
    In my opinion, Childish Gambino's 'Because the Internet' is one of the most underrated and overlooked albums of the early 2010s. Many people have both praised and criticized the album's intricate rollout in which Gambino created a multimedia experience involving music videos, short films, live shows, real-life replicas of sets from the film, a 72 page screenplay and of course the albumIn my opinion, Childish Gambino's 'Because the Internet' is one of the most underrated and overlooked albums of the early 2010s. Many people have both praised and criticized the album's intricate rollout in which Gambino created a multimedia experience involving music videos, short films, live shows, real-life replicas of sets from the film, a 72 page screenplay and of course the album itself. Whether or not you personally enjoy the admittedly convoluted but introspective content surrounding the record, as a standalone project it still manages to explore themes of love, modern internet culture and existentialism in an astounding amount of depth, demonstrating that Donald Glover is not only capable of comedy writing, but is able to write about such complex topics while still maintaining his signature tongue-and-cheek penmanship with clever bar after clever bar being delivered throughout many of the more rap-centric tracks on this album. There is a fairly even distribution of traditional rap bangers and mellow indie-pop ballads, both of which fit in very well with the album's general aesthetics with the timeless production from Glover's longtime musical collaborator Ludwig Göransson lending itself perfectly to the eerie feel of the tracks and truly allowing the writing on them to reach their full potential sonically. Highlights include 'Crawl', 'Worldstar', 'Shadows', '3005', 'No Exit', 'Urn' and 'Life: The Biggest Troll [Andrew Aurenheimer]. Overall, Because The Internet not only succeeds at being an enjoyable listen from front to back, but also at exploring themes that most (if not all) of the listeners can relate to in some way, creating an artisticly somber and masterfully written experience.… Expand
  6. Hendo250
    Apr 6, 2021
    8
    this album is a 8 this album is a 8 this album is a 8 this album is a 8 this album is a 8
  7. pinobutter
    Mar 16, 2021
    10
    Severely underrated album that aged beautifully. This project is filled with very profound and philosophical ideas, accentuated by the tangible passion that Gambino puts into his songs. Life: The Biggest Troll is one of the most introspective rap songs of the entire decade, whereas Flight of The Navigator is an extremely saddening and beautiful journey from start to finish. Urn complimentsSeverely underrated album that aged beautifully. This project is filled with very profound and philosophical ideas, accentuated by the tangible passion that Gambino puts into his songs. Life: The Biggest Troll is one of the most introspective rap songs of the entire decade, whereas Flight of The Navigator is an extremely saddening and beautiful journey from start to finish. Urn compliments Flight of the Navigator perfectly, and Zealots of Stockholm's production value is outstanding. Shadows is extremely well written and reflects the situation of having feelings for someone but not telling them flawlessly. The Worst Guys is a bouncy and fun track with a playful undertone, and Oakland keeps that same summertime feeling alive as well, except showcasing Gambino's vocals more often in that track. Earth: The Oldest Computer has an almost apocalyptic feel to it, and tonally fits great.Then of course, you have 3005 and Sweatpants, both songs thought to be classics years later. Taken individually, these tracks are all so well constructed that it's almost unbelievable they're all on the same project. The only songs that aren't as strong as the others are No Exit and The Party, but even those tracks are thematically appropriate to the message of this album and effectively communicate Gambino's message, clearly were meant to be more transitional tracks almost akin to interludes. Plus, those two tracks are carried by the entire rest of the album. With one of the strongest closing tracks ever, a bunch of quotable lyrics that are clever as well as introspective, and constantly great production value found throughout, I definitely wouldn't argue with if you if you said this was your favorite album of all time. 10/10… Expand
  8. ChunkDump
    Dec 25, 2020
    9
    was he rapper turnt comedian? or comedian turned rapper? actor? look whatever he is its **** working. bravo gambino *Donald Glover* favorite track is "3005" not much to say he was on fire on this project. keep it coming.
  9. MrWolfy_
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Despite what reviews say, I would say this is one of the best hip-hop projects of 2013. Nevertheless, it's definitely one of my favorites.

    In 'Because the Internet', Donald Glover evolves from his debut album and refines his music. He shows ambition as he embarks on amazing flows and lyrics. Ludwig Göransson and Glover's beautiful production accommodate the singing and rapping on the    Despite what reviews say, I would say this is one of the best hip-hop projects of 2013. Nevertheless, it's definitely one of my favorites.

    In 'Because the Internet', Donald Glover evolves from his debut album and refines his music. He shows ambition as he embarks on amazing flows and lyrics. Ludwig Göransson and Glover's beautiful production accommodate the singing and rapping on the album. It takes a step towards experimentation with some R&B influence. There are flaws here and there such as the singing but as a rapper at the time, he did a pretty good job.

    The album's singles are among the best tracks on the album. Honestly, the whole album is full of good songs. Even some of the album's 'worst tracks' can be looked upon as alright.

    My top three songs right now:
    'Telegraph Ave.', a thrilling and exciting experience featuring Lloyd's soothing hooks.
    'Flight of the Navigator', a moody and depressing song to listen late at night.
    'Sweatpants', a great example of Glover's extraordinary wordplay and flow.

    The 72-page screenplay attached is the basis of this album. Glover, as an experienced writer and actor at the time, excelled greatly with this interesting screenplay. It brings more enjoyment towards to album.

    Overall, it's just magical. There are no words to describe how amazing the album is. Glover showed intense passion for this piece of art. Personally, I listened to this album countless times on repeat. It has great replay value. 'Because the Internet' is still a classic to this day. To conclude this review, I DEFINITELY recommend this album to anyone that likes music.    … Expand
  10. quincycreator
    Dec 11, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. child gamblino albume good



    ummmmmmmmmm mmmmmm Tylur the Created is bettur do    … Expand
  11. Shaymooose
    Aug 17, 2019
    9
    I've loved songs from this album for years, I remember in 2015 when I was 13 first hearing Sweatpants and 3005, loving them and the outro's attached to them in the music videos (Urn, Zealots of Stockholm)
    I waited till I bought the vinyl of this to listen to it fully and read the screenplay, and man the impact this left on me. Incredible.
    Best Tracks: 3005, Telegraph Ave, Sweatpants,    I've loved songs from this album for years, I remember in 2015 when I was 13 first hearing Sweatpants and 3005, loving them and the outro's attached to them in the music videos (Urn, Zealots of Stockholm)
    I waited till I bought the vinyl of this to listen to it fully and read the screenplay, and man the impact this left on me. Incredible.

    Best Tracks: 3005, Telegraph Ave, Sweatpants, The Worst Guys, Worldstar, Pink Toes, Life: The Biggest Troll, Urn, Zealots of Stockholm, Flight of the Navigator, Shadows, Crawl.
    Worst Tracks: The Party, No Exit    … Expand
  12. C_dot
    Dec 6, 2018
    8
    Donald Glover's transition to music continues with this unique project, where is personality can be felt throughout. Gambino seems to have no problem spitting aggressively over more electronic beats or stepping it back and singing a bit more.
  13. Hunter_Spence
    Dec 4, 2018
    9
    This is Childish Gambino's best album in my opinion, right beside "Awaken, My Love!". The beats mixed with Donald's slick rhymes make this a nearly flawless album. My favourite Songs are: 3005, The Worst guys, Telegraph Ave, Earth: The Oldest Computer and Life: The Biggest Troll. My least favourite track(s) would have to be Worldstar.
  14. behzatgoren
    Aug 30, 2018
    10
    ı like it ı like it ı like it ı like it ı like it ı like it ı like it ı like it ı like it
  15. BeanmanJames
    Jun 1, 2018
    6
    Weird album but a decent one nonetheless. A lot of tracks felt pointless and like they didn't add anything.
  16. DavidCall360
    Mar 1, 2018
    10
    DONALD GLOVER IS A GENIUS! He is the definition of can't stop, won't stop. That is all.
  17. FruitJuice
    Jul 18, 2017
    6
    it was okay............................................................................................................................................................
  18. bellonman
    May 1, 2017
    6
    A decent record and surprised me a lot because I thought I would hate this album. Some great singles carry this album, but a lot of the songs seem like they're only filler. Some of the production seems a little too clean at times. Childish continues with his great flow, but that doesn't help with the lack of catchy or even memorable songs.
  19. RahulB
    Apr 15, 2017
    7
    This album is weird, in a good way though. There are a lot of songs i can listen to for days but some songs just come out of no where and you ask what does this have to do with anything. But i do have to note, if you really want to understand this album you have to read a 73 page screen play which fits into this album. Its an interesting album, but the songs at the end start to fall offThis album is weird, in a good way though. There are a lot of songs i can listen to for days but some songs just come out of no where and you ask what does this have to do with anything. But i do have to note, if you really want to understand this album you have to read a 73 page screen play which fits into this album. Its an interesting album, but the songs at the end start to fall off from the others, but the songs like worldstar worst guys and crawl and life just carry this album and make me enjoy this album. Also somehow this album just fits together in a really weird way, again the good way though.… Expand
  20. jrwhitcomb
    Apr 2, 2017
    9
    In retrospect, this is Gambino's best album. The production value here is incredible, a blend of dreamy space synths and low basslines. Songs like Urn and Flight of the Navigator send the listener off into a dreamy headspace. The music itself acts as a drug, and its glorious. This is the album that proved Gambino could work.
  21. Nardeen
    Mar 11, 2017
    7
    This is one of my favorite Gambino albums, it's fun as **** to listen to. It's not meant to change the way people rap but it goes to show how talented of an individual Donald Glover is.
  22. senordinosaur
    Dec 13, 2016
    0
    This isn't a rap album which is a bummer. Glover can be amazing when he isn't being self-indulgent both in lyrics and flow. His clever lyrics drive a flow he iterated from Drake, but was still good. This album seems designed to a appeal to hipsterhop heads who will call it the most innovative rap album of the year because Glover is a rapper. It's Glover screaming "I'm a serious adult."This isn't a rap album which is a bummer. Glover can be amazing when he isn't being self-indulgent both in lyrics and flow. His clever lyrics drive a flow he iterated from Drake, but was still good. This album seems designed to a appeal to hipsterhop heads who will call it the most innovative rap album of the year because Glover is a rapper. It's Glover screaming "I'm a serious adult." Glover doesn't actually "spit a verse" anywhere on this weird 70's inspired album. The result is epically boring. Maybe if you're high and need a soundtrack for a nap this is the record of the rear, but if you're looking for something like old Childish Gambino then this will massively disappoint.… Expand
  23. Jobin_Klavin
    Dec 3, 2016
    10
    What can I say about this project? This is a rap album full of many different sounds, from the opening punch-line, hard hitting "Crawl", to the R&B exotic "Telegraph Ave", to the guitar, Frank Ocean esque "Flight of the Navigator", to the dance, electronic "Earth: The Oldest Computer". 3 years later and this album holds up and is a sleeper, cult classic. If you enjoy the sound of theWhat can I say about this project? This is a rap album full of many different sounds, from the opening punch-line, hard hitting "Crawl", to the R&B exotic "Telegraph Ave", to the guitar, Frank Ocean esque "Flight of the Navigator", to the dance, electronic "Earth: The Oldest Computer". 3 years later and this album holds up and is a sleeper, cult classic. If you enjoy the sound of the album, I encourage you to read the screenplay, as the album is rooted into the screenplay and together create a unique concept album.… Expand
  24. tomsmith7
    Nov 15, 2016
    10
    This is one of the best albums ever in my opinions. The songs are absolutely gorgeous and the production is some of the best I've ever heard. The songs are so diverse and experimental that it's almost not impossible to get at least intrigued by this album.
  25. maxwellgrady
    Feb 17, 2016
    10
    Arguably one of my favorite rap albums of all time. He's very conceptual and heartwarming. He shows his creative mindset and his talents. the production and lyricism on this album are fascinating,
  26. milomakromallis
    Aug 18, 2015
    3
    Gambino is quite possibly the worst rapper of all time, an actor who more than anything seems to want to do rap out of a ridiculous sense of self worth. He believes he’s some sort of musician when in reality he is incapable of making music which isn’t either still born or dangerously generic. As far as personality goes…it doesn’t go far at all, smug and pretentious he constantly plaguesGambino is quite possibly the worst rapper of all time, an actor who more than anything seems to want to do rap out of a ridiculous sense of self worth. He believes he’s some sort of musician when in reality he is incapable of making music which isn’t either still born or dangerously generic. As far as personality goes…it doesn’t go far at all, smug and pretentious he constantly plagues Hip-Hop’s Annals with feeble tripe already done over by tens of artists more successfully already. I cannot stress this aspect...the effort he gives is felt all over but the problem is he still sucks, his lyrics stink of effort which is comical when you consider the quality.

    He delves into subject and style which he handles poorly such as black strife and not having a sense of belonging but he is not someone who is even likeable and when covering such subjects he has the finesse of a blob fish thrown at a wall.    … Expand
  27. walterhenderson
    Apr 15, 2015
    8
    From TIME to Rolling Stone, Kanye West’s controversial Yeezus has been topping Best of 2013 lists all over the map. But only a few weeks to the end of the year, another rapper has delivered an album that surpasses West’s experimental effort by miles. Childish Gambino fell off the map a bit after his critically acclaimed Camp, and released a mixtape titled Royalty that didn’t garner tooFrom TIME to Rolling Stone, Kanye West’s controversial Yeezus has been topping Best of 2013 lists all over the map. But only a few weeks to the end of the year, another rapper has delivered an album that surpasses West’s experimental effort by miles. Childish Gambino fell off the map a bit after his critically acclaimed Camp, and released a mixtape titled Royalty that didn’t garner too much attention. Now it seems Gambino is more ready than ever to take the rap game by storm and he proves it this new record.
    Because The Internet came as a big surprise, because I don’t think anyone expected Childish Gambino to come this hard after so many setbacks. It’s a concept album, with titles like “Worldstar” and “Life The Biggest Troll”, it lives up to the concept perfectly, using a medium we all are familiar with to show us what he’s been going through and doing it well. The album also has some great features, particularly from newcomer Chance The Rapper, who released one of the other great Hip-Hop albums of the year, Acid Rap.
    But there is something about this album that makes it stand out from the rest, and arguably puts it above them. We’ve been through this journey with Childish Gambino trying to just make great music and be recognized for it. For some reason though, I’ve always thought that he could do a little more with his music, something that would push him from being a great rapper to being an AMAZING musician. This album does that for me, and I couldn’t be more excited.
    Yeezus has been getting all the praise, but I feel like all these critics are forgetting one BIG important thing, LYRICS. Kanye has all these great beats and expensive production on his album, but lets not pretend that he hasn’t fallen of the game massively when it comes to his spitting game. Half the lyrics on Yeezus are extremely cringeworthy and just plain old lazy on Kanye’s part. Hearing him struggle to come up with clever one-liners on “I’m In It”, makes it almost unbearable to listen to. The production is the only thing that makes it possible to play as is the case with most of the album. Childish Gambino has a much better play on words, and while his songs might’ve not cost millions to produce, they sure as hell sound much more sincere and authentic than anything on Yeezus.    … Expand
  28. Hezgoat
    Mar 2, 2015
    2
    This dodgy, terribly produced and overall unsatisfying album relies on out of place flows and low lying bass lines to keep it afloat. Glover is obviously not suited the genre bending to suit himself and portray dull and uneventful things in his life
  29. minimonday
    Nov 17, 2014
    9
    Because the Internet is, in my mind, a very interesting album. Glover showcases his ideas throughout this entire album, creating a story throughout it. Glover is very introspective with his ideas of society and the Internet in songs like "Zealots of Stockholm" and "Earth: The Oldest Computer." He also shows off his R&B side in songs like "Shadows" and "Pink Toes". Not only did I enjoy theBecause the Internet is, in my mind, a very interesting album. Glover showcases his ideas throughout this entire album, creating a story throughout it. Glover is very introspective with his ideas of society and the Internet in songs like "Zealots of Stockholm" and "Earth: The Oldest Computer." He also shows off his R&B side in songs like "Shadows" and "Pink Toes". Not only did I enjoy the album, but I also enjoyed the screenplay written by Glover of the same title. Yes, there were one or two low-points in the album, but the entire album isn't going to be perfect. Glover has stated himself that he's not trying to be a rapper, that this is just a part of his artistic process. With all of that in mind, this is a pretty dam good rap album from a "non-rapper".… Expand
  30. StealthyK1LLs
    Nov 6, 2014
    8
    A rather mysterious, yet relatable album from Gambino. He's done it again, with cool beats, strange vibes, and even stranger lyrics. I love it. An overall great album from an overall great rapper, actor, and comedian. (favorite songs: 3005, The Crawl, Sweatpants)
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Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Most Discussed Album of 2013
27
#27 Most Shared Album of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 26
  3. Negative: 2 out of 26
  1. Q Magazine
    Jan 28, 2014
    40
    This is a luxurious but ultimately hollow Faberge egg of a record. [Feb 2014, p.121]
  2. The Source
    Jan 8, 2014
    70
    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]
  3. Rolling Stone
    Jan 3, 2014
    70
    As a concept album on man's most abstract concept, Because the Internet is more than worth the download.
    Read full review
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