"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. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. DavidV293
    Dec 22, 2016
    9
    It's an artistic piece that is surely an instant classic for the music industry. Donald Glover/Childish Gambino has the style, the voice, and the catchy beats. The type of album you want to listen on a beautiful sunset while just chilling with your feet up. One of my personal favorites.
  28. redjackb123
    Dec 15, 2016
    10
    Gambino is back with something much more different than Kauai and Because The Internet he is truly an amazingly unique artist with a beautiful voice and the whole album is a beautiful experience Best Gambino work since Because the internet
  29. 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
  30. jtdamon
    Dec 15, 2016
    8
    Sonically, this is Gambino's best performance, and although it is a step away from his previous works and the Donald Glover we have all come to know, it is a step forward. 'Awaken, My Love!' is one of the most daring albums of the past few years, and it leaves us wanting more. Aside from the few flop tracks on this record, the experience is quite grand. The two singles, 'Me and Your Mamma'Sonically, this is Gambino's best performance, and although it is a step away from his previous works and the Donald Glover we have all come to know, it is a step forward. 'Awaken, My Love!' is one of the most daring albums of the past few years, and it leaves us wanting more. Aside from the few flop tracks on this record, the experience is quite grand. The two singles, 'Me and Your Mamma' and 'Redbone' are exceptional, and the rest that follows lives up to the hype. Classic? Not quite, but if Gambino continues on the path of psychedelic soul, I'm sure there will be plenty of enjoyable pieces to come.… Expand
  31. jacksonschichel
    Feb 8, 2017
    10
    if this isn't the new era of r&b soul music I don't know what is. such a great album it's funky original and groovy. reminds me a lot of mo-town and prince
  32. Nardeen
    Mar 11, 2017
    8
    This is by far one of if not the best Gambino album yet, his vocals are insane, songs I wouldn't usually like California I am in love with and just the amount of effort put into this is amazing. However, the reason this album doesn't get a higher rating is because a lot of the songs seem to be fillers to makes the album last longer.
  33. BabyRants
    Mar 29, 2017
    9
    One of the only Donald's that I love. The songs are funky and "out into space" as I like to say. The cover of the album does creep me out a ton though, so...Uh...Yeah...9/10.
  34. 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
  35. 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.
  36. 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.
  37. 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.
  38. 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.
  39. 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.
  40. 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.
  41. 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.
  42. 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
  43. sambartlett2004
    Jan 17, 2021
    8
    An album that really picks up in the second half and isn’t afraid to experiment.
  44. 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
  45. hdcooper
    Apr 8, 2021
    8
    Glover's best work yet. He's not afraid to experiment and push the boundaries.

    8.6/10
  46. 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
  47. 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
  48. 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.
  49. 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
  50. 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
  51. Diego_19
    Jan 31, 2023
    7
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  52. 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.
  53. 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
  54. 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

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]]
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