Because the Internet
by
Because the Internet Image
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 386 Ratings

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  • Summary: The second full-length studio release for actor/rapper Donald Glover as Childish Gambino features guest appearances from Jhene Aiko, Azealia Banks, and Chance the Rapper.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 26
  3. Negative: 2 out of 26
  1. XXL
    Dec 17, 2013
    80
    Because The Internet shows off his full array of talent (writer, musician, comedian) and makes him stand out from the rest.
  2. DIY Magazine
    Dec 10, 2013
    80
    He hasn't quite perfected his talents, but it's far and away the best work he's done as Gambino yet.
  3. Under The Radar
    Dec 30, 2013
    75
    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.
  4. The A.V. Club
    Dec 10, 2013
    67
    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.
  5. CMJ
    Dec 9, 2013
    60
    Even though Because The Internet is kind of strange and kind of a bummer, it does show Glover’s range as a musician.
  6. Pitchfork
    Dec 12, 2013
    58
    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.
  7. Spin
    Dec 10, 2013
    20
    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.

See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 63 out of 71
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 71
  3. Negative: 5 out of 71
  1. maxxing
    Dec 10, 2013
    10
    I think Donald has created a very involved project. I love the songs, his production across this entire record is impressive. I thought theI think Donald has created a very involved project. I love the songs, his production across this entire record is impressive. I thought the addition of this fake "rapper rich kid/drug dealer" character was refreshing. It's a different take on a concept album, and if you enjoy the screenplay and movies he's created then you will love the album much more. Amazing work from Gambino. I love the whole vibe.… Expand
  2. 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
  4. 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", toWhat 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
  5. 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 storyBecause 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
  6. littletanner
    Dec 11, 2013
    9
    This is a very amazing album. It is pretty experimental, and it's an acquired taste. But this is definitely one of my favorite albums of theThis is a very amazing album. It is pretty experimental, and it's an acquired taste. But this is definitely one of my favorite albums of the year. And the content is just so relateable and deep. The internet seems to hate Gambino strictly because of "Camp." But this is a monster improvement. I love this album, and most people that respect art and good music, will like this too.… Expand
  7. 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 loveA 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)… Expand
  8. 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 lyricsThis 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

See all 71 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

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