"Awaken, My Love!"

by
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 169 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • 10
  • 9
  • 8
  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • Summary: The third full-length release for the hip hop artist/actor Donald Glover features influences of funk and soul music.
Buy On

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. The A.V. Club
    Dec 2, 2016
    91
    He is Donald Glover, a man who can perform and write comedy, act in drama, and drop a truly wonderful album on short notice with all the influences and instructions spelled out.
  2. The 405
    Dec 5, 2016
    85
    Glover has delivered an inter-generational, retro-futuristic 11-track history lesson on the healing and inspiring qualities of funk.
  3. The Guardian
    Dec 2, 2016
    80
    Only the limitations of his voice occasionally let him down--he doesn’t quite have the range to nail Awaken’s more ostentatious vocal lines. Still, it’s a minor gripe when there’s so much here to enjoy.
  4. The New York Times
    Dec 7, 2016
    80
    It’s at once a homage and a parody, equally aware of that era’s excesses and its glories, of the way that the most memorable 1970s R&B; merged sensuality, activism, humor, toughness, outlandishness, futurism, soul roots, wild eccentricity and utopian community spirit. That’s an extremely high bar, but at its best, “Awaken, My Love!” recalls many of those virtues.
  5. Pitchfork
    Dec 6, 2016
    72
    There are times, however, when that nodding feels more like mimicry than anything else. Maybe he’ll figure out how to smuggle Donald Glover’s heart into Childish Gambino’s brain eventually, but if he hasn’t figured out what he wants out of Childish Gambino yet, it’s increasingly rewarding watching him try.
  6. Rolling Stone
    Dec 2, 2016
    70
    While the rest of the album, produced by longtime collaborator Ludwig Göransson, doesn't quite equal that sensational single, it's still an inspired detour from a multi-talented hyphenate who has already dazzled us this fall with his critically acclaimed comedy-drama, Atlanta.
  7. Pretty Much Amazing
    Dec 2, 2016
    58
    It’s simultaneously daunting, exhausting, terrifying, all at the same time. It’s all a lot to take in, with not a whole lot of the Gambino we are familiar with to help wash it down.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 3 out of 22
  1. 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 evenObjectively 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
  2. 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 favesOkay 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.… Expand
  4. ablaise82
    Dec 3, 2016
    10
    Ive never been a big Gambino fan. but this album is creative, unique, and very chilling. A relaxing soul infused funk fest with some sweetIve 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.… Expand
  5. 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 definitelyA 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.… Expand
  6. 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    *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
  7. 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 reallyIt'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.… Expand
  8. 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? JustI 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...    … Expand

See all 22 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

#33 Most Discussed Album of 2016
#30 Most Shared Album of 2016

Current Music Releases

Full List »
100 The Early Years 1967-1972 [Box Set] - Pink Floyd
100 Metal Box [Super Deluxe Edition] - Public Image Ltd.
95 Skeleton Tree - Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
94 Live at the Whisky a Go Go: The Complete Recordings - Otis Redding
92 Who Can I Be Now? (1974-1976) [Box Set] - David Bowie
92 You Want It Darker - Leonard Cohen
89 We Got It From Here...Thank You 4 Your Service - A Tribe Called Quest
89 A Seat at the Table - Solange
89 Fuzzy Logic [20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition] - Super Furry Animals
88 American Band - Drive-By Truckers
88 Box [Box Set] - Gas
88 Demon City - Elysia Crampton
87 Black America Again - Common
87 My Woman - Angel Olsen
87 Kodama - Alcest
87 Blonde - Frank Ocean
87 Live at the Hollywood Bowl - The Beatles
87 Puberty 2 - Mitski
87 You Will Never Be One of Us - NAILS
87 The Complete BBC Sessions [Remastered] - Led Zeppelin
All Current Music »