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· Trevor Miller
As I sit here, submitting my vinyl order for Childish Gambino’s latest and final opus, I can't help but reflect on the journey of Donald Glover.
From the first time I spun "Camp" on my cousin's old turntable, I've been hooked on his unique blend of introspective lyrics, unique flow, and genre fluid music. With this latest release, Glover doesn't just conclude an era; he signs it with a masterstroke, offering a sprawling, genre-defying magnum opus that cements his place as one of the most innovative artists of our time.
"Bando Stone and the New World" isn't just an album; it's a multimedia experience. Announced alongside an accompanying film and a world tour, this project represents something unique to the ether. Over the course of 17 tracks and an hour of playtime, Glover takes us on a fantastic ride through musical landscapes that are as varied as they are unexpected. It is a soundtrack after all...
Throughout he returns to his early rap roots, channeling the spirit of a young Kanye West with an abrasive edge resembling West's "Yeezy" era to start and close the album. "Lithonia" introduces us to power chords that echo with the raw energy of classic rock, while "Steps Beach" offers a gentle, acoustic ballad reminiscent of Stevie Wonder, complete with a tinkling electric piano and soothing backing vocals. "No Excuses" is a lush, orchestral track that could sit comfortably alongside Marvin Gaye's work.
Glover delves into indie-pop with "Real Love" and explores alt-R&B on "Survive" featuring Chloe, as well as "In the Night," a standout collaboration with Jorja Smith and Amaarae. The album’s most touching moment comes with a song performed by his 8-year-old son, Legend, adding a personal and familial layer to the album.
"Yoshinoya" stands out as the album's centerpiece, both musically and thematically. Named after a venerable Japanese restaurant chain symbolizing longevity, the song features autobiographical verses that seem to transcend the album’s narrative, providing a candid glimpse into Glover’s mind. It’s clear that he's reflecting on his journey, his legacy, and his critics with a wry sense of humor and honesty.
Throughout the album, traces of African and Caribbean rhythms surface, culminating in the epic closing track, "A Place Where Love Goes." This song combines a menacing rap with an innocent, chanted loop of children singing, "We don’t care about the party/ We just want to dance," and even features a Daft Punk-esque vocoder segment alongside an anthemic chorus.
The album's production is as star-studded as its guest list, with longtime collaborator Ludwig Göransson, Dahi, Sir Dylan, Michael Uzowuru, Tyler Johnson, and Max Martin contributing to its rich tapestry. Glover also brings in talents like Steve Lacy, Kamasi Washington, Willow Smith, and Syd, while sampling British electronica titan The Prodigy on "Got to Be." Notably, Glover opts to spotlight rising artists like Amaarae, Foushee, and Khruangbin, showcasing his commitment to cross genre collaboration, as well as upcoming artist spotlight.
If "Bando Stone and the New World” is indeed Glover's swan song as Childish Gambino, it's a triumphant one. It’s not just a curtain call; it’s a grand finale, filled with the kind of daring experimentation and emotional depth that has defined his career. This album is a testament to his evolution as an artist and a reminder of the indelible mark he's left on the music world. For fans like myself, who’ve been along for the ride since 2011, it's a bittersweet farewell, but also a hopeful one, suggesting that while Glover may be retiring his Gambino alter-ego, his creative journey is far from over.
H3@RT$ W3RE M3@NT T0 F7¥ (feat. Amaarae): The album kicks off with a layered introduction featuring a blown-out synth bass and a twitchy, robotic dance rhythm. Amaarae’s spunky verse sets the stage for Gambino’s larger-than-life presence.
Lithonia: Emo-laden pop-rock track with a powerful "nobody gives a f--k" punch, capturing Gambino’s versatility and unapologetic demeanor.
Survive (feat. Chloe): Synthy chords and thumping kicks complement Chloe and Gambino's intertwined vocals, recalling the catchy vibes of his 2018 Summer Pack EP.
Steps Beach: Rich in vibrant acoustic chords and lush synths, this track features Steve Lacy’s Midas touch and showcases Gambino’s vocal versatility.
Talk My Shit (feat. Amaarae & Flo Milli): A fun and meme-worthy track featuring exciting back-and-forth verses by Amaarae and Flo Milli, and inventive flows from Gambino.
Got to Be: Sampling British electronic band The Prodigy, this track has already earned early reverence for its replay value
Real Love: A sing-song melody with limitless potential, heavily influenced by popular R&B and pop.
In the Night (feat. Jorja Smith & Amaarae): Afro-Caribbean inspired collaboration with Jorja Smith and Amaarae, unlocking a unique twist to the evolving genre.
Yoshinoya: Boastful and confrontational, this track features fluid, confident lyricism and an abrupt beat switch that brings in frantic percussion and stuttering vocal chops.
Can You Feel Me (feat. Legend): A collaboration with his son, Legend, this track captures the essence of fatherhood in a playful, though not deeply emotional, way.
No Excuses: A subdued and soft track that channels inner Sade, with sublime instrumentation creating a quiet yet strong storm.
Cruisin (feat. Yeat): A brief yet impactful feature from Yeat, this track centers around evolving production and soaring vocals, closing with a standout string section.
We Are God: Ethereal and mystical, this track is a sibling to "Urn" from "Because the Internet." It's otherworldly and distinctly Gambino.
Running Around (feat. Fousheé): Pop-rock territory with a top 40 melody and stadium-ready backing. The collaboration with Fousheé makes it a potential crossover hit.
Dadvocate: With Dylan Wiggins on bass and acoustic guitar, this sweet-sounding tune could take Gambino's voice to new airwaves.
Happy Survival (feat. Khruangbin): Dreamy and tropical, this minimal record feels like the perfect end music for rolling credits, with Khruangbin’s production shining through.
A Place Where Love Goes: The epic closing track blends rap and electronic dance music, pushing for one last dance with a touch of gospel.