Because The Internet - Childish Gambino - Album Review
- Juan Hernandez
- Aug 17, 2017
- 4 min read
The often odd and ever thoughtful, Because The Internet, thralls with brilliant production and insightful commentary on the current status of our society today.
Yes, while he may be a meme currently as of writing this review, that does change the quality of this album. Before actually listening to this album a while back, I did not know that Childish Gambino was actually a well respected actor by the name of Donald Glover. It's quite surprising to find out that this album has had such thought and effort put into it, considering that Donald Glover is busy with other projects besides music.
Gambino grabs the listener with "Crawl" that has furious screams and often feels claustrophobic while dangerous. The track does an exceptional job at presenting for what's to anticipate from the album: inventive production, dynamic performances and clever wordplay. Gambino's intricate lyrics pack a punch, and the opening verse of "Crawl" definitely shows this with the O.J Simpson reference "Yeah, I murder some, I murder one, explain it all, Ferguson/We ain't gotta sing the same old love song/Cut a white girl with the same black gloves on" that verse still gives me chills. The appropriately titled "Worldstar" takes aim at how society now is obsessed with drama, and instead of confronting such heinous crimes that we're more willing to film these acts. The track has a slapping beat that rides along nicely to Gambino's lyrics of how WorldStar viewers are really degenerates. The tracks ends with jazzy horns along with the continuous beat complimenting each other.
While listening to the album, odd occurrences of pure instrumentals will pop up. However sometimes they will serve as interludes for songs, "The Library" opens up for "Crawl", and "Dial Up" lays the beat out for "The Worst Guys". Other times the shorter tracks feel out of place such as "Playing Around Before The Party Starts" , "Urn", and "Death By The Numbers", they don't give a clear sense of purpose of why they were ended up on the record. Featured artists on the album provide hooks and the chorus' for some tracks like Chance The Rapper on "Worst Guys", Lloyd for "Telegraph Ave" and Azealia Banks for "Earth: The Oldest Computer". I was surprised to find out that Chance does not show up more prominently on his guest appearance and that he only provides the chorus for the song, however the track still remains a favorite because of the playful beat, guitar solos, and Gambino's stellar delivery. The production of the album is cohesive and it feels like most of the songs could serve as lead singles. The beats of the album feel new and incisive, they still manage to avoid the same sound of many contemporary artists of today. Be warned, not all the hooks are catchy and infectious, while the album is very creative in it's own right, not all songs are gonna meet the expectations of great. An overblown sound plagues "Zealots Of Stockholm" and it feels too abrasive without having any clear sense of placement on the album.
The four lead singles have driving beats that instantly feel danceable, but the themes all remain the same, sharing stories of utter sadness and desperation. The most popular single, "3005" feels bright and energetic. The lyrics of the song display a different side, speaking about the fears of ending up alone and questioning whether your friends actually like you for who you are, or for your wealth "And no matter where all of my friends go, Emily, Fam, and Lorenzo/All of them people my kinfolk, at least I think so, can't tell/Cause when them checks clear, they're not here". Out of the four lead singles, "Sweatpants" is the only witty track that manages to feel weird and confident at the same time, all without the depressing themes of the album.
The album in many ways mirrors it's artist, in a sense that it's unpredictable. Gambino often rhymes about social culture and other times he will take on the vocals of an R&B artist and sing soulfully, thus displayed on "Shadows" and "Flight Of The Navigator". It's quite clear that the album would hint Gambino's R&B vocals of his next project, "Awaken My Love!". I have a strong preference for Gambino's rhyming skills instead of his singing, however on "Telegraph Ave" he continues to surprise with intuitive production and soulful leads. With the glittery and spacious beat "Telegraph Ave" becomes one of the most genius moments from the album. One of the most vibrant beats appears on "Earth: The Oldest Computer" , the track feels well paced with Gambino spitting, while Azealia Banks provides the hook. The song deals with the question of life, and how one should live it, the only thing that annoys me about the track is the near the end it starts getting blown out, like a hit of cocaine that wasn't necessarily needed.
The last track on the record serves as a testament to what the album stands for. "Life: The Biggest Troll" makes Because The Internet the defiant song that closes the album and leaves listeners intrigued while bewildered. Once the album finishes it becomes something more than just a commentary on internet culture, it transcends into an introspective piece of work that confronts the audience with questions of judgement, character, and morality. Because The Internet, defines Childish Gambino's career in a nutshell and it's safe to say that Gambino wouldn't be a household name without this album in his discography. Despite all it's blemishes, I frequently find myself coming back to this record because of the beautiful production and clever lyrics delivered by Gambino, it's simply his magnum opus.
Because The Internet
Released: 2013
Favorite Tracks: Crawl, Worldstar, Dial Up, The Worst Guys, Shadows, Telegraph Ave, Sweatpants, 3005, Flight Of The Navigator, Urn, Earth: The Oldest Computer, Life: The Biggest Troll
Worst Tracks: Pink Toes, Zealots Of Stockholm
8/10
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