Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino, released his fifth and final album “Bando Stone and the New World” July 19. Glover has delivered an album that showcases diverse genres, illustrating his evolution within his music career. “Bando Stone and the New World” serves as a fitting farewell to fans created by one of the most creative and unique artists to ever enter the music industry.
Glover has already established himself as a cultural icon, with projects that challenge societal norms and push artistic boundaries, and Bando and Stone and the New World is no exception. This album is poised to continue this legacy, offering a final commentary on themes that have pervaded his work, from the complexities of race and identity to the pressures of success. Much like ‘This Is America,’ which became a cultural phenomenon for its bold political statement, this album reflects the zeitgeist of the moment, addressing both personal and collective experiences in a way that only Glover can.
The album blends also all aspects of Glover’s previous work. It features introspective lyricism and raw emotion reminiscent of ‘Camp,’ the strong rap flows and production found in ‘Because the Internet,’ synthy pop tunes similar to ‘Kauai’ and funky R&B cuts that harken back to ‘Awaken, My Love!’ Glover has crafted a sound that is both eclectic and meticulously polished. Each track is layered with inventive beats, unexpected turns and intricate melodies that challenge conventional music norms.
‘In the Night,’ is a standout track. The featured artists on the track, Jorja Smith and Amarree, excel in creating a mood and telling a story through heavier bass and flowy vocals. The track relies on its warmer synths and a pulsating baseline to show a desire of forbidden love and a longing for someone new. The repetition of “I can feel you in the night,” implies a deep emotional bond that goes beyond the physical realm and lingers in the thoughts of the singer. The lyricism and vocal talent on the track to take it to another level. Gambino’s rap abilities shine on ‘Yoshinoya’ and ‘Talk My Sh*t’ featuring Amaarae & Flo Milli, where he embraces and demonstrates classic rap elements his and lyrical prowess. In ‘Yoshinoya,’ Gambino delivers his verses slowly before shifting into a funkier vibe in the second half, with repetitive vocals and scatting that provide a captivating backdrop for Gambino’s rhymes. Gambino showcases his versatility on the track, seamlessly transitioning between different rapping styles.
‘Talk My Sh*t’, featuring Amaarae and Flo Milli, is fun and high energy, incorporating the individual flair of each artist. Although Amaarae’s verses are weaker on this track because the lyrics have less depth and are rather simplistic compared to Glover’s and Flo Milli’s verses, the song overall pushes a strong narrative of confidence and success through playful arrogance. Lyrics such as “I did it myself, a million, a bajilion, I made every penny,” boast about Glover’s self-made success and his net worth. While it is not as groundbreaking as some of Glover’s previous songs, it showcases his ability to blend humor and clever wordplay, making it stand out from the rest of the album.
Glover also explores tracks that center around warm synthesizer and the use of softer vocals. The track ‘Steps Beach’ stands out as a heartwarming and introspective song that celebrates love, growth and everyday moments. The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship that is real and imperfect yet filled with love and a shared vision for the future. It is not the Glover we are used to with the unique blend of rap and socially conscious lyrics . Still, ‘Steps Beach’ shines a light on his musical brilliance and there is an argument for it to be the best song in the album.
“Bando Stone and the New World” is a testament to Gambino’s musical versatility. The album’s diverse mix of genres and the seamless fusion of elements from Gambino’s past albums create a refreshingly unique and polished sound. The tracks ‘In the Night’ and ‘Steps Beach’ elevate Gambino’s discography by conveying emotion through powerful lyrics and strong production and step away from his usual style. The album overall serves as a fitting farewell, solidifying Gambino’s position as a groundbreaking figure in contemporary music.
