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Childish Gambino’s discography spans several musical eras, from his rough-edged first album
“Camp” to the hyper-polished “Atavista.” Gambino, the musical persona of Donald Glover who debuted under the stage name in 2005, released his final album “Bando Stone and The New World” on July 19, along with announcements of an accompanying “New World Tour” and film.

The album gives fans a first glimpse into the upcoming film’s various characters and plot lines, while also incorporating artists and themes from across genres that represent Gambino’s eras.

Not only has Gambino switched styles throughout his time as a musician, but he’s also innovated the field through multimedia representations of his music. From inventive music videos to deeply intellectual lyrics, his absence in the industry will be felt.

“Lithonia,” which was released two weeks before the album, opens with organ and power ballads by Gambino, ramping up into a crescendo of guitar, piano and wood instruments. Its instrumental complexity is reminiscent of his 2016 album, “Awaken, My Love!” which contains ballad singing, chorus-backed rhythms and organic instrumentals. The role of instrumentals in this album is powerful, and contributes to its groovy flow.

On the track, Gambino sings about a person named “Cody LaRae,” who’s learning how little everyone really cares.

“Cody LaRae/ He had a break/ He’s findin’ out/ That nobody gives a f*ck” Gambino sings. “I did my job/ I paid my dues/ Love is for fools/ ‘Cause nobody gives a f*ck.”

Gambino is known for hiding easter eggs in his work. Fans have speculated about the identity of Cody LaRae and his role in the “New World” saga. Alongside the album release, an Instagram account under LaRae’s name was teased on Glover’s account. While some fans have speculated that the teaser is for album merchandise, another theory is that it’s a reference to Glover’s character in the upcoming film.

Several of the album’s tracks can be tied back to Gambino’s previous albums with their musical styles and featured artists. The track “Talk My Sh*t,” featuring Flo Milli and Amaarae, is reminiscent of Gambino’s second studio album “Because the Internet,” released in 2013, which also had an accompanying film interpretation.

The song exhibits raunchy rap lines alongside a trill beat, creating a smooth collective sound. “Because the Internet” is meant to be a story, incorporating classic rap sentiments about money and success in Gambino’s unique dialect. “Talk My Sh*t” is no different, deepening seemingly shallow lyrics unique by incorporating pop culture references and intricate humor.

“I’ma make a billi’ like I’m Eilish (Yeah, yeah)/ You can’t see me flyin’ ’cause it’s private/ She ain’t ever seen inside a Hyatt/ When we met at first, she actin’ quiet,” Gambino raps.

Flo Milli and Amaarae further develop the song, with Flo Milli rapping about money and lifestyle while Amaarae brings seductive, high-pitched bars. Gambino closes out the song with a snippet of audio from the film.

The later track “No Excuses” is evocative of Gambino’s last album “Atavista,” incorporating an electronic beat with warm-toned island instrumentals. Over halfway through the track, there’s a vibe shift, turning the seven-minute song from erie to enlightened.

These opposing sounds blend together seamlessly because of Gambino’s unmatched style and artistry. Shifts in longer songs are common in Gambino’s work, not just of background, but of pace and style altogether. Many artists include shifts in their music, but Gambino’s are so drastic and smooth that they stand out amongst other musicians.

Ending the album, and subsequently his career, is “A Place Where Love Goes.” The song is rough around the edges, with smooth, melodic verses in between, similar to Gambino’s first album “Camp.” It weaves between hard-hitting rap and reflective storytelling, closing out the album with meaningful lyrics and a blast from the past to bring it full circle.

“I’ve been chasin’ livin’ my whole life/ It is comin’, feel it in the night/ Every day you know I had to fight/ Different images swimmin’ in my head/ Different women sleepin’ in my bed/ I’ma get to sleep in when I’m dead/ Best believe in every word I said,” Gambino raps.

“Bando Stone and The New World” is a masterpiece, bringing together multiple art forms in a multimedia production. It’s reflective, complex and deeply personal with just a pinch of mystery, drawing the listener deeper into Gambino’s world. The freshly released album, upcoming movie and tour successfully have Childish Gambino going out with a bang.

Published on July 26, 2024 at 12:52 pm