Childish Gambino - Kauai

                              

Childish Gambino

Kauai

2014

Wow, this album really takes a turn from what I'm used to from Gambino. I was fully prepared for another round of great rhymes and solid beats but this album brought a completely different vibe. Gambino sings for most of the album which is usually off putting from rappers but I was so pleasantly surprised. He doesn't try to over sing or impress you with his vocal range, he just sings good catchy songs. "Sober" is vocally the most solid and also has a very interesting beat.

On "Rough" he really pulls out his rapping skills. Everyone knows the kid can rap, but man he really brings it on this track. He even coughs half way through the song, apparently indicating this was possibly one take. I really like to hear rap over a beat that isn't your average hard bass high hat combo and this track totally brings that. One critique is the ambient sounds (seagulls, people talking, ect.) they take away from a solid record rather than adding depth to it.

The whole album feels to me like an early to mid nineties boyz II men type record, however it's where that music has evolved to. It's completely modern while keeping the spirit of the R&B I've always loved.  This album may be a one off for Gambino, but his ability is evident and I would be more than willing to listen to another shot at this cool smooth genre.

8 out of 10 🌈