Childish Gambino
3.15.20
The album is dotted with unintelligible moments, like the intro, "0.00," and the murky "32.22," on which Gambino tries a bit too hard to be mysterious and highbrow. But although the sounds on the album don't always quite fit together, 3.15.20 has plenty of peak moments to spare.
Among them is "12.38," a flirty, hip-swinging affair featuring uncredited guests 21 Savage, Ink and Kadhja Bonet. "19.10" is a bright and bouncy summary of the Black experience, an ode to existing in a world where one's very being is both hated and coveted. "47.48" reaches back to the vintage, soulful sound Gambino toyed with on 2016's Awaken, My Love! Though the lyrics on this song fret over the scourge of chronic violence, the music is still laced with hope.
Though Gambino takes himself a bit too seriously at times, 3.15.20's pleasant moments make up for his missteps.