With the release of his latest album, Atavista, Childish Gambino has placed himself back in the spotlight of the music scene.
Donald Glover has been a prominent public figure in many facets of his career, acting being another notable profession, but for some time the artist has been almost off the radar. The last major album he released was in 2016, introducing the world to the masterpiece that is Redbone. Up until 2020 with the confusing, and to many, mysterious circumstances surrounding 3.15.20.
The album was dropped with very little notice and quickly was taken off streaming platforms, being almost forgotten until Gambino announced he planned to re-release the album. Atavista is the product of this overhaul, giving fans another chance to enjoy what seems to be a promising album.
Glover reminded his fans what makes his music so great, his versatility. The rapping ability shown off in some of his best works, like 2013’s Because the Internet, and the soul and R&B influences he uses in 2016’s Awaken, My Love! come together making refreshing tracks. Combined with his skillful melodies and the computerized unique style that Gambino is famous for, this makes Atavista a soothing listen.
The album has four features from some notable artists, all providing their own talents. Ariana Grande is on the third track, “Time.” “Psilocybae (Millennial Love)” features 21Savage, adding a nice touch of his trademark trap style rapping. Summer Walker and Young Nudy are the last two features, on “Sweet Thang” and “Little Foot Big Foot,” respectively.
To describe the album simply, it’s a refreshing take on pop and rap music that only Childish Gambino could make work.
