Donald Glover, under his project Childish Gambino, has always been known for his grandiose approach to music. With albums filled with weighty themes, complex narratives, and deep concepts, his latest album, Bando Stone & the New World, is no exception. In a recent profile by the New York Times, Glover explained his decision to retire the name, stating that he felt it was no longer fulfilling for him. If this is truly the end of Childish Gambino, it is definitely going out with a bang.
Throughout his career, Childish Gambino has been a reflection of where Glover’s other creative endeavors are at. From his early, often criticized raps coinciding with his comedy career on Community, to his breakthrough album Awaken, My Love! during his success with the show Atlanta, the evolution of Childish Gambino has mirrored Glover’s journey. Now, with the upcoming release of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Glover’s next steps remain a mystery, but the cinematic scope of Bando Stone hints at something that transcends traditional boundaries.
Although Bando Stone is intended to complement an upcoming film, Donald Glover’s album releases are events in their own right. The album takes on a rock opera vibe, centering around the character Bando Stone, possibly an alter-ego of the character “Cody LaRae” mentioned in the song “Lithonia.” Glover weaves together reality and fiction to craft a surreal story, typical of his psychedelic style. As the album is now out, here are seven initial impressions from listening to Childish Gambino’s Bando Stone & the New World.