Childish Gambino - Bando Stone and the new world Review
Release Date: July 19, 2024
Bando Stone & The New World is an intriguing but scattered album, which makes it a frustrating listen at times—especially because there are some genuinely great moments. Finding a clear theme was difficult, though that might be intentional, given that it’s supposedly a soundtrack to an unreleased (and still unannounced) film. At this point, I’m firmly in the “I don’t think this movie actually exists” camp.
When I first listened to the album at release, I expected to revisit it frequently. But in reality, I’ve only felt the urge to return to the same three or four tracks. There’s nothing inherently bad here—songs like Talk My Shit aren’t weak by any means, but they don’t feel essential, and its placement right after Steps Beach feels jarring. At times, I’d even argue the album verges on being overproduced.
This record feels like the ultimate culmination of everything Donald Glover has explored musically—genre-blending, experimental, and ambitious. But unlike his past LPs, Bando Stone & The New World lacks the same sense of focus and emotional weight, making it a fascinating yet somewhat uneven listen.