RAP R&B ROCK

Bando Stone and the New World
By Childish Gambino

The multifaceted talents of Donald Glover range from standup to acting and writing (30 Rock, Community, Atlanta and the recent Mr. & Mrs. Smith series) and then prominent music projects (most notably 2013’s Because the Internet and 2016’s Awaken, My Love!). All of which make his contributions in the art and entertainment realms nothing short of remarkable! And now with Bando Stone and the New World, he releases his fifth and final studio album under his Childish Gambino moniker.

The album opens with a maddening Yeezus-style industrial hip-hop number on H3@RT$ W3RE M3@NT T0 F7¥. He then steps outside his comfort zone and tries his hand at a mini rock opera on the strikingly theatrical Lithonia.

Survive is equal parts electro and smooth jazz in the best ways and fades out with a pleasing saxophone outro. While Steps Beach exemplifies a calm dreaminess with Donald’s swooning falsetto.

Real Love and Yoshinoya are two other favourites but sound nothing alike in any way.

Also, the album doubles as the soundtrack to an upcoming dystopian survival movie of the same name, that’s written and acted in by Donald.

POP

Charm
by Clario

Charm is the captivating third studio album by Clairo. It marks her debut as an independent artist following her previous releases with Fader and Republic. She teams up with Leon Michels on production for this project, crafting a collection of sincere and heartfelt songs.

The journey begins with Nomad, a contemplative track that reflects on the complexities of relationships. Next, Sexy To Some dives into the allure of new encounters, exploring the dynamics of desire and being desired with a mix of mystery and longing.

In Slow Dance, Clairo’s ethereal vocals float effortlessly, creating a dreamy, carefree atmosphere. On Juna, a personal favourite, Clario is at her best, her delivery here is intimate and soft as if whispering right into your ear. Her recent live rendition on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, is worth watching if only to just see her imitate a trumpet on that beautiful outro!

Echo offers a psychedelic twist with its spacey synths and Clairo’s hypnotic, droning vocals. The album concludes with Glory Of The Snow, a wintry homage to the support and love she’s received, rounding out the album with a touch of warmth and gratitude.