As the brains behind the postmodern comedy show Atlanta, and soon to star as Lando Calrissian in the next Star Wars movie, Donald Glover is currently one of America’s most versatile creative talents.
So it’s almost no surprise that on his third album he’s ditched his reflective rap style for a psychedelic soul stew and a howling singing style.
George Clinton’s bands Parliament and Funkadelic are clear influences, especially on the funky group singalong Have Some Love.
There are echoes of Prince and The Delfonics on the slick ballad Redbone, and he gets both poppier and weirder on California, a catchy guitar lick topped with a bizarre vocal turn.
By the time we get to the flute solo on the closing Stand Tall, we’ve had a thorough trip into vintage black music.
(Caroline International)
