- Because The Internet is the second album from US comedian and actor come rap artist Donald Glover under the moniker, Childish Gambino. At 19 tracks long, including several interludes, it’s an album the warrants multiple listens before any final verdict.

The songs on Because The Internet are disjointed and messy, with sporadic collaborations and plenty of artistic sampling from Gambino’s contemporaries. For all its similarities in production, tone and cadences employed by other rap artists, lyrically, this album absolutely stands on its own merit. Donald Glover is a clever writer, a skill he probably honed working on sitcoms like 30 Rock and Community; his wit is by far his greatest asset and it is heavily employed throughout.

At face value, Because The Internet appears to be an introspective semi-autobiographical account of Glover’s sense of isolation due to the encroachment of technology, fame and his own relentless self-examination. However once you take into account Glover’s 72-page script based on the songs, and if you care to believe the theory that he has been ‘living out’ this plot for the past 12 months, the record suddenly becomes infinitely more complex.

The album’s lead single, 3005 is an extravagantly produced electro track with an upbeat chorus and copious amounts of melancholic reflection and despair at the prospects of the future. It is a ‘traditional’ rap song in every way, so much so that you begin to wonder whether Gambino wrote it as a satire.

There are elements of jazz and R&B blended into the indie, Channel Orange-style of urban music that Gambino is known for. In No Exit Gambino tells the story of a guy who likes to be out driving late at night but is beginning to suspect he is probably too old for such antics.

The middle section of Because The Internet marks the start of a sullen downward trend in Gambino’s stories, which by the time he hits rock bottom feels rather tedious and overly done. Compared to his debut, Camp, this album has darker tones and makes a more insightful commentary on life in the age of the Internet. As to whether this is genuine or not, it's impossible to really tell. Certainly when you reach the last track, Life: The Biggest Troll, you can’t help but wonder if he’s just been having a laugh and taken us all for a ride.

Undoubtedly, Because The Internet didn’t need to be as long as it is, but to Glover’s credit the album is well produced and the length suits the thematic narratives. Just as his debut divided critics, so too has this album, Childish Gambino remains an artist that people will either love or hate.

- Clare Armstrong.