"You feel like summertime
You took this heart of mine
You'll be my valentine in the summer, in the summer"
This is the pre-chorus to Childish Gambino's "Summertime Magic," released unexpectedly on July 11 as part of the two-track EP "Summer Pack". The other accompanying track is "Feels Like Summer."
Those who follow Childish Gambino, aka Donald Glover's, career know that he's been busy lately — starring in his own TV show "Atlanta," a Saturday Night Live appearance and portraying Lando Calrissian in "Solo" to name just a few. Glover truly is a renaissance man.
The most controversial of Glover's recent public appearances was the release of his music video for "This Is America", a social commentary on gun violence and police brutality in the U.S. With a whopping 338 million views two months after its release, the video clearly made an impact.
That's why this love story of "Summertime Magic" is a breath of fresh air — a dip in the pool on a hot, miserable summer day. In the midst of America's tumultuous sociopolitical state, and after giving his commentary through "This Is America," Gambino gives us two fun and upbeat tunes that tell us it's gonna be okay.
As a longtime fan of Childish Gambino, I remember when "Because the Internet" was released my second year of high school. I remember listening to it on repeat, to and from school, and being awestruck at how different it was than the typical, trendy rap I was accustomed to. A few years later in 2016, Gambino released "Awaken My Love!," an album full of funky, majestic tracks that displayed his capability as a musician.
We feel more of this groovy sound from "Awaken My Love!" with the lightness of his 2014 EP "Kauai" in "Summer Pack". The steel drums in "Summertime Magic" produce an irresistible bouncy beat that makes all your worries melt away.
"Is it summertime magic
That makes me wanna dance all night long?"
While "Summertime Magic" is the catchier of the two, "Feels Like Summer" gives outdoorsy vibes and Gambino's voice puts you in a trance. Both songs are breezy and carefree and perfect for the summer. After hitting us with the hard yet necessary "This Is America", Gambino helps us cool off for the summer with "Summer Pack."