Every time an artist changes their style, fans explode. They feel betrayed. Whether it’s Bob Dylan’s choice to go “electric” at the Newport Folk Festival, Kid Cudi’s transformation into a punk rocker or even Taylor Swift’s step in the pop direction. Childish Gambino’s new album, “Awaken, My Love!” can be seen as a step into a funky direction. Here are the top five best songs from the album:

1. “Me and Your Mama”

“Me and Your Mama” was the first single to be released before the album dropped. It shook all of Gambino’s fans. The fiery verses complement the cool beats.

2. “Riot”

This track feels like an acid trip to the ‘60s and ‘70s. Gambino channels his inner James Brown. In the background is a psychedelic rock track reminiscent of Buffalo Springfield.

3. “Terrified”

The name says it all. The song feels like a gradual descent into darkness. The scare factor of this track lies in the calm nature of the vocals with the grisly subject matter of the lyrics. Chills run down my spine every time I listen to the song.

4. “Baby Boy”

If you thought Gambino was good at singing jazz, then you are in for another surprise with this track. He sounds like a modern Billie Holiday in this track. Gambino tells the story of a mother losing her son through the mother’s point of view.

5. “Stand Tall”

The final song on the album is by far the clearest of the whole album. The vocals are raw and beautiful. This ballad is almost a cappella. The music in the background is a light, synthesized guitar chord sequence. Toward the end of the track, the beat picks up and turns into a confusing, but beautiful song.