WESLEYS THEORY

4y

To my ears, this album is a sonic continuation of his debut. With that being said however, every aspect of Commons artistry has vastly improved. His lyrics are written better, he found his “voice” and cadence, and No I.Ds production is overall much more refined as well. There’s some moments of pure brilliance on this album, like “I Used To Love H.E.R”, which is a masterpiece. Overall a pretty good album that realized the potential that he showed on his first album, but this time actually delivering on. Only moments I didn’t really like were the pointless skits. I don’t think they were necessary in the big picture. There’s a good chance I will revisit this album again.

Final Score: 8/10

Favorite Songs: I Used To Love H.E.R, Book Of Life & In My Own World (Check The Method)

Least Favorite Songs: Any of the skits

WESLEYS THEORY

4y

After finding his groove on his second LP, Common and No I.D continue to refine the music even further. This album is great. A overall moving experience. The jazz instrumentation on here mixed with the Hip Hop production was wonderful. My favorite track by far was “Retrospect For Life” with Ms. Lauryn Hill. The song moved me to the point that I started feeling tears well up in my eyes. The skits on here fit much better then they did on his last album. Interwoven within the narrative rather then just existing to fill up space. Only track I didn’t personally like was “Making A Name For Ourselves”. Common did fine on it, but I honestly find Canibus to be corny as hell and his contribution took away from the overall experience. But the albums strengths make this the best Common album I’ve heard yet. I will come back and listen to this album again.

Final Score: 8.5/10

Favorite Songs: Real N***a Quotes & Retrospect For Life

Least Favorite Songs: Making A Name For Ourselves

WESLEYS THEORY

4y

After finding his groove on his second LP, Common and No I.D continue to refine the music even further. This album is great. A overall moving experience. The jazz instrumentation on here mixed with the Hip Hop production was wonderful. My favorite track by far was “Retrospect For Life” with Ms. Lauryn Hill. The song moved me to the point that I started feeling tears well up in my eyes. The skits on here fit much better then they did on his last album. Interwoven within the narrative rather then just existing to fill up space. Only track I didn’t personally like was “Making A Name For Ourselves”. Common did fine on it, but I honestly find Canibus to be corny as hell and his contribution took away from the overall experience. But the albums strengths make this the best Common album I’ve heard yet. I will come back and listen to this album again.

Final Score: 8.5/10

Favorite Songs: Real N***a Quotes & Retrospect For Life

Least Favorite Songs: Making A Name For Ourselves

Cmagneto

4y

BE is his best album and a classic. The way the guitar comes in on the intro … ye spazzed on the production for the whole album

Ezio

4y

that's guitar ? sounds like bass to me

2words

4y

Dilla

KobeToTha

4y

Oh this easily becoming one of my favorite threads. Thanks for the updates @op

WESLEYS THEORY

4y

· edited

This is Wesleytheorys deep dive into Common thread. Where you’ll find all his opinions and reviews right here.

Can I Borrow A Dollar?- 5/10
Resurrection- 8/10
One Day It’ll All Make Sense-8.5/10
Like Water For Chocolate-10/10
Electric Circus- 8/10
Be- 10/10
Finding Forever-8/10
Universal Mind Control- 4/10
The Dreamer/The Believer- 8.5/10
Nobody’s Smiling- 7/10
Black America Again- 8/10
August Greene- 7/10
Let Love- 7.5/10
A Beautiful Revolution 1 & 2- 7/10

Experiment626

4y

Pretty much this

although I would say UMC is his only real dud

splice

4y

A song for Assata one of them ones

fucknick

4y

His whole discography is consistent up until Electric Circus then he bounces back with Be it's unbelievable

WESLEYS THEORY

4y

His first album was not that good.

Resurrection and ODISMS were both great though.