Common
Universal Mind Control (Geffen)
Who is Common, really? Is he the self-aware, lyrically complex, social conceptualist, helped tear down some of the pretensions associated with “Conscious rap”? Or is he the dapper, understated sex symbol ever chasing his cross over potential?
Universal Mind Control is the assurance that Common, wants to be both, but is struggling to represent each side on an even keel. A year after Finding Forever left Common searching, this most recent offering is his admission that something is missing.
To fill this void, Common has attempted to create an album with summer jam intentions and an updated sound via electronic sensibilities, taking it several paces away from its more organic predecessors. The title track, “Universal Mind Control,” is every bit a technological dervish, with Pharrell’s synths hyped on kinetic khat. “Punch Drunk Love”, featuring Kanye, seeming unaffected by his Heartbreaks, is soaked in low mixed swirling, bubbling echos, and is affirmation of Common’s new-age confidence. This swagger is drawn out and projected toward potential perfect 10’s through “Make My Day,” as well as every other track on the album. While the track works to some degree, it fails to deliver the same sincerity that Com has used to establish himself, and falls short of a performance one would expect from a Best Lyricist Award recipient.
In fact, the flair that is championed on most Common albums is absent, leaving a vapid display of good ideas with unenthused delivery. This nonchalance has placed Universal Mind Control’s release, regardless of its intentions, in poor form, doing little for progressing Common’s ability. It does, however, show the dangers of a split focus, and perhaps that lack of control is enough to right him.
Cover art for Common's "Universal Mind Control"
Track Listing for Universal Mind Control1. Intro
2. Universal Mind Control (UMC)
3. Punch Drunk Love (feat. Kanye West)
4. Make My Day (feat. Cee-Lo)
5. Sex 4 Suga
6. Announcement (feat. Pharrell)
7. Gladiator
8. Changes (feat. Muhsinah)
9. Inhale
10. What A World
11. Everywhere (feat. Martine Topley Bird)
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