Label: G.O.O.D./Geffen
Rating: 2.5 Guns
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Written By: White Chicks On Rap
Common’s eighth album, is an echo of his 2002 album Electric Circus; a blend of electronica, rap and soul. Originally, the album was due to be released summer 2008 under the name, “Invincible Summer”. On making the album, Common said “I created this music for the summer time, it’s about feeling good… this is the type of music I felt was missing from my body of work.”
Even though the album was released during the winter, the summer club vibes from tracks like “Universal Mind Control”, “Sex 4 Suga” and “Punch Drunk Love” flow easily and makes you feel like you are partying on a warn summer night.
Common knows how to have a good time, but he also knows the time to be serious. The track “Changes” is a song of hope and a tribute to Obama.
Fans and critics are divided about this album, as they were about Electric Circus. Some feel that these albums are too experimental or that Common is above club tracks and rapping about sex. I can see where the fans and critics are coming from, but I think artists grow by experimenting and discussing different topics. Common is still discussing serious issues, but he also sees that there is room to talk about lighter subjects.
I like the fact that Common is bringing electronica back to rap as rap started by sampling electronica. The album is showing respect to what has come before and adding new layers for a new generation of hip hop fans.
Like Common? You may also like: Kanye West, Q-Tip, Erykah Badu
CWG Magazine 