Common: Universal Mind Control

With the latest release by Kanye West being, for the most part, a crap fest of really addictive tracks that really aren’t that great with sub-par experimental production, the concept of universal mind control isn’t that hard to believe. The fact that there is this “sound” and this fascination with this new age non-hip hop sound by hip hop artists that seemingly brainwashes their audience effortlessly, is kind of scary, but trendy. The latest release from the usually steady, but recently lazy-on-the-microphone, Common, should be surprising because of its satisfying execution and not of the chic hip-pop style that is so ‘in’ right now. In fact, if anyone can pull off a commercially successful album while staying dedicated to his true formula, it is Lonnie Lynn. With Universal Mind Control, there is a lot to save it from being a write-off, but not enough to elevate it to any unbelievable standards of greatness.

The album starts off with the love it or hate it single, “Universal Mind Control.” Lyrically, it has flashes of brilliance: “I touch masses like a Catholic/ expensive rap sh*t/ my futures backlit/ Interact with the cat who macks and stacks my vern-ac to trash ya’ll react.” This same song also caters to a dance crowd; it’s a win-win. That lyrical gem is the ‘needle in the haystack’ of the album and evidently, Common is content with the current lyrical level he’s on with UMC. Kanye‘s guest spot on “Punch Drunk Love” offers nothing and the sexually vivid Common is an awkward listen. Sex, unfortunately, is a topic Common discusses a lot on this project.

Cee-Lo jumps in for the albums brightest moment. No, it’s not another “G.O.D” or “Assata” or “Between Me, You & Liberation.” It’s “Make My Day,” a fairly simple song about Common liking a girl for making his day; challenging him, even. Bright light turns into darkness with the words-can’t-express-how-bad-it-is “Sex 4 Sugar.” It is a travesty and it is easily the worst song of Common‘s career. While “Sex 4 Sugar” is an easily identified stinker, it certainly makes “Announcement” much better than what it might essentially be.

Production wise The Neptunes and Mr. DJ handle the LP. No particular beat stands out in ways that other Common projects have displayed, but this album is fortunate to have tracks that string together fairly well on a sound-to-sound basis. Lyrically, Common clearly isn’t out to prove anything. Still, shades of Common‘s lyrical monstrosity are still around. “Gladiator” is a 4 minute slaughterhouse of punch lines, jab hits and uppercuts of pure braggadocio. And while it is not as great as something like “Real Nigga Quotes” it is sufficient for the quality and direction of this album. “Inhale” shows potential, but sadly comes across as jumbled and unfocused; essentially, making it easy to vibe to musically, but extremely hard to follow conceptually.

The length is possibly the album’s greatest savior and smartest characteristic. Coming in at just about 38 minutes, UMC allows for tons and tons of playback with plenty of easy listening material. Although, with something this short, there is minimal room for error, and of course, this album evidently has a few hiccups. It certainly isn’t a lyrical masterpiece, and sadly, it isn’t much of anything but a quick Common fix. Regardless, even with its laughably blatant sex talk and synth heavy production, Common has managed to create a fairly enjoyable album that would’ve been great as a (originally planned) summer release, a season where lyrics go to die.

Overall Score: 75/100

Standout Tracks:

“Make My Day”

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“Everywhere”

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