Common: Universal Mind Control

"They say he's erratical, he dont fit the game-

A heart full of glory, and a fist full of pain"

-Common, Gladiator lyrics

Today, we have a new introduction for Common. Universal Mind Control came a long way from his ambience synths on Be. Common has arrived at the future. The beats are out of this world, his flow has remained poetry/rap, and every track has something to offer. Although, Universal Mind Control won't go down in history as a(nother) Common classic. Overall, the CD is worth the buy. You cannot sleep on the beats, his lyrics are still A+, and the featured artists present more reasons to press play, again and again. (Read more...)

Jump for more of the review, tracklisting, to listen to Universal Mind Control

Common featured a lot of serious talent in his collaborations. Cee-Lo is featured on "Make my Day," this collab is long overdue, and highly contagious. Muhsinah (also featured on Foreign Exchange's Leave It All Behind) brings the perfect, harmonious, sweet vocals to Common's track "Changes." Pharrell's newest addition to Star Trak Chester French were a great addition to "What A World." Martina Topley-Bird is one of the UK's top unique pop artist. Her futuristic yet vintage sound can be compared to Janelle Monáe's, but don't limit her to that. A perfect collaboration with Common for "Everywhere".

May we suggest:
Punch Drunk Love, Make My Day, Gladiator, What a World, Everywhere

Tracklisting:
01. Universal Mind Control
02. Punch Drunk Love (Feat. Kanye West)
03. Make My Day (Feat. Cee-Lo Green)
04. Sex 4 Sugar
05. Announcement (Feat. Pharrell Williams)
06. Gladiator
07. Changes (Feat. Muhsinah)
08. Inhale
09. What a World (Feat. Chester French)
10. Everywhere (Feat. Martina Topley-Bird)