Advanced Search Beta »
Basic Search Fields
Be - Common
  • Band Name: Common
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: May 24, 2005
Be Image
Metascore
83 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.0 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 87 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
Rate this:
  • Summary: The rapper's follow-up to 2002's love-it-or-hate-it 'Electric Circus' was produced largely by Kanye West. For some reason, John Mayer guests.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Be's leanness signals awesome growth even without pushing sonic boundaries. [27 May 2005, p.136]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. E! Online
    91
    A sprawling, varied disc that's as laid-back as a cool summer afternoon.
  3. Dot Music
    60
    Lazily accomplished without ever truly igniting, a classy update on a slightly dated hip-hop sound.

See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 59 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 63
  3. Negative: 2 out of 63
  1. MusicLover
    10
    This was the best album of 2005. People will look back at this album & hopefully they will see it the same way I see it: as a classic. Common brings lyrics from the heart & mixes it in with jazz-type beats. The only thing I wish was different was the fact that "The Food" was live. I didn't mind having the live version, but I would've preferred the studio version. However, it's still a perfect hip-hop album. It's definitely one of the top ten hip hop albums of this decade (so far).… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. aaronl
    5
    Ultimately disappointing, but mainly only considering how great Electric Circus was. Electric Circus forged new musical territory, and Common caught a lot of shit for it. At the end of the day, this is a step away from the experimentalism of Electric Circus. That being said, Kanye West makes a fine beat, even if they all have a similar style that has already been explored. Some of the rhymes are also on the cheesy side, which occassionally hurts songs. But there are a few really nice tracks on here.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. KeithG
    3
    Common has undeniable talent, but for outsiders to the genre Be lacks any real attraction or punch. Even with Kanye producing, I can't help but wish it had a little more bounce.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 63 User Reviews

Current Music Releases

Full List »
  1. Loveless [Reissue] - My Bloody Valentine
    Metascore: 96
  2. Ram [Deluxe Edition] - Paul & Linda McCartney
    Metascore: 93
  3. L.A. Woman - The Doors
    Metascore: 93
  4. On the Impossible Past - The Menzingers
    Metascore: 93
  5. Biokinetics [Reissue] - Porter Ricks
    Metascore: 93
  6. Bitch Magnet - Bitch Magnet
    Metascore: 91
  7. Reform Club - Claro Intelecto
    Metascore: 89
  8. Be Good - Gregory Porter
    Metascore: 89
  9. Crown and Treaty - Sweet Billy Pilgrim
    Metascore: 88
  10. 1992-2012 - Underworld
    Metascore: 88
  11. Undun - The Roots
    Metascore: 88
  12. Accelerando - Vijay Iyer Trio
    Metascore: 87
  13. R.A.P. Music - Killer Mike
    Metascore: 87
  14. Voices from the Lake - Voices from the Lake
    Metascore: 87
  15. The Earn - Yu
    Metascore: 86
  16. Europe - Allo Darlin'
    Metascore: 86
  17. Young Man In America - Anais Mitchell
    Metascore: 86
  18. Vee Vee [Remastered] - Archers of Loaf
    Metascore: 86
  19. Mermaid Avenue: The Complete Sessions - Billy Bragg/Wilco
    Metascore: 86
  20. Locked Down - Dr. John
    Metascore: 86
All Current Music »