Be
by Common
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: May 24, 2005
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Dot Music
    60
    Lazily accomplished without ever truly igniting, a classy update on a slightly dated hip-hop sound.
  2. Paste Magazine
    60
    In a year that has also brought the envelope-pushing production work of Edan’s album Beauty and the Beast, the rehashed soul sometimes comes off limp, too content with itself and its well-worn form to challenge the genre’s status quo.
  3. Slant Magazine
    50
    Each neo-soul nod to the R&B sound of Detroit, immediately post-Holland-Dozier-Holland, sounds more claustrophobic and limited than the last.
  5. Stylus Magazine
    58
    So frustrating then, for such a multitalented rapper, to have his supposed magnum opus weak, stale, and far more aged than we’d expect.

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Best Album of 2005
51
#51 Most Discussed Album of 2005
14
#14 Most Shared Album of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 163 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 146 out of 163
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 163
  3. Negative: 11 out of 163
  1. ben_zo77
    Aug 5, 2014
    9
    Be is not quite a classic, but it's pretty close. Every track fits together seamlessly, and the combination of Common's lyricism with Kanye'sBe is not quite a classic, but it's pretty close. Every track fits together seamlessly, and the combination of Common's lyricism with Kanye's production is a slam dunk. Some use the fact that it's a "safe album" as a criticism, but using a modest tone and not necessarily pushing lyrical boundaries cannot stop this album from being memorable and being known as the peak of a fantastic artist's career. ~ 8.7/10

    Best tracks: "The Corner", "Faithful", "Testify" & "The Food (Live)"    … Full Review »
  2. Atum_
    Jul 16, 2020
    9
    Loved this album! Kanye's production was amazing at this time, and it really shows. Also loved Common's thoughtful lyrics. Only criticism iLoved this album! Kanye's production was amazing at this time, and it really shows. Also loved Common's thoughtful lyrics. Only criticism i have is that I feel like the "GO!" adlib on GO! was kinda onboxious at times, could've done without it that often, still great song though.
    Favorite tracks: Be (Intro), The Corner, Faithful    … Full Review »
  3. BIGMAN22
    Apr 6, 2016
    10
    one word for this masterpiece. incredible. the rhymes, hooks and production is mind blowing. each track flows with one and another making forone word for this masterpiece. incredible. the rhymes, hooks and production is mind blowing. each track flows with one and another making for an enjoyable listen .one of my favorite albums.… Full Review »
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