Finding Forever
by Common
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 28
  3. Negative: 1 out of 28
  1. Pitchfork
    56
    Kanye West, who once again produces the majority of the album, has tried making a tribute to Common's Jay Dee-fueled Soulquarian-era sound, and he doesn't fit it well at all, managing half of its vibe and none of its energy.
  2. Slant Magazine
    60
    Finding Forever is something to be admired, even if it is uneven.
  3. NOW Magazine
    60
    If you can stomach the contrived slow jams and the sensitive soul-baring, there are a couple of decent joints produced by West.
  5. Sputnikmusic
    50
    The disc is hook laden but the hooks are bland. The rapping is heartfelt but forgettable and, 'So Far To Go,' easily the highlight of the album, is actually a track of J Dilla's posthumous "The Shining."
  6. Austin Chronicle
    50
    Common falters where he once shined, and the waning lyrical creativity and constant references to pop culture have caused him to lose touch with the rapper once renowned for his humility and perspective.
  7. Blender
    60
    Kayne West once again saves his friend from the NAACP lecture circuit with soul-snapping beats that effectively turn the headliner into a guest star on his own album. [Aug 2007, p. 110]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. Dot Music
    60
    On paper then, Finding Forever has the dubious distinction of being the equal of "Be". In practice, its jaded formula falls someway short of the genuine energy of its predecessor's finer moments.
  9. Stylus Magazine
    42
    In the act of making himself more accessible, Common’s verbal skills have slid into disrepair.
  10. The Boston Phoenix
    50
    There is a place in this world (Pottery Barn maybe, or a future Eddie Murphy romantic comedy) for the R(ap)&B cocktail party that is Finding Forever.

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Most Discussed Album of 2007
95
#95 Most Shared Album of 2007

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 69 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 69
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 69
  3. Negative: 2 out of 69
  1. ben_zo77
    Aug 5, 2014
    8
    Common occasionally comes across as a featuring artist on a string of instrumentals on Finding Forever, which is particularly disappointingCommon occasionally comes across as a featuring artist on a string of instrumentals on Finding Forever, which is particularly disappointing because of his significant lyrical and vocal ability. Despite this, much of the album is composed of grandiose production with intelligent lyrics. ~ 7.7/10

    Best tracks: "I Want You", "The Game" & "Break My Heart"    … Full Review »
  2. TONYB.
    Dec 31, 2007
    10
    HEAT
  3. TrellT.
    Dec 6, 2007
    9
    Nearly perfect...it really is. Saved hip-hop for the year in my opinion.
See all user reviews »