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The Dreamer/The Believer
by
The Dreamer/The Believer Image
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 52 Ratings

  • Summary: Maya Angelou, John Legend, and Nas appear as guests on the Chicago rapper's latest album produced by No I.D.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. The Independent (UK)
    Dec 16, 2011
    100
    That he manages to express such ethical and religious principles without coming across like a sanctimonious buzz-killer is quite remarkable.
  2. HipHopDX
    Dec 19, 2011
    90
    Every song on The Dreamer/The Believer succeeds off the strength of Common and No I.D.'s seasoned chemistry.
  3. Paste Magazine
    Dec 20, 2011
    81
    Common stands out from the best hip-hop albums of 2011 by doing what he has always done best since the '90s and standing firm in his style.
  4. Beats Per Minute
    Jan 26, 2012
    73
    Based on the strengths of The Dreamer/The Believer, it's simply nice to hear a resurgent Common back on track, doing what he does best, even if he's not the
  5. Slant Magazine
    Dec 20, 2011
    70
    This is about as good as a rap album can be while still qualifying as inessential listening.
  6. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Mar 5, 2012
    60
    It's a shame the God-bothering pomp of John Legend collaboration "The Believer" spoils it all at the end.
  7. Sputnikmusic
    Dec 20, 2011
    50
    Common's latest shows him with his head in the clouds and addressing the same tired crowd with the same speech he's been writing for years.

See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. BIGREESE
    Dec 21, 2011
    10
    Fantastic flow, and tight lyrics... but that is what you expect with Common. The only downside one could say about this album is that itFantastic flow, and tight lyrics... but that is what you expect with Common. The only downside one could say about this album is that it sounds somewhat like his old albums... he treads familiar waters you could say... but i sure as hell don't mind that at all. Its not revolutionary or a career best or classic. Its just good wholesome rap... and sadly we don't see a lot of that these days.… Expand
  2. TonyBakercomedy
    Dec 20, 2011
    10
    Best album of 2011. There is not a track on here that I didn't enjoy. Yes I will admit that I am a sucker for albums with only 1 producer,Best album of 2011. There is not a track on here that I didn't enjoy. Yes I will admit that I am a sucker for albums with only 1 producer, but the cohesive sound of the album should be noted. Common delivers lyrically as always. Really Really enjoy this album.… Expand
  4. E-lie
    Jan 9, 2012
    10
    It's a solid album that is significantly better than his experimental effort with UMC. Definitely strengthens his overall catalog, especiallyIt's a solid album that is significantly better than his experimental effort with UMC. Definitely strengthens his overall catalog, especially with songs like "The Dreamer", "Ghetto Dreams", "Blue Sky", "Sweet", "Raw", "Love I Lost" & "Cloth" all being on one disc. Solid 12 track LP, definitely worth of being in the 70's meta-score.… Expand
  5. WitoRIT92
    Dec 26, 2011
    8
    This album is great, i love the beats on the album, and commons flow is just awesome.No I.D. did an amazing job, as well did common theThis album is great, i love the beats on the album, and commons flow is just awesome.No I.D. did an amazing job, as well did common the combination of these two was a good idea now it should be a collab with common and kanye 10.… Collapse
  6. JGreenwoodW
    Jan 26, 2012
    8
    Every song is just great and the collaborations work so well, one of the best albums I have bought. The album doesn't seem to repeat it's selfEvery song is just great and the collaborations work so well, one of the best albums I have bought. The album doesn't seem to repeat it's self in term of songs as they are all varied and interesting, Ghetto Dreams, Blue Sky and Celebrate are my personal favourites.… Expand
  7. rydermusic
    Feb 13, 2012
    7
    Before the release I was expecting a classic record from an artist like Common experience, expectations were correct. Overall its a goodBefore the release I was expecting a classic record from an artist like Common experience, expectations were correct. Overall its a good album, great performance by Common and very interesting collaboration with Maya Angelou. The best track is definitely "Ghetto Dreams" in collaboration with Nas. The sound level meeting between No.I.D. and Common is somewhat disastrous and this is perhaps the main problem of the album. Certainly will not have an impact on the standings, but the result is decent.… Expand
  8. Kekoa33
    Dec 21, 2011
    5
    I like Common, and I have for a long time, that's why this cd was just "ok" for me. I like his flow, the beats are fine, but there's somethingI like Common, and I have for a long time, that's why this cd was just "ok" for me. I like his flow, the beats are fine, but there's something missing for me. I think my expectations for his are so high, a conventional album just won't cut it from him anymore. It's very similar to Finding Forever for me. I did not like Universal Mind Control, but liked the idea of stepping outside of his box and trying something new.… Expand

See all 13 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

85
#85 Most Discussed Album of 2011