Universal Mind Control
by Common
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: Dec 9, 2008
User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 32
  3. Negative: 6 out of 32

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. clem666
    May 17, 2021
    5
    Hard to say Common recieved help from Pharrell Williams (and by extension from The Neptunes) because they totally broke into this record and fuse with it. I guess the first choice was from Common to produce different music than he did but the contrast is just inconfortable to witness.

    If some tracks are not really bad, Common (& The Neptunes) never manage to elaborate a stunning music,    Hard to say Common recieved help from Pharrell Williams (and by extension from The Neptunes) because they totally broke into this record and fuse with it. I guess the first choice was from Common to produce different music than he did but the contrast is just inconfortable to witness.

    If some tracks are not really bad, Common (& The Neptunes) never manage to elaborate a stunning music, preferring to stay in the register of simple muddy jams. Structures are silly and effortless, lyrics are boring while not offensive and inappropriate. It is really hard to rationally understand why Common primarily chose to focus that much on girls and sex.    … Expand
  2. ClifC
    Apr 26, 2009
    5
    Entertainment Weekly said it all. Big, big, big, biiiiig disappointment! Some good moments though ("Universal Mind Control" & "Everywhere").
  3. JimmyP
    Dec 9, 2008
    6
    I love Common. He is on my top 10, but I think that he is outta element on this cd. Party jams isn't exactly his forte. It's not a bad cd by anymeans, but I didn't think that I would put Common and mediocore cd in the same sentence. The second have gets better which makes its an above all just okay listen.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 26
  3. Negative: 3 out of 26
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    50
    Universal Mind Control seems to move Common backward instead of forward, which for a lyricist of his caliber is truly disappointing.
    Read full review
  2. Rolling Stone
    60
    Huh? A Common album without a soul-jazz opener? Well, rap's deep thinker wanted to make club bangers. So he got the Neptunes to shape this sexed-up set.
    Read full review
  3. Spin
    70
    While we're used to Common in the role of poetic prophet or self-righteous rhyme slayer, Universal Mind Control is primarily a rhythmic celebration, paying tribute to Afrika Bambaataa and Jonzun Crew jams.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »