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

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  1. mark
    Dec 9, 2008
    10
    Underrated; its short, but it doesn't need to be any longer and it seems like people go into the album hoping to come away hating it because of the change of sound, even though it doesn't appear to be a permanent style change... it's really not all that bad to be honest.
  2. PeterF
    Jul 10, 2009
    9
    This album is awesome. From best first track of album ever (UMC- maybe best song on album, definitely best beat on album) to great turntablism in Inhale. In my ladder of US hip-hop albums, second after 808s and Heartbreaks.
  3. TheRapMan
    Dec 9, 2008
    8
    WHile not it is not the best Common Cd there is..I find it to be a great cd none the less. This cd is still a higher calibur than most other rappers in the rap game. But now that I am done with the compersian. It does fall flat sometimes, but the songs that are on the cd are simply amazing. It has a different sound now that Common has handed the producing from his usual Chicago buddy to WHile not it is not the best Common Cd there is..I find it to be a great cd none the less. This cd is still a higher calibur than most other rappers in the rap game. But now that I am done with the compersian. It does fall flat sometimes, but the songs that are on the cd are simply amazing. It has a different sound now that Common has handed the producing from his usual Chicago buddy to producer the Neptunes. It is a complete all around sound from music to rapping. While to me it hasn't equaled up to BE or Like Water For Choclate. It has the vibe of Eletric Circus and the Flow of Finding Forever.… Expand
  4. FrantzL.
    Dec 10, 2008
    9
    This Album is really good because of the fact that common changed the music up on his tracks and still kept the meaning. Notice when he raps about sex its not just about calling girls names but he lyrical makes sex more sexier. He is a legend and for a legend to get this type of recognition...its shameful. He cant win can he? When he raps "conciously" he's hailed as a lyricist that This Album is really good because of the fact that common changed the music up on his tracks and still kept the meaning. Notice when he raps about sex its not just about calling girls names but he lyrical makes sex more sexier. He is a legend and for a legend to get this type of recognition...its shameful. He cant win can he? When he raps "conciously" he's hailed as a lyricist that cant sell. And when he switches it up a little by getting beats that people cn dance too he's labeled a failure? This album was extremely creative and original and i give it a 9 out of 10… Expand
  5. TonyB.
    Dec 9, 2008
    8
    Not bad. Not great. Solid.
  6. LawrenceH.
    Dec 9, 2008
    7
    Universal Mind Control is generally a fun album to listen to if you can get past Common's mediocre punchlines and lyrics.

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
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