Universal Mind Control - Common
  • Band Name: Common
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: Dec 9, 2008
User Score
6.2 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 22
  3. Negative: 4 out of 22

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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. 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 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

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
53 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critics

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.
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  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.
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  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.
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