Be
by Common
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: May 24, 2005
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 163 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 146 out of 163
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 163
  3. Negative: 11 out of 163

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  1. Atum_
    Jul 16, 2020
    9
    Loved this album! Kanye's production was amazing at this time, and it really shows. Also loved Common's thoughtful lyrics. Only criticism i have is that I feel like the "GO!" adlib on GO! was kinda onboxious at times, could've done without it that often, still great song though.
    Favorite tracks: Be (Intro), The Corner, Faithful
  2. BIGMAN22
    Apr 6, 2016
    10
    one word for this masterpiece. incredible. the rhymes, hooks and production is mind blowing. each track flows with one and another making for an enjoyable listen .one of my favorite albums.
  3. ben_zo77
    Aug 5, 2014
    9
    Be is not quite a classic, but it's pretty close. Every track fits together seamlessly, and the combination of Common's lyricism with Kanye's production is a slam dunk. Some use the fact that it's a "safe album" as a criticism, but using a modest tone and not necessarily pushing lyrical boundaries cannot stop this album from being memorable and being known as the peak of a fantasticBe is not quite a classic, but it's pretty close. Every track fits together seamlessly, and the combination of Common's lyricism with Kanye's production is a slam dunk. Some use the fact that it's a "safe album" as a criticism, but using a modest tone and not necessarily pushing lyrical boundaries cannot stop this album from being memorable and being known as the peak of a fantastic artist's career. ~ 8.7/10

    Best tracks: "The Corner", "Faithful", "Testify" & "The Food (Live)"    … Expand
  4. KeithG
    Apr 25, 2012
    3
    Common has undeniable talent, but for outsiders to the genre Be lacks any real attraction or punch. Even with Kanye producing, I can't help but wish it had a little more bounce.
  5. MusicLover
    Oct 21, 2007
    10
    This was the best album of 2005. People will look back at this album & hopefully they will see it the same way I see it: as a classic. Common brings lyrics from the heart & mixes it in with jazz-type beats. The only thing I wish was different was the fact that "The Food" was live. I didn't mind having the live version, but I would've preferred the studio version. However, This was the best album of 2005. People will look back at this album & hopefully they will see it the same way I see it: as a classic. Common brings lyrics from the heart & mixes it in with jazz-type beats. The only thing I wish was different was the fact that "The Food" was live. I didn't mind having the live version, but I would've preferred the studio version. However, it's still a perfect hip-hop album. It's definitely one of the top ten hip hop albums of this decade (so far).… Expand
  6. VoM
    Oct 8, 2007
    8
    Great hip-hop album with brilliant lyrics and addicting beats. 'Be' can capture a broad range of audiences.
  7. JacobW.
    Sep 22, 2007
    10
    'Be' is quite possibly Common's best album and that is saying A LOT. Albums like this are what giving real hip-hop fans hope that hip-hop is still alive and well.
  8. niyim
    Jul 20, 2007
    10
    this is a hip hop classic. period
  9. DanA
    Jun 24, 2007
    9
    If you don't know what makes Be special, you don't know what makes musical quality. Could've had more tracks though.
  10. TeddyG.
    Mar 12, 2007
    10
    No, comment except to say, that this is a classic!
  11. PK
    Nov 28, 2006
    10
    If you are looking for rap about 'chains hangin low' and 'hustlin rocks' dont listen to this album...if you wanna listen to more real shit and deeper verses...go ahead and buy the cd...kanyes music(samples..lol) are good too...classic in my opinion...
  12. RayD.
    Jun 13, 2006
    8
    wack? no, your moms is wack. It really takes a smart listener to get what his message is all about. He has the best substance of anyone the year of 2005, maybe sans Kanye West. He is one of the smartest dudes in hip-hop, and he is still one of the best in show. While his first album Resurrection was his finest, and Like Water for Chocolate was solid, this one was also not too bad a wack? no, your moms is wack. It really takes a smart listener to get what his message is all about. He has the best substance of anyone the year of 2005, maybe sans Kanye West. He is one of the smartest dudes in hip-hop, and he is still one of the best in show. While his first album Resurrection was his finest, and Like Water for Chocolate was solid, this one was also not too bad a follow-up. He is also a very good live performer, as demonstrated on the Conan O'Brien show when Dave Chappelle guest starred and on the Jay Leno show. His insightful, powerful message, and his roots to the old school show all what this album is about and more so. It didn't win a Grammy because it doesn't quite have many banging, mainstream in-the-club beats, but he is all about the art, and his emotional, poignant lyrics demonstrate that he is one of the best in the game today. If you don't understand the concept of the album, this probably won't do it for you. For old school hip-hop fans, Common fans, and maybe some of the new school, this is album is definitely worth your money.… Expand
  13. KyleT
    May 27, 2006
    0
    dis cd is wack jus cuz he is an old head who used to do drugs CRACKHEAD BIT**
  14. JanS
    May 23, 2006
    10
    "Common - Be" is the best album i've ever heard. It sounds perfectly. I mean there is nothing that's missing. I'm a big fan of Common's music and hope that he'll create much more comparable music. J.R.S
  15. ernestp
    Jan 3, 2006
    7
    As a huge Common fan, i sadly admit that Be IS overrated. Electric Circus's wit is seemingly brushed aside by all those sweet hooks.
  16. MCDish
    Dec 14, 2005
    10
    This is one of the most emotionally touching, poignant albums of the year. The song 'Chi City' will absolutely bitchslap you, The Corner, Be, the Food, and the last song on the album are so emotionally vivid and powerful that it will leave you breathless. This contends with Talib Kweli and Kanye West, in my opinion, for best hip-hop album of the year.
  17. Al.ck
    Oct 28, 2005
    8
    Common's be is by far his best album to date laced with soulful beat from kanye west.The clever used of samples and common's rhyme is what makes this album a winner.Thanks Kanye, you bring out the best in Common
  18. BenW
    Oct 13, 2005
    10
    Best Album of the Year?
  19. AlbertP
    Sep 21, 2005
    10
    This album is 'The Food' for your mind, body and soul. Long live Common
  20. chakap
    Sep 10, 2005
    9
    This album is the best i have hear all year my only thing is i would have loved for it to have more tracks
  21. JackM
    Aug 23, 2005
    4
    Best CD of the year in rap music?!? DENIED. Unless, however, you were willing to equate self-righteous, boring, derivative R&B with such praise. As a fan of Common's earlier albums (especially the tragically underrated Electric Circus), Be is a huge, monumental disappointment - and probably the most overrated album of the year, in any genre.
  22. JimmyP
    Aug 18, 2005
    10
    This album has perfect lyrics, a perfect production. There are no standout tracks on this album because this whole album is a standout in this day and age of commercial rap music. Common has always been an exceptional mc, but this is a step up on another level thanks to his new lyrics, and Mr. Kanye West. This is an instant classic that belongs with his other classic Ressurection. The This album has perfect lyrics, a perfect production. There are no standout tracks on this album because this whole album is a standout in this day and age of commercial rap music. Common has always been an exceptional mc, but this is a step up on another level thanks to his new lyrics, and Mr. Kanye West. This is an instant classic that belongs with his other classic Ressurection. The best album in rap music 2005, and one of the best albums of the year. So I all have to say is that I cry out Grammy! Common has had one a long time coming and hopefully this will get him one.… Expand
  23. RobbieS
    Aug 15, 2005
    10
    Possibly the best intro into an album ever
  24. Chris
    Aug 7, 2005
    10
    Easily the best CD of this year in rap music.
  25. Eric-
    Aug 5, 2005
    10
    best album of 2005. already a classic
  26. NseE
    Jul 23, 2005
    10
    Perfection! Almost like listening to a soul classic from the 70s. Kanye West outdoes himself. My favourite is the inspirational 'It's your world'. Be eternal!
  27. TerrenceO
    Jul 21, 2005
    9
    The first great hip-hop album of the year, and it came from an artist i had all but given up on. I allways thought Common had a great album in him somewhere, im glad he finally pulled it off. short sweet and to the point with no skits to derail the flow. "Go" is a little lax, and the self satisfying over the top "Be" could lose the last 4 minutes, but still endlessly listenable and enjoyable
  28. SindreathaT
    Jul 10, 2005
    10
    Great album. Common has outdone even himself.
  29. AlanW
    Jul 4, 2005
    10
    Perfect album, nothing more to say honestly. Beats = 10 Rapping = 10 The only place where it suffers is the live version of the food, but even that is awesome.
  30. IgnacioY
    Jun 30, 2005
    6
    Although it brings back some ideas from 70s legends, it is not anything you havent heard before. Better go to the sources and buy a classic
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Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Best Album of 2005
51
#51 Most Discussed Album of 2005
14
#14 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Prefix Magazine
    80
    The album is an extremely satisfying listen, but if Common is to lead the revolution, he has to make more of a statement than a great bass line and some tight rhymes.
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    80
    Be isn't likely to be referred to by anyone as groundbreaking, but it's one of Common's best, and it's also one of the most tightly constructed albums of any form within recent memory.
    Read full review
  3. Blender
    80
    Be picks up where West's The College Dropout left off. [Jun 2005, p.113]
See all critic reviews »