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. 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
  2. KyleT
    May 27, 2006
    0
    dis cd is wack jus cuz he is an old head who used to do drugs CRACKHEAD BIT**
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. SeanW
    May 27, 2005
    10
    It's unbelievable. Anything Kanye touches is magic. And Common is just straight up real. It's refreshing as hell to hear a guy rappin about things other than money, hos, and clothes. It's a great album, and Kanye's producing really doesn't hurt it.
  6. SindreathaT
    Jul 10, 2005
    10
    Great album. Common has outdone even himself.
  7. LawrenceP
    May 25, 2005
    9
    Common is back! Kanye West does a good job. He knows when little is more on Common's songs.
  8. [Anonymous]
    May 26, 2005
    10
    11 great songs. A classic. Five mics.
  9. CharlesW
    May 27, 2005
    9
    A Beautiful album from start to finish
  10. LoriB
    May 29, 2005
    9
    A sure-to-be classic.
  11. 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
  12. ElliottJ
    Jun 4, 2005
    7
    Good, but certainly not great or a classic and definitely not his best. I still like Electric Circus the most - and by a long shot.
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. VoM
    Oct 8, 2007
    8
    Great hip-hop album with brilliant lyrics and addicting beats. 'Be' can capture a broad range of audiences.
  16. 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.
  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. AnthonyB
    May 24, 2005
    10
    Flawless album
  19. lonelyspacepanda
    May 24, 2005
    10
    In a genre that has been vacant of truth and beauty, Common (with Kanye's help) creates a flawless album overbrimming with it.
  20. rubenf
    May 25, 2005
    10
    Damn. yo let me the first to say, this album is official. aint heard an album as good since stillmatic. Common has created a classic. hands down the best rap this decade!!!
  21. JasonM
    May 25, 2005
    9
    Amazing album. ill lyrics and great beats, very cohesive theme throughout.
  22. kashifs
    May 25, 2005
    10
    inspirational
  23. MarcusB
    May 27, 2005
    9
    This is one of the best cds in awhile. take the time to lisyen to the lyrics and you will be surprise. another hit from the brother in chi-town
  24. J.M.Sarabia
    May 28, 2005
    10
    Common hooks up with Kanye West on this one and what you get is an instant classic/ masterpiece. Every track on this album is perfectly assembled from the the intro "Be" to the final track "Its Your World". The only other pefectly assembled albums, with this kind of caliber in the genre, are Nas's - Stillmatic and Scarface's - The FIx. Kanye West delivers better production than Common hooks up with Kanye West on this one and what you get is an instant classic/ masterpiece. Every track on this album is perfectly assembled from the the intro "Be" to the final track "Its Your World". The only other pefectly assembled albums, with this kind of caliber in the genre, are Nas's - Stillmatic and Scarface's - The FIx. Kanye West delivers better production than what he put on this debut album, College Dropout. I got this album off the net a month and a half ago; it was so amazing that I bought the Delux Edition of the album the day it came out. Thank God for artist like Common that still know what rap/ hip hop trully is! 1.Be (Intro) 10/10 2.The Corner 10/10 3.Go! 10/10 4.Faithful 10/10 5.Testify 10/10 6.Love Is 9.5/10 7.Chi-City 10/10 8.The Food [Live] 9/10 9.Real People 10/10 10.They Say 10/10 11.It's Your World, Pt. 1 & 2 10/10… Expand
  25. HaloedB
    May 29, 2005
    6
    The pervasive statements that this is a "return to form" or a "classic match up" between Kanye and Common is pure marketing retoric (which I fell for). The music and lyrics border on corny and there is not one song that could be considered innovative. Great introduction, however, to the conscious rap movement of 1994.
  26. VernadetteB
    May 31, 2005
    10
    love this album...it is the resurrection of Common!!!!
  27. MattG
    May 30, 2005
    10
    Regardless of what any critic says (i.e. he doesn't show enough conviction, or his pairing with John Mayer is weak) this album is downright amazing and a joy to listen to. Stop expecting so much from him and enjoy his music.
  28. Hieronymous
    May 30, 2005
    10
    It's music to my ears
  29. AldrichM
    Jun 1, 2005
    10
    WOW.. Hip Hop
  30. risa
    Jun 1, 2005
    10
    off the hook!
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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 »