Let Love
by Common
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Exclaim
    Aug 27, 2019
    90
    Sonically, the album is a time capsule of the greatest moments in black music history. Lyrically, it's hard-hitting reality about the present day, the good, the bad and the horrific — but it's also a captivating tale about using love as a weapon to overcome, as well as the reality that sometimes love also fails, whether it be romantic, platonic or social.
  2. The Independent (UK)
    Aug 29, 2019
    80
    Where Black America Again was notable for its sharp, observational urgency, Let Love feels far more personal, and softer in tone. Common’s optimistic nature gives it an uplifting vibe.
  3. AllMusic
    Aug 30, 2019
    70
    The benevolent spirit in ["HER Love"] and almost all of the other tracks makes the strong-arming "Hercules" and the retribution tale "Fifth Story" seem like misplaced throw-ins.
  5. Pitchfork
    Sep 5, 2019
    67
    Sometimes it really does seem like he’s rapping to instill love, sometimes he’s rapping for rap’s sake, and those lines get smudged at times, but more often than not he’s methodical. It is in the moments where his precision underscores his affection that Let Love truly conquers.
  6. Entertainment Weekly
    Aug 27, 2019
    67
    Important sentiments may abound here, but they're missing a solid follow-through. [Sep 2019, p.101]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Q Magazine
    Aug 27, 2019
    60
    There's more than enough for a killer accompaniment to his book, but as a standalone album, Let love needs a tougher edit. [Oct 2019, p.106]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. musicOMH.com
    Aug 27, 2019
    60
    These aren’t bad song ideas per se, but the record as a whole becomes cloying through an overload of syrupy chords and Common stuck on motivational speaker mode.
  9. HipHopDX
    Sep 3, 2019
    56
    Common has been delivering solid material for three decades, but this album can be chalked up as a mediocre comeback, not for lyrical ability. Rather, it’s for the lack of soul “by the pound” in the album’s soundscapes. It just doesn’t hold as much weight in his discography.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. XxdavexX
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Un album super completo y además lana nunca se queda corta con su música la amo
  2. KuragariSan
    Sep 1, 2019
    9
    I can’t say that I’m a huge fan of Common’s flow and really haven’t been on any of his albums (Hercules is a good example of what I don’tI can’t say that I’m a huge fan of Common’s flow and really haven’t been on any of his albums (Hercules is a good example of what I don’t enjoy) but Let Love is a future classic. Jazzy with a strong gospel vibe and strikingly excellent lyrics. HER Love is a stellar use of J Dilla’s beat and God is Love should be required to be played in churches.… Full Review »
  3. ClassicRapfan
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    If you're a fan of Classic Hip Hop, then you will instantly recognize this as a modern day classic of that genre. Soulful, jazzy, heartfeltIf you're a fan of Classic Hip Hop, then you will instantly recognize this as a modern day classic of that genre. Soulful, jazzy, heartfelt and personal… Full Review »
See all user reviews »