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. bugsbunnyJr.
    Jan 14, 2009
    2
    Baad.. What just happened? I want common's old sound back!
  2. Chrislake94
    Jun 3, 2011
    0
    First of all any Common fan would know this album is shocking. He changed his style, his content for this?! Hopefully his next album will be NOTHING like this and he be back to his old self.

Critic Reviews

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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.
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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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