Common – ‘Universal Mind Control’ Synopsis
With every step along the way, Common has been able to gain the attention of a unique audience. His latest album, Universal Mind Control, will surely earn him a plenty of respect among robot-loving fans of techno-flavored rap who still bow 3 times in front of Afrika Bambaataa posters before breakfast.
Universal Mind Control was produced entirely by The Neptunes and OutKast collaborator Mr. DJ. And it wasn’t because Kanye, who manned the boards on Common’s previous 2 albums, was too busy to craft some beats for his friend. (After all, ‘Ye recorded 808s & Heartbreak in just 3 weeks, in Hawaii no less). He simply didn’t want backpackers to blame him for killing Common’s career. This album doesn’t pack enough weak sauce to get the job done but it’s a decent start. Here’s my unbiased synopsis of Universal Mind Control.
The Great:
- “Gladiator” – This has “single” written all over it, and that piano break is fresh
- “What A World” – Common’s rocking his b-boy flow here and Skateboard P drops a catchy hook
- “Make My Day” – Now this is more like Common. Gotta love the warm, fuzzy Cee-Lo chorus too
The OK:
- “Announcement” – Referencing your old hits is usually a sign that you’re worried about falling off
- “Inhale” – In this wasteland chock full of blind people, “Inhale” is a one-eyed king
The Meh:
- “Universal Mind Control” – I’m thinking about buying Afrika some brass knuckles for Christmas so he can backhand slap the next person who tries to recreate “Planet Rock”
- “Punch Drunk Love” – Lazy Common lyrics + Lame Kanye hook = Universal Fail
- “Sex 4 Sugar” – This one reminds me of those tracks De La Soul made back in the day just to screw with the heads of the people at their label
- “Everywhere” – Patricia Benatar called, she said she wants her ’80s back
- “Changes” – The mandatory Obama shoutout from his biggest hip-hop supporter
Verdict: Universal Mind Control is so tepid you wouldn’t remember a song from it once you’re done playing it. While it boasts a couple of fun-filled tracks, including “Gladiator” and “Make My Day,” those jewels are sparse on this 10-song LP. For a limited time only, you can download Common’s Universal Mind Control from Zune for just $1. If I had a dime for every wack song on the album, it would be worth 2 quarters less.
“Wishy-washy-wishy”
