How does an artist who spent most of his career as a diamond in the rough MC stay relevant for several years before finally enjoying commercial success? Common has managed to do so with ease. Finally getting his long overdue mainstream recognition with the assistance of his successful acting career, Common's eighth studio release, Universal Mind Control (Geffen Records) is not necessarily an improved sound for the veteran lyricist, but rather the same standard he has always been known for with an attempt to give it a fresh twist.
Produced entirely by the Neptunes, the album features a combination of laid-back lyrical stylings like the days when he was known as Common Sense, as well as more up-tempo tracks in which some come off a bit desperate to fit into a commercial category. The album’s attention grabbing lead single “Universal Mind Control”, which samples Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock”, is destined to get major club spins. It’s the only club-ready track on the entire album in which there’s a perfect transition from the typical lyrically infused tracks we’re used to hearing from the Chicago rapper. “Punch Drunk Love” follows with fellow G.O.O.D. artist Kanye West on the hook which adds another record to the Neptunes’ catalog of perfectly crafted beats. The merging of hi-hat sounds with electric organ interjections make this easily one of the top three tracks on the album.
