Common-Universal Mind Control
G.O.O.D. Music /Geffen Records
Rating: 3 out of 4
By: Preach Jacobs

There’s something in the water for the alternative-hip-hop artists. Everyone that’s been instrumental in the jazz-inspired-neo-soul movement is running as fast as they can in the opposite direction musically. The Roots’ sound has become more rock inspired, rappers like Mos Def would rather be in front of a camera than rap and D’Angelo hasn’t put out a record in almost nine years. Chicago based emcee Common seems to be no different as his newest project takes him furthest away from his musical comfort zone with ‘UMC’ (Universal Mind Control).

First off, if you’re looking for the incense burning-crochet-wearing Common, you’ll be sadly mistaken as Common is now an aspiring movie star and modern day sex symbol. The music reflects this as the light-hearted approach to songs like “Punch Drunk Love,” “Sex 4 Suga” and “Announcement” sound like they’re backdrops for a party in outer space.

Common’s sound has replaced previous work filled with Rhodes and acoustic bass for techno-inspired synths provided by Pharrell and Kanye West. This album is an absolute party record, simple and plain. There are hints of the old Com on songs like “Gladiator” and the introspective “Changes,” but not enough to satisfy some die-hard fans looking for Common of yesteryear. After hearing this album, it’s becoming clear that this Common will not return. His music has changed because his life has changed, and I’m actually content with hearing music of a happy-artist for a change.

That being said, I to do wish there were more hard-core-boom-bapish type offerings on ‘UMC,’ but Common has a catalogue that can provide that if I wish to hear it. Who said conscious guys can’t go party? Maybe this album is a way to inspire us to all lighten up. Whether we do it or not, it seems Common has beat us to the punch.