04.Dec.2008 Weekly Album Review: Universal Mind Control

1. Universal Mind Control (feat. Pharrell)
2. Punch Drunk Love (feat. Kanye West)
3. Make My Day (feat. Cee-Lo)
4. Sex 4 Suga
5. Announcement (feat. Pharrell)
6. Gladiator (feat. Pharrell)
7. Changes (feat. Muhsinah)
8. Inhale (feat. Pharrell)
9. What a World
10. Everywhere (feat. Martina Topley-Bird)

Droping next week is Common’s 8th studio album, Universal Mind Control. Originally titled Invincible Summer and slated for a June release, the album is a clear departure from Common’s past material.

“I created this music for the summer time, it’s about feeling good… this is the type of music I felt was missing from my body of work.”
-Common

Aight Common, I see you. Every song doesn’t have to be a message song; it’s aight to have some fun with hip-hop. But what is with all these hip-hop artists all of a sudden trying to be “different” or “branching out” with this electro-pop stuff? I’m all for being progressive and innovative in music, but I really don’t think this is the right direction. How about getting back to the basics? Forget all that swagger, Arab money, baggin bad bitches in the club, let’s make a stupid dance track hip-hop and let’s get back to some Slick Rick or Nas storytelling type shit. Just an idea.

Now onto the album. It’s primarily produced by The Neptunes, with 7 of the 10 tracks laced with their synthy, electro-esque beats. A few of them are actually pretty amazing, with a sound unlike anything I’ve heard from them before. The lead single Universal Mind Control has a slick, uptempo electronic beat with a sound similar to Afrika Bambataa’s Looking For the Perfect Beat. Gladiator is another Neptunes creation, but this beat is on some next-level type shiiit. The best way to describe it is epic New Orleans trunk music mixed with some Thom Yorke type stuff. It’s crazy. Finally, Punch Drunk Love, which features Kanye West is a down-tempo lover’s jam over a lazy synth Neptunes beat.

The Neptunes’ presence on the album is a bit overpowering and after a while, a lot of the songs start to sound the same because they all have that distinct Neptunes sound. Also, Pharrell is on waaay too many songs! He’s all over this album, featured on 4 of the 10 the songs. Oh and get this, NO Kanye beats! None whatsoever! Not a good look.

Most die-hard Common fans will most likely be disappointed with this latest effort, favoring the soul-sampled, introspective and socially conscious records of the past. Those dusty tracks that Kanye made for him on Finding Forever were the perfect canvas for his deep and meaningful lyrics and deliberate and paced flow. Hopefully this was just a “for fun” album and he’ll get back to business for the next one.

Tracks of note:
Download: Universal Mind Control
Download: Gladiator
Download: Punch Drunk Love

If you like what you hear, be sure to pick it up on the 9th.