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Review
So Common is, today, far removed from his days as a humble backpacker with an overwhelming affinity for jazz breaks and atmospheric soul loops. Life is glamorous, and he appreciates the long ascension to prominence. At least that's the tone of his new album, The Dreamer/The Believer, on which he merges his raw lyrical roots with No I.D.'s voluminous soundtrack, resulting in a decent album far more celebratory than his previous work. "Now it’s gold records and I’m on silver screens / At the mountaintop, but still got a dream," he rhymes on the album’s opening song. Still, the music clearly dominates this set, with thumping, sample-heavy beats that outshine Common’s nostalgic delivery in places.
Elsewhere, he is more festive than usual: the word "b****" is heard more often and he speaks freely about international trysts. On Sweet, Common chastises singing in hip hop although he sang on Jimi Was a Rock Star, a centrepiece cut from 2002’s Electric Circus. To that end, the MC sounds somewhat conflicted at times, toeing the line between his conscious foundations and his new lifestyle. That’s not to say he shouldn’t embrace his newfound fame, however. Celebrate, backed by choral moans and a piano sample, sounds like 2005 Common until he rhymes about a night on the town.
In some ways, The Dreamer/The Believer feels like a concept album, moving fluidly from bright-eyed reflection to despondent conviction, giving it a triumphant feel. Overall, the recording presents its protagonist as a multifaceted artist, capable of navigating Hollywood and the urban block with comfort, confident enough to enjoy his successes while encouraging his listeners to do the same.
--Marcus J. Moore
Find more music at the BBC This link will take you off Amazon in a new window
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Customer Reviews
He's unafraid to experiment. He's unafraid of going against the grain. And he's delivered yet another classic.
To me, his peak was 'Resurrection' in 1994, the DJ Premier-helmed joint that included the golden age classic 'I Used To Love H.E.R.' with its clever hip-hop history theme. Second to this was his lavish, soul-infused 'Like Water For Chocolate' from 2000.
I would, however, add this new set 'The Dreamer, The Believer' not far behind. It's in the same league as 'Be' and 'Finding Forever'.
With quality beats throughout from Chi-town legend No-ID, the opening cut 'The Dreamer' along with the bangin' Nas duet 'Ghetto Dreams' set the bar extremely high. And the rest of the set does not dissapoint.
Agreed, there are no out-the-box hits for either radio, club or the pop charts. But, as any real fans know, that far from means this isn't a hot album.
My only criticism is the album is so short. I know the adage of quality over quantity, but just as you are really getting into it, it is suddenly over. But that's actually just because it is so good, you want more!
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