Universal Mind Control
by Common
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: Dec 9, 2008
Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 26
  3. Negative: 3 out of 26
  1. Uncut
    80
    Tough and determinedly sexed-up, here you'll find talk of beefs, booty and bitches, rather than brotherhood. Producers Neptunes and OutKast's Mr DJ oversee this exercise in alluringly moderne hip hop. [Oct 2008, p.83]
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  2. The Guardian
    80
    His eighth LP is most compelling where these themes collide, such as on 'Punch Drunk Love,' where the salacious production meets its match in imaginative innuendos.
  3. Filter
    72
    It's both disjointed and jarring, but it's unlike anything the Chicago legend has done before. Drop your booty if you enjoy such things. If not, try and appreciate those who do. [Holiday 2008, p.91]
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  5. Spin
    70
    While we're used to Common in the role of poetic prophet or self-righteous rhyme slayer, Universal Mind Control is primarily a rhythmic celebration, paying tribute to Afrika Bambaataa and Jonzun Crew jams.
  6. Los Angeles Times
    63
    Too much of Universal Mind Control falls conceptually flat.

User Reviews

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User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 32
  3. Negative: 6 out of 32
  1. clem666
    May 17, 2021
    5
    Hard to say Common recieved help from Pharrell Williams (and by extension from The Neptunes) because they totally broke into this record andHard to say Common recieved help from Pharrell Williams (and by extension from The Neptunes) because they totally broke into this record and fuse with it. I guess the first choice was from Common to produce different music than he did but the contrast is just inconfortable to witness.

    If some tracks are not really bad, Common (& The Neptunes) never manage to elaborate a stunning music, preferring to stay in the register of simple muddy jams. Structures are silly and effortless, lyrics are boring while not offensive and inappropriate. It is really hard to rationally understand why Common primarily chose to focus that much on girls and sex.    … Full Review »
  2. Chrislake94
    Jun 3, 2011
    0
    First of all any Common fan would know this album is shocking. He changed his style, his content for this?! Hopefully his next album will beFirst of all any Common fan would know this album is shocking. He changed his style, his content for this?! Hopefully his next album will be NOTHING like this and he be back to his old self.… Full Review »
  3. PeterF
    Jul 10, 2009
    9
    This album is awesome. From best first track of album ever (UMC- maybe best song on album, definitely best beat on album) to great This album is awesome. From best first track of album ever (UMC- maybe best song on album, definitely best beat on album) to great turntablism in Inhale. In my ladder of US hip-hop albums, second after 808s and Heartbreaks. … Full Review »
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