905. Like Water for Chocolate - Common

Whilst I may not have known much about Common as a music artist, I am familiar with some of his acting roles, such as playing James Bevel in Selma and Sir Ivy in Smokin' Aces. Common's fame originally came from his role as the more socially aware rapper coming out of Chicago. He is also a poet, and has read his words to at the White House when invited to by the First Lady. The title of the album comes from a book and film, and Common chose it to represent the emotion he puts into his music, as the lead character puts the emotion into her food.

The opener, Time Travelin', has an exceptionally catchy refrain, which I found lodged in my head throughout the week. The Light should work better than it does, as it has all the ingredients required for a great track, but it doesn't quite click for me, although Chloe was quite a fan. Funky for You is a classic slice of hip-hop and funk, where Common just seems to be enjoying himself. The Questions is a clever, well-constructed song, although possibly not as clever as it seems to think it is, although it features Mos Def, which is always great in my book. There are definitely some stand out lines though, such as "Why do I need ID, to get ID? if I had ID, I wouldn't need ID." The 6th Sense is probably the most complete song on the album for me, with themes of social awareness, cuts from DJ Premier, and a soulful chorus featuring Bilal, as well as ending with Common sending himself up. A Film Called (PIMP) features a great back and forth joust with MC Lyte, although I'm not sure if the themes will always be seen in the (pro-feminist) way I have interpreted. Geto Heaven is catchy as hell, with a great beat, and the distinctive voice of Macy Gray. A Song for Assata is a powerful song that tells the story of Assata Shakur, a member of the Black Panthers and Tupac Shakur's step-Aunt. 

As Chloe pointed out, it's a good album, but it doesn't grab your attention - it works better in the background. I guess that not enough of these songs stand out as being exceptional, and as I mainly know hip-hop through the universally known, multi-multi platinum singles, that will put a well-crafted, consistent, album at a disadvantage when none of its tracks can hit those heady heights.

Chloe's rating: 6
Chloe's favourite track: 5. The Light
Olly's rating: 6
Olly's favourite track: 9. The 6th Sense

Next week's album is 359. Legalize it by Peter Tosh. Reggae. An album of reggae. Hmm...