Here’s what some music critics have written about Common’s latest, “Universal Mind Control”:
“Common’s eighth studio album … brims with the most trivial and disposable music of his career.”
— Greg Kot, Chicago Tribune
” ‘Universal Mind Control’ gets stuck in the same rut as so many other booty-jam records do: It’s not all that memorable.”
— Eric Danton, The Hartford Courant
“Paging Kanye West: Please phone home, Common needs you.”
— Jon Caramanica, The New York Times
” ‘Universal Mind Control’ seems to move Common backward instead of forward, which for a lyricist of his caliber is truly disappointing.”
— Josette Compton, Entertainment Weekly
“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.”
— Michael A. Gonzales, Spin
