Review

Common: The Dreamer, The Believer (Warner Bros)

"My name is Common" is the lyric that starts off his latest album "The Dreamer, The Believer." ...African American poet and icon Maya Angelou collaborates with Common's first track "The Dreamer" where she cites poetry at the end of the song. "Ghetto Dreams" featuring Nas starts off with a head nodding beat, with awesome production and beat making.

"Blue Sky" is a personal favourite from "The Dreamer, The Believer", with nice piano chords and a heavy beat. Heavy beats are evident through out "The Dreamer, The Believer" and on the next song "Sweet" goes slightly Alternative Hip-hop, one of Common's experimental songs, "I'm doin', what I do, Hip-Hop, that's what I do" raps Common. The beat is loud and proud.

"Gold", starts off being rewinded and then the beat drops with more pleasant piano coming in over a hip-hop heavy beat sounding gold, with strong vocals from an unknown artist. "Lovin' I Lost" has a sad tone to the song, given the title but Common always has great introductions to his songs before he kicks off with a rocking verse. Curtis Mayfield is sampled in this track, what a great fitting to one of hip-hop's finest.

"Raw (How You Like It)" has a long intro, "Pow Pow I came through the door with a super star status", says Common he is a lyricist to envy for all poets, songwriters and rappers. "Cloth" and "Celebrate" are two extraordinary songs yet still typically Common. He uses the N word quite a lot through out "The Dreamer, The Believer", which leaves a nasty taste in ones mouth however its a black thing so if its cool with Common its cool with them.

"Windows", begins with a deep bass line, setting the tone for any rap star. Featuring John Legend, who sounds amazing with rap collaborations, "The Believer", with Legend's experience in his last album "Wake Up!" with The Roots, his experience is a good blending voice. Over all, an enjoyable rap album for those who are rap fans, just not one of his best.
Words MATTHEW DANIEL