COMMON
INVINCIBLE SUMMER
Common's last two albums have been warm, soulful affairs. But the 36-year-old Chicago rapper's eighth studio effort, Invincible Summer, takes a sharp left turn: It's packed with flashy synths and catchy hooks. ''I was just in the mood to make music that makes you feel good,'' he says of the still-unfinished release, ''and isn't too deep.'' That's not to say he's sacrificed the thoughtful lyrics fans expect. It's party music, Common's way. (Scheduled release: Midsummer)
TRACK BY TRACK
''Universal Mind Control''
On this lead single, he spits double-time game (''This is that automatic/I stay fresh like I'm wrapped in plastic'') over a brightly hued electronic beat courtesy of the Neptunes. Remarks Common, ''It's great to write songs that make people move.''
''Make My Day''
''Sometimes the best things in life aren't planned/You came to the sand/And got more than a tan,'' Common reminisces on this paean to summer lovin'. Atlanta's Mr. DJ (OutKast's ''B.O.B.'') produced the swinging instrumental, and Gnarls Barkley's Cee-Lo, Common's longtime friend and collaborator, belts out the hook. ''When he sings, I be wishing I could sing like that!''
''Runaway''
Schedules permitting, this driving, rock-inflected cut about staying true to yourself (still a work in progress when EW heard it) will likely include vocals from genre-hopping hipster sensation Santi ''Santogold'' White. ''I'd met Santi before, and then some friends of mine were playing me her music. I'm like, 'Oh, man, I definitely need to hook up with her.' She's a great writer.''
