Universal Mind Control (2008)

Too Common: The rapper's latest isn't up to par

On Common's eighth effort, the Chicago rapper rhymes and sings — mostly about sexual and lyrical prowess — over marching-band stomps provided by the Neptunes. Though known for his keen insight and smart wordplay, here Common seems to have traded his wit for dull and unimaginative narratives, and the 39-minute album has too much filler and only a few head-nodding jams (like the swaying ''Make My Day,'' featuring Cee-Lo's gut-grunting vocals). Universal Mind Control seems to move Common backward instead of forward, which for a lyricist of his caliber is truly disappointing. C

Download This: Listen to songs from the new album on the rapper's MySpace