Common Album: “Electric Circus [Bonus DVD]”

Although this CD will probably only have one single widely excepted by the radio, the rest of the album is well worth the money. The only track I felt that wasn't strong was "I Got A Right To" with Pharrel Williams. I follow many kinds of music as a DJ, I love Common and the Neptunes, but didn't feel the collaboration. However, the rest of the CD doesn't lack anything. With the stable appearances by Bilal, Jill Scott, and Erykah Badu, I also liked the mixture created with the Stereolab's Laetitia Sadier, and Sunny from P.O.D.. In my opinion, the best upbeat song is "New Wave," and the best lyrical and slower joint is "Between Me, You & Liberation" with Cee-Lo of Goodie Mobb. Overall, the CD is incredible and another masterpiece by Common. I strongly encourage you purchase it!

If you are loooking for a "quick fix" hip-hop album to bump in your car or something like that, this isn't it. To truly appreciate this album, you have to be open-minded: it doesn't sound like what you expect a hip-hip album to sound like. But that is what makes it such a great listen: Common has truly done something different--and it works! If you are tired of all of the same garbage that passes for hip-hop these days, then buy this album. I give Common a lot of respect for making Electric Circus because he is real--he does what he wants to do, he doesn't care what the masses think is "hot" or "what will sell". He expresses himself in the way that HE wants to and he doesn't pretend to be something that he is not like many rappers do. And lyrically, he is still one of the best emcees out there.

I think this album angered a lot of Common fans, espeically since he showed his experimental side of himself on this LP. Also since this is between

and

, two of his softer and more soulful LPs. This album has so many influences and contributions (see the front cover) that people may believe that Common stepped out of his range. I personally find it to be an excellent album.

The Roots' ?uestlove produced some of the tracks. "Between Me, You, & Liberation" is one fine track, especially with the drum pattern that he made. "Come Close" was the lead single featuring Mary J. Blige, that was excellent. The creativity shows when the song "Electric Wire Hustle Flower" plays and features Sonny of P.O.D. Say what you want, but I like that song. The sex song "*69 (P.S. With Love)" is another softer sounding beat and features Bilal. The last 30 seconds of the track has a nice mellow beat that is worth waiting for.

There are a few rough spots on this album though. "I Got A Right Ta" featuring Pharrell is one rough song that I really didn't have the mood for. "Soul Power" I was thinking the beat was going to drop, but never came. And the final two tracks are great, but could have been shortened since they are 8+ minutes. Other than that, this album is excellent.

Don't hate on this LP. It is very creative and experimental. Many people have gotten settled with the soulful type Common, so this did kind of come from left field. I didn't think this album was going to get bad reviews until I saw this album received 4 mics in The Source, so I thought it was dope. If you listen to this without thinking about his other albums, you will find that this album is very underrated. Peace.

If you don't know alrady, the tracklisting is incorrect. Here is the correct track listing:

1. Ferris Wheel

2. Soul Power

3. Aquarius

4. Electric Wire Hustler Flower

5. The Hustle

6. Come Close

7. New Wave

8. Star *69

9. I Got A Right Ta

10. Between Me, You & Liberation

11. I Am Music

12. Jimi Was A Rock Star

13. Heaven Somewhere

Lyrics: B+

Production: B

Guest Appearances: A-

Musical Vibes: A-

Top 5 Tracks:

1. Between Me, You, & Liberation (featuring Cee-Lo)

2. *69 (P.S. With Love) (featuring Bilal)

3. Come Close (featuring Mary J. Blige)

4. Electric Wire Hustler Flower (featuring Sunny of P.O.D.)

5. Ferris Wheel (featuring Vinia Mojica & Marie Daulne of Zap Mama)

Honorable Mention:

1. Jimi Was A Rock Star (featuring Erykah Badu)

2. Heaven Somewhere (featuring Omar Lyefook, Bilal, Cee-Lo, Jill Scott, Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu & Lonnie "Pops" Lynn)

Electric Circus is a great ablum, it combines the essence of hip-hop, jazz, blues and rock. Common has done a very good job with one. One thing to note is you must undersrand hi s lyrics to really catch the gist of his songs. So Enjoy!

Common i wish i could help you out with this, but we all know what you are. you are hip hop. i admire the attempt to try and reinvent yourself, but with common's cadence he just didn't flow with the beats. There are a few tracks that are typical common, but not enough. Stick with One day it'll all make sense and like water for chocolate.