Customer Reviews

One Day It'll All Make Sense

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

To tell the truth, I think that giving this album a "5 Star" rating isn't enough... This album ranks up in the 10 or 11 star range - if that many. In other words, this album is nothing less than a Hip-Hop classic. I listen to this album faithfully and I seriously believe that Common is way underrated. Even after this album was laced with countless cameos with people like Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Cee-Lo, Canibus, & De La Soul, he's still not being given the credit he deserves. It's a shame that so few people recognize true Hip-Hop when they see it... "One Day It'll All Make Sense" is without a doubt my favorite album and Common is in my top 5 favorite as well...

Common - you outshine them ALL... One Luv...

I heard somebody say that 1997 was not a good year in hip hop. I disagreed with the sentiment then, and I definitely have to disagree with it now. Before I even get started talking about this album, just let me tell you what the bottom line is: go buy this right now.

I'll wait. You can read this when you get back.

Now... where were we?

Ah, yes. One Day It'll All Make Sense. Now, let's see, what can I say by way of introduction? One Day It'll All Make Sense is by The Artist Formally Known As Common Sense (apparently, it's just Common now). He first made a big splash with "I Used to Love H.E.R." a single about how hiphop had evolved from fun-lovin' party music topolitically aware messages from the heart, head and street, but had begun to slide into gangsta-inspired nihilism.

That single managed second place in the Phattest Single, Phattest Lyric, and Phattest Crossover Single categories of the 1994 New Jack Hip Hop Awards. As a rapper, Common was also nominated several times. Still, neither he nor his album, Resurrection, managed to take any awards home (although, the album did come in second for Most Slept On).

I think this year will be different. Let me tell you why.

Apparently, all the writing and guest spots he's done since (most notably with De La Soul on Stakes Is High) has not only helped him to hone his skillz, but something over the past few years has taught him the benefits of honest reflection. With One Day It'll All Make Sense, he has moved beyond being an MC who can make a damn good single every once in a while to a full-fledged hip hop leader. This album is not only consistent, it is absolutely amazing. The production is on point. The lyrics are creative. The flow is all that and a homemade Southern meal at Grandma's house.

If you've grown tired of the commerically-minded same-ole same-ole, then this is the album for you. Even if you're perfectly happy with the state of hip hop, you will want to pick this up.

Trust me on this. When the youngsters of 2004 are yabbering about MC Popular's latest remix sampling Bell Biv Devoe's biggest hit, you will stop them and say, "Man, you don't know Jack. You want to hear real hip hop? Then check out Common's One Day It'll All Make Sense."

Yep. This is a classic in the making. In a few years, the true headz who know better will be putting this on the same list with It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back, Paid in Full, Criminal Minded, Strictly Business, and all the rest.
Buy this album. If you don't, I may have to take away your Hip Hop Nation membership card. Seriously, you're supposed to support a brother when he puts out something this personal and this good. If you don't, you'll have no one to blame but yourself when Hip Hop stops being original, creative and interesting.

Although the "Stolen Moments" series, "Retrospect for Life", "G.O.D.," "My City," "Real Nigga Quotes," "Gettin' Down At The Ampitheater," and "1 '2 Many..." are standouts, each and every track is mad nice. This is an album to listen to, not just a collection of a few good tracks and some filler. The concepts are good, the lyrics are good, the band is good and the DJ is downright sinster.

In other words, it just don't get no betta. This is the best album of the year by a good bit. There's not a wasted note or word anywhere. In terms of honest spirtuality, and distinct approach this is the Peace Beyond Passion of Hip Hop and in terms of what you probably care about--Hip Hop Authenticity--this may very well be the It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back of the early nineties.

Yeah, I said it.

Bottom line: you may be made to think, you may be made to dance, you may be entertained, but whatever you'll be, you won't be disappointed.

Damn. I knew there was a reason I still loved Hip Hop.

With clever wordplay, inspiring subject matter, and a deviance from mainstream hip-hop, Common has emerged as the unofficial voice of the rap purist. And Common seems to cherish the role of underground god too. "Not for the money, I could have sampled Diana Ross a long time ago", he rhymes on Invocation. Throughout One Day, Common displays a fully looaded arsenal of engaging lyrics through introspection, battling, and spirtuality. Commmon's is at his best when his rhymes speak to the listener in a poetic and sometimes prophetic like manner. A perfect example of this is the album's lead single, Retrospect for Life (featuruing Lauryn Hill). This song gives the young male perpective of abortion in a heartfelt manner that is as touching as I Used to Love H.E.R. Stolen Moments is the andreline rush of One Day. This three part epic finds our narrator puzzled by a bugulary that takes place at his home during a vacation that has a catchy conclusion. Versatile and talented, Common also lets guests ranging from Canibus to Erykah Badu and Cee-Lo shine. Even his father joins the fun for a little reflecting on the sequel Pop's Rap Part 2. So why isn't this a five star gem. Well like previous Common recordings, One Day seems to get a little dull at times. My City is a much too long poetry reading by Malik Unsef. The pop appeal of the Chantay Savage blessed (Reminding of Sef) is also fast-forward material. And while the production on this album is pretty consistent, there is nothing breathtaking about the selection of beats. Not that No I.D. is mediocore, the album's main producer is very adequate. But maybe Common would serve himself better if he followed the footsteps of his idol's KRS-One and Rakim and seek outside producers such as DJ Premier to help balance and maybe sharpen his sound. While we can't wait for that day to come , we can still enjoy what One Day has to offer. Masir Tucker

A lot of emotions come to mind for me when I hear this album. For Common, this was a true signaling point in his lifetime. On "One Day", the brother formerly known as Sense chose to tone things down a bit and adress what's important over mellow, but soulful beats (which would later become the blueprint for the Soulquarians), such as the endearing "G.O.D. (Gaining One's Definition)" feat. Cee-Lo and the warm, remenicient feel of "Reminding Me (Of Sef)", which was dedicated to the good times with his departed friend. But these are greatly outshined by the insightful "Retrospect For Life" feat. Ms. Lauryn Hill, where he speaks on his fears and hopes of becoming a father for the first time. On some parts of the album, however, he tries a bit too hard to get gutter ("Gettin' Down In The Ampitheater" feat. De La Soul), but most of the time he's on point, and gets razor on the cuts "Hungry" and "Making A Name For Ourselves", the latter in which Cannibus gives one of his best verses you'll ever hear. Taking time out to flex a story, the three part "Stolen Moments" tracks tells of Common getting robbed when he gets back from a trip and goes to show you can't trust anybody. The album comes to a finishing close with the one and only Pops ("Pop's Rap pt. II: Fatherhood") giving praise to his son and prayer for his child. Before I heard this album, I didn't really have a clear path in life, but it helped me discover what's really important and not to sleep on responsibility. Cop this most definitely. END.

With this album Common attempts to take on a masterful and rather large concept. Each individual song is to be respected along with how it fits in the albums overall picture. Does it work? Somewhat. The biggest downside of the album is that he comes up a little short in his grand attempts, but creates a good album nonetheless. This is the difference between making a classic album and a good album. His in my opinion is the latter.
"Invocation" has a nice beat and Common flows in a relaxed mood. "Retrospect For Life" is one of Common's more meaningful songs on the album. Lauryn Hill doesn't really do much for this song, Common carries it. "Gettin' Down At The Amphitheater" gets stopped in its tracks as the beat isn't anything special and has a weak hook, hurting the great possibilities of the De La Soul and Common collaboration. "G.O.D." is one of the best songs on the album with a great appearance from Cee-Lo. "Hungry" seems to sound almost like a Rza style beat. Makes for an interesting song and switches up the albums tempo. He talks about his Ice Cube beef on this one. "All Night Long" is just that, too long at over seven and a half minutes. "Stolen Moments I,II,III" all follow Common throughout a continous story. "1'2 Many..." has a nice beat and is a nice concept from Common. "Making A Name For Ourselves" is a good song with Canibus, who lays down a memorable verse. "Reminding Me (Of Sef)" is an interesting song, because the beat and Common's rhyme pattern sound like a westcoast party song.
Overall this is a good album, but leaves the listener thinking this could have been near perfect. Many of the songs are too long and include corny skits at the end of songs. Plus two of the best highlights of the album are Cee-Lo and Canibus' appearances leaving the question of why would Common be outshined by them. This album isn't necessarily for the mainstream listener. I would group it more along with Mos Def type material. For the people who like Common, this will be a must have.

Many people were disappointed with Common's third effort One Day..., but it is a great album. Yeah, two or three of the tracks have "r&b" influence, but not in a bad way. "Retrospect For Life" is on of the most personal and emotional hip-hop songs I've ever heard. Common displays his amazing word play on tracks like "Invocation" and "Hunger" and flows nicely with Erykah Badu on the Roots produced "All Night Long." The majority of the album is solid and it could have been better if it weren't for those interludes. All in all, I'd give this a 4.5 out of 5 (I rounded it to 5 since Amazon doesn't offer .5's in their ratings.).

Maybe people who listen to this esse probably think he aint a gangsta. This homeboy knows how to rap holmes on the reel. NUmber 7 iz really inspiring you gotta listen to it. Dont listen to it online or download. support the chi and buy it dont worry you wont regret it.Chi Love to the fullest

I am sure there are many people who believe that Common reached his pinnacle on his classic, "Resurrection". I am sure there are those who believe that NO I.D's production on "Resurrection" was more consistent, forming one complete album. Well, this is just Common's way of expanding. ODIAMS, is Common's MASTERPIECE, not just a classic. I am not going to bother with distinctions, because you'll understand if you're feeling this album...Common, who is naturally a deep lyricist, gets DEEEEEEEEP on here... from the start of "Invocation" with, "Invision in the hereafter, listenin' to Steve Wonder, on a ?uest for love, like the "Proceed" drummer"...to the nostalgic track "Reminding Me (Of Sef), where he reminisces on his b-boy days in Chi-Town, an incredible autiobiographical track. This whole album plays out like one large memoir, a hip hop memoir...Common rips the mic lyrically with clever puns and similies, just as he did on "Res...", and tracks like "Real N*gga Quotes", "Food For Funk", "Hungry", "1,2 Many", and "Making A Name For Ourselves" proves this...and then the conceptual pieces, such as "Retrospect For Life" and "G.O.D"...on the former, Common passionately rhymes about the issues of abortion and potentional fatherhood, hitting right on point, making it one of the best songs EVER...and same goes for the latter, "G.O.D", where he rhymes about the importance of religion and faith, and essentially, Gaining One's Definition...Cee-Lo also contributes, and to a great effect...and then the "Stolen Moments" triology, that could only come from an ecmee/artist as different as Common (Sense)...these tracks are evidence of Comm's talent as a story teller (the heart of hip hop lyricism), which would make the likes of Slick Ricky D proud...in each Common breaks down the situation (a break n' enter into his home) and the suspicions and consequences, effectively...not many emcees can do that...2 out of the 3 have hook contributions from Black Thought and Q-Tip...and the production on this album! i have to admitt that "Resurrection", musically, was a masterpiece too...and NO I.D, based on Comm's 2nd and 3rd album here, make him one of my favorite producers...BUT, i think that he gets deeper and more creative on this release...and with contributions from Ynot, Dug Inf, and ?uest Love, it is incredibley diverse...i still get hyped everytime i hear the opening bars of "Invocation", INCREDIBLE work on NO I.D's part...not many albums in general get this creative or deep...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED...purchase either "Resurrection" or this, cuz both display one of the best (if not the best) emcees in the world, and in my opinion, the greatest Hip Hop albums every released....peace

It's too bad that many rap artists don't look at life in a perspective that Common does. I'm especially fond of Track 2 featuring Lauren Hill because Common tells young men about what it's like to have an unplanned childbirth at an early age. In my opinion, young people need as much advice as they could receive on any subject.

Common is the best emcee ever. That's quite an audacious statement, I know. Yet, speaking as a hip-hop purist, I've never heard another artist bring so many issues to the table with such eloquence as does Common [Sense]. Life, death, education, abortion, religion, urban blight - all covered in this outstanding thrid album. Coupled with Com's lyricism (not to mention NO I.D.'s production, Sinister's scratches, and the presence and artistic diversity of guest contributers De La Soul, Lauryn Hill, Cee-Lo, Erykah Badu, Black Thought, Q-Tip, Canibus, Chantay Savage, and "Pops" Lynn) this album has affected me more than any other...ever. Folks, I cried through "Retrospect for Life" and "G.O.D. (Gaining One's Definition)"! Why Common [Sense] isn't more respected in the hip-hop community, I don't know, but I pray that "one day it will all make sense."