Be [EXPLICIT LYRICS] [SPECIAL EDITION]

Common

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 24, 2005)
• Original Release Date: May 24, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Explicit Lyrics, Special Edition
• Label: Geffen Records
• ASIN: B0009FGWIK
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (222 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #117,826 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Though heralded as an instant hip-hop classic by some, Common's Be doesn't quite live up to the hype, though it is still has several strengths going for it. Compared to the esoteric themes and production of his last album, Electric Circus, Be is far more grounded in street-level beats and rhymes, especially on songs like "The Corner" and "Real People"--Common's odes to personality and places 'round the way. At only 11 songs, this is a very compact album, both a blessing and curse by keeping the pacing brisk but it also amplifies weaknesses like the syrupy crossover attempt, "Go," or overly sentimental "Love Is." Production by Kanye West and Jay Dee is uniformly strong and it lends a consistency that is essential for such a relatively short album. It is worth noting that Common and Kanye's chemistry is especially well matched. -- Oliver Wang

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Faithful" To The Vintage Common Sense... (4.5 Stars), July 11, 2005

By	Andrew Jacob (Brooklyn, New York) - See all my reviews

Confusion would be the understated way of describing how many felt while listening to 2002's "Electric Circus." Many tried to justify it by stamping it as "eccentric" or "innovatively different" but ultimately, it was a peculiar release that left many fans perplexed. In comes Kanye West, whose 2004 banner year brought along furthermore awareness of "Chi-town" and whose album featured a collaboration that was to some extent a preview of what was to come; Common's 6th studio album "Be" is perhaps the early contender to claim 2005's Hip Hop album of the year. Although only clocking in around 43 minutes, it is a compact and intriguing album whose vintage soulful approach depicts itself to be old school but brings about a refreshingly modern sound. Without overstating, "Be" literally has exceptional song after exceptional song. Courtesy of the aforementioned Kanye West, the flawless production ranges from the jazzy "Be (Intro)," and "Real People"; the soulful "Testify," and "Faithful"; the R&B-esque "Love Is..." and "They Say"; and the gritty throwback sound of "The Corner" and "Chi-City." Lyrically, there is the introspection present from the early days of "Like Water For Chocolate" or "One Day It'll All Make Sense." Although If I were to be nitpicking, I'd say "The Food (Live)" falters when compared to the other tracks. However, considering all of its positive aspects, a notch below excellence is still very good. With quality production and lyrics, "Be" is easily superior to many modern generic albums and it furthermore cements Common's existence as one of Hip Hop's best lyricists.

35 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!, May 27, 2005

By	Musac Critic - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

I usually do not buy a rap album unless I know that it is destined to be excellent. Common has done this with BE. He is not only a great and DIFFERENT MC, but he has put together a very intellectual album while also being commercial, an incredible feat with a rapper who isn't a gangsta rapper.

The production on BE is mostly handled by Kanye West, which is the best decision that Common could make. Kanye, as always, has done an excellent production job on BE and even makes a few guest appearances.

Top tracks from BE include "The Corner" which has a very unique beat (excellent drum programming) along with a very unique choice with THE LAST POETS guest starring. "Go" is an exciting surprise with John Mayer and Kanye West guest starring making an unlikely combination work brilliantly because "Go" is definitely one of the best tracks on the entire album. In "Faithful", a gospel sounding sample is sampled evoking the effect of church and is pulled of very effectively. I could run through the rest of the track list, but I don't think there is any need. You won't find a truly dull listen.

For the album, 4 stars and for being different than the other rappers and giving a different sort of album, I give 1 extra star. Keep on doing what you are doing Common.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chi town hip hop at its best, May 26, 2005

By	Kurupt "God-Body Reviewer" (chicago) - See all my reviews

Common really delivered on this album. From the way the verses are put together on down to the subject matter, this album is dope. Support great artists like this, and lets drive garbage like lil john, Mike jones, Nelly out of the industry.