Finding Forever by Common: Album Review

The last album I bought was Common's "Be" and that was a lot different than his new album entitled Finding Forever. Released on GOOD/Geffen Records, it is still primarily produced by Kanye West. The album is scheduled to be released on July 31^st, 2007.

"Finding Forever really means to find a place in music where you can exist forever. Music can be forever if you make it from the heart, if you make it from the soul and it's good. And I look at music like Bob Marley's or Marvin Gaye's or Stevie Wonder's or A Tribe Called Quest's, that's forever music. And I'm continuing on the quest to make forever music."

Those are Common's words on the album and it shows. This, his 7^th album is timeless yet timely. Its laid back, unique and energetic all at the same time. It slumps at times but keeps you interested throughout, With a mix of conscience and lyricism.

1. Intro - This is a great start, a slow atmospheric instrumental that leads perfectly into...

2. Start The Show - This is a scathing battlesque track that shits on the industry and says COMMON IS THE BEST. Features Kanye West and also produced by him. The chorus is the best part. Common rides the beat perfectly and comes very charismatic. Almost a perfect song.

3. The People - This is my favorite song on the album and also the first single released. It contains many samples including "All About U" by Tupac Shakur. Its catchy and has a good message. The thumping bass line will definitely keep your head nodding. "Standing infront of the judge with no honor, I'm about to unite the people like obama".

4. Drivin' Me Wild - This is an upbeat song where common talks about a special lady called hiphop. There is a vocal sample in the background that sounds like another instrument. (Produced by Kanye)

5. I Want You - Produced by and features Will.I.Am from the Black Eyes Peas. It starts out like Common isn't right on this type of song but he slowly gets more intricate with the instruments and it comes off as an above average collaboration. This one is for the ladies.

6. Southside - Referring to Southside of Chicago which most know as a wasteland. Talks about all kinds of things that make up the southside. This is definitely one of the better tracks on the album. Common switches up his flow a few times on this track.

7. The Game - Produced by Kanye West and DJ PREMIER who many regard as the all time greatest producer in hiphop. The first video released foer the album. "watchin sweet sixteen, bitchin ass rich kids who don't know in life you gotta go the distance" This song is great.

8. U, Black Maybe - This should summarize the song. A very deep and poignant narrative. "I heard a white man jest, is he black maybe, I was delivered in this world as a crack baby, hard for me to pay attention, and I act crazy".....

9. So Far To Go - Produced by late musician J Dilla. It's a smooth slow song with a steady bassline. I hate to say it but its one of the skippable tracks on the album. Common just doesn't have enough energy, its boring. The D'Angelo hook is nice though.

10. Break My Heart - Talking about a woman who plays hard to get. Produced by Kanye West again. Average song but it's a keeper. "As long as you aint scared of the kitchen and the dishes, she said "you're one of the fishes I know your mind switches"

11. Misunderstood - This is a hard hitting song about how life doesn't always go as its planned. Very strong track, I put this on repeat for a half hour.

12. Forever Begins - Upbeat song with a drum roll in the background. I shouldn't say upbeat but uplifting. Its almost as if it's a gospel song within an empowerment track. It works though, and it changes up half way through to a man speaking over an instrumental, very moving.

13. Play Your Cards Right - This song is a great way to end the album. It features Bilal on the hook and Common uses some of the best wordplay on Finding Forever with this song. "If you play your cards right, Everythings goona be alright, alright alright alright". Anyone heard that before?

The main point to remember about this album is that Common isn't a gun-toting crack-selling image. He is though, an extraordinary author who uses his voice to communicate wisdom with the youth and the stagnant! It blends many different styles including rock, jazz and soul, Into a cohesive hiphop project that rivals his earlier albums like "Resurrection" and "Like Water For Chocolate". I would suggest anyone who likes smart artists, and appreciates creativity to pick this up.