SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: COMMON – LET LOVE

Common
Let Love
Loma Vista Recordings

Actor, author, motivational speaker, and rapper Common showcases his positive attitude by examining all kinds of love on Let Love. Formerly known as Common Sense, this is the Chicago rapper’s first album in his own right since 2016’s Black America Again.

It is a generally mellow sounding album, thanks to the likes of such guests as Samora Pinderhughes, Jill Scott, and Daniel Caesar. The release coincides with that of Common’s latest book, Let Love Have The Last Word, which has obviously left its mark on this album, and not just in the title.

There’s a strong Christian overlay on many tracks, most overtly of course on the closing “God Is Love”, and on the tribute to his mother (and mothers in general), “Forever Your Love”. His raps are sharp and to the point, even if he does take a little while to get his flow going, but he’s well into it by “Hercules” and the tale of infidelity, “Fifth Story”, though Eminem did come to mind here.

Common is not above dropping a few big names himself, but to be honest these are generally people he has worked with as peers, and on “Memories Of Home” he supplies some of his autobiography, whilst BJ The Chicago Kid supplies some sweet hip hop soul vocals. “My Fancy Free Future Love” is perhaps the most energetic performance here, which for this jazzy number means the track is not that far away from classic Stevie Wonder in the vocals and arrangement, with Common sounding pretty urgent as he delivers his paean of praise.

Common’s raps are generally controlled and relatively relaxed,which suits him and his messages, seemingly a man at ease with himself and with others, but who still has a lot to say.

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