Retrospect For Life
Josh | Milwaukee WI | 03/26/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One day is one of Common's best albums. Common's lyrics are always rich and detailed and the issues he address range far more than today's typical rap topics about hoes, cars, money and other materialism. One of my favorite tracks on this album is Retrospect for life which is more or less a song about abortion with Lauryn Hill singing the chorus which is a semi-remake of Stevie Wonder's "I never dreamed you'd leave in summer". The Cd's just plain tight."
It All Made Sense On This Album (Rating: 8 out of 10- -4 sta
Chandler | Atlanta (College Park), Georgia | 03/03/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"After the Hip Hop milestone album "Ressurection" back in 1994, Common would decide to show his listeners a more mature, introspective side of himself. Common was all grown up on this album, and no longer doing childish things. He would make the song "Retrospect For Life" with Lauryn Hill about him having a daughter and how it would take on responsibility. You can feel the transition that he was making here on this album, as if he was becomming a new person. Something must have happened in '95 or '96 that made the decision for Common to change and appreciate life.
More of those introspective tracks that Common was journeying into were "G.O.D. (Gaining One's Definition)" as he and Cee-Lo would rhyme about religion in life and what it's for. "Reminding Me (Of Self)" with Chantay Savage is another introspective side of Common that showed him speaking his mind. And personally "All Night Long" is just beautiful with the vocals of Erykah Badu.
But there was just more that introspect for Common. There was the boom bap side of Common as well. "Getting Down At The Ampethetre" with De La Soul is one of the funkiest tracks on this album. "Making A Name For Ourselves" Canibus outshines Common with his dope lyrics (c'mon people Canibus outshines almost everyone he colabs with, so this is normal). So it's not all introspect on this album. And whats a Common album without the appearances of Lonnie "Pops" Lynn at the end ("Pop's Rap II")?
Personally, I find it a big jump from "Ressurection" to "One Day...". This is a mature side of Common. We've probably gotten used to it since "Like Water For Chocolate" came out, so it shouldn't come from left field. This is one of those CDs that you can vibe to real easily, and I'm sure people will enjoy. Some say this was his breakthrough LP, and I believe so, because it's introduced the side of him that we've all gotten used to.
My Favorite Tracks: Real ***** Quotes, Retrospect For Life, Getting Down At The Ampethere, G.O.D. (Gaining One's Definition), Hungry, All Night Long, Stolen Moments, 1,2 Many, Making A Name For Ourselves
Peace Everyone!!"