The Dreamer/The Believer
Common · 2011
57 min · 14 tracks · contemporary R&B
A vibrant blend of introspective lyricism and soulful melodies underscored by jazzy instrumentation and contemporary hip-hop beats.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Dreamer Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Ghetto Dreams — This track features vivid storytelling about urban life, blending raw emotion with a catchy hook that makes it memorable. The interplay between Common's verses and Nas's guest feature emphasizes the competitive spirit within hip-hop.
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Blue Sky — With its uplifting message and jazz-inflected production, this song stands out as an anthem of hope. The blend of personal reflection and social commentary captures the essence of Common's artistry.
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Sweet — This track showcases Common's sharp lyricism and critique of the music industry, employing clever wordplay and metaphor. Its infectious beat juxtaposes serious themes with a celebratory sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong lyrical content and production quality, balancing upbeat and introspective moments effectively.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with a strong rhythmic drive, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
- Several tracks incorporate live instrumentation, blending jazz elements with hip-hop beats, creating a rich sonic texture.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective moments of reflection
- dynamic peaks and valleys
- uplifting anthems for celebration
- soulful melodies for dreaming
- thought-provoking lyrical storytelling
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid lengthy reflective journeys
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Showcases a revitalized sound and lyrical depth after a period of fluctuation.
- Career context
- At the time of its release in December 2011, Common was emerging from a period of commercial fluctuation. This album followed his 2008 effort 'Finding Forever' and marked a reinvigoration of his career, showcasing a return to his roots in conscious hip-hop while collaborating with notable producers like No I.D. and Kanye West.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Q-Tip· Anderson .Paak· Erykah Badu
Tracklist
- 1 The Dreamer Start here 5:53
- 2 Ghetto Dreams 3:54
- 3 Blue Sky 4:03
- 4 Sweet 3:37
- 5 Gold 4:19
- 6 Lovin’ I Lost 3:51
- 7 Raw (How You Like It) 3:55
- 8 Cloth 4:34
- 9 Celebrate 4:03
- 10 Windows 4:00
- 11 The Believer 3:43
- 12 Pops Belief 4:55
- 13 The Believer (remix) 3:23
- 14 Ghetto Dreams (remix) 3:37
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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