Thisisme Then: The Best of Common
Common · 2007
67 min · 15 tracks · contemporary R&B
A reflective journey through hip-hop, blending poetic lyricism with smooth beats and soulful melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Take It EZ Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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I Used to Love H.E.R. — This track is a seminal piece that employs an extended metaphor about hip-hop culture, illustrating Common's lyrical prowess and deep understanding of the genre's roots.
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Resurrection — The title track from his 1994 album, it encapsulates Common's introspective style and commitment to socially conscious themes, making it a key moment in his discography.
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Retrospect for Life — Featuring poignant reflections on life choices and responsibility, this track showcases Common's ability to blend personal narrative with broader societal issues.
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Soul by the Pound — This track stands out for its intricate wordplay and fusion of jazz elements, illustrating Common's early style that paved the way for his later work.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This compilation captures Common's stylistic range but lacks a cohesive narrative flow typical of original albums.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate jazz and soul samples, creating a smooth backdrop that complements the reflective nature of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
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
- reflective journeys through memories
- steady pacing with thoughtful lyrics
- poignant moments for introspection
- soulful beats for evening relaxation
- narrative progression across tracks
Maybe skip if you
- seeks instant gratification
- prefers high-energy party vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Starting Point — This compilation offers a comprehensive overview of Common's evolution and key tracks.
- Themes
- hip-hop culture roots· socially conscious narratives· personal responsibility reflections
- Career context
- Released in 2007, Thisisme Then: The Best of Common compiles tracks from the artist's career leading up to this point, including his breakthrough album, Like Water for Chocolate (2000). At this juncture, Common was solidifying his status as a leading figure in conscious hip-hop while transitioning into mainstream success, helped by collaborations with artists like Kanye West.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Q-Tip· Anderson .Paak· Erykah Badu
Tracklist
- 1 Take It EZ Start here 4:10
- 2 Breaker 1/9 4:03
- 3 Soul by the Pound 4:21
- 4 Charms Alarm 4:31
- 5 Heidi Hoe 4:31
- 6 I Used to Love H.E.R. 4:40
- 7 Book of Life 5:06
- 8 Resurrection 3:48
- 9 Thisisme 4:55
- 10 Retrospect for Life 5:24
- 11 Reminding Me (of Sef) 4:56
- 12 All Night Long 5:48
- 13 G.O.D. (Gaining One's Definition) 4:48
- 14 Stolen Moments, Part III 2:32
- 15 High Expectations 4:15
What to play next
Finding Forever
2007
Continues the reflective themes with a blend of soulful beats and deep lyricism.
Be
2005
Sets the stage with similar smooth production and introspective lyrics.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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