Nobody's Smiling
by Common
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Jul 22, 2014
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 49
  3. Negative: 2 out of 49
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  1. Spangle
    Aug 24, 2014
    7
    Overall, Nobody's Smiling is a solid album. It has some definite lows in the middle with tracks such as "Blak Majik", "Speak My Piece", and "Hustle Harder", but those are sandwiched by good ones such as "Diamonds", "Kingdom", and "Rewind That". It is easy to become disillusioned by those middle tracks, but the inclusion of great tracks at the end brings you back into thinking this is aOverall, Nobody's Smiling is a solid album. It has some definite lows in the middle with tracks such as "Blak Majik", "Speak My Piece", and "Hustle Harder", but those are sandwiched by good ones such as "Diamonds", "Kingdom", and "Rewind That". It is easy to become disillusioned by those middle tracks, but the inclusion of great tracks at the end brings you back into thinking this is a good album. As a whole, Common has released better ones, but Nobody's Smiling is a solid entry into his discography that gets the job done.… Expand
  2. Don_SoLow
    Jul 22, 2014
    9
    Definitely the best rap album of the year so far. It's a good album overall with a good amount of Lyricism from Common and some great feature verses. The production for some songs sound a little too abstract for Common, but overall had some really good production. Common does a very good job of sticking with the theme of the album and illustrating what it means to be from Chicago. TheDefinitely the best rap album of the year so far. It's a good album overall with a good amount of Lyricism from Common and some great feature verses. The production for some songs sound a little too abstract for Common, but overall had some really good production. Common does a very good job of sticking with the theme of the album and illustrating what it means to be from Chicago. The features from Lil Herb and Vince Staples really adds to the theme too. Definitely a great album compared to the rap albums that have come out this year so far.… Expand
  3. rhyjell
    Jul 23, 2014
    9
    This is vintage Common, so aggressive and lyrically sound. No ID was superb on the boards and even with the deluxe tracks the album clocks in under an hour, perfect length. Chicago can stand up and be proud!
  4. phenomgoodmusic
    Jul 23, 2014
    9
    So far ..... this is one of the best Hip-Hop albums of the year, along with "Piñata" by Freddie Gibbs and Madlib. This album contains Interesting, but overall great production. This is a concept album about Common's hometown Chicago, which contains lyrics and themes about violence, crime rates, and the economy of Chicago. The last track in the standard edition of this album contains anSo far ..... this is one of the best Hip-Hop albums of the year, along with "Piñata" by Freddie Gibbs and Madlib. This album contains Interesting, but overall great production. This is a concept album about Common's hometown Chicago, which contains lyrics and themes about violence, crime rates, and the economy of Chicago. The last track in the standard edition of this album contains an impressive tribute to the legendary deceased Hip-Hop producer J Dilla. Overall, Common hasn't been this impressive since "Be" and "Like Water for Chocolate".… Expand
  5. jrodfilms
    Aug 14, 2014
    7
    dark beats, some questionable guest appearances though. stand out tracks include 'blak majik' and the lead single 'kingdom.' at 10 tracks it is short and sweet.
  6. Urbanlistener
    Apr 28, 2015
    9
    Common makes a great return with this album, definitely his best since Be. Most of the beats are great, Common is as good as ever on his storytelling ability and brings the Chicago hip-hop sound to your home with dark and touching themes.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. The Wire
    Dec 2, 2014
    80
    He's nowhere near as agile as he once was, but that slack is picked up on a handful of collaborations with sharp young rappers like Lil Herb and Vince Staples. [Sep 2014, p.65]
  2. Under The Radar
    Sep 5, 2014
    70
    Edgy songs whose No I.D.-driven production fits adeptly in conversation with the beats dominating contemporary hip-hop. [Sep/Oct 2014, p.100]
    Read full review
  3. Q Magazine
    Aug 28, 2014
    80
    Sounds dangerously like a genuine hip-hop album. [Sep 2014, p.114]
See all critic reviews »