Nobody's Smiling is Common's tenth studio album. This time, the rapper was inspired by his hometown Chicago and especially by the unrest and crime. He then concluded that there is little to laugh about in the world on a larger scale. A serious note, which we are used to from this idiosyncratic rapper. Permanent producer NO ID opens the record with a very appropriate vocal sample from Curtis Mayfield.
Then Common, accompanied by a soulful beat, gives the listener a tour of 'Chi City'. After that it gradually becomes more and more difficult to keep the attention. This is mainly due to the compositions of NO ID, which are not very catchy, especially around the middle of the album due to a sudden minimalist approach. It could also be that the shelf life of the chemistry between the two gentlemen has already passed. Nobody's Smiling starts and ends strong, but tastes very sour in between. (GL)more
