Beautiful Revolution, Pt. 2

A Beautiful Revolution, Pt. 2 is very similar to the work of pain, resilience, hope, and advocacy that preceded it less than a year earlier. Like A Beautiful Revolution, Pt. 1, the core backing for Common here is producer/drummer Karriem Riggins, bassist Burniss Travis, and guitarist/keyboardist Isaiah Sharkey, and singer/songwriter PJ again is involved almost enough to justify a co-billing. Also similar: the first voice heard is that of Jessica Care Moore, the last is that of fellow poet Morgan Parker, and the Roots' Black Thought appears on track three -- this one an Afrobeat rumbler further authenticated by saxophone and additional vocals from Seun Kuti. (Moore, Parker, and Thought all contribute in equally powerful form.) Common is just as eager to share the spotlight, and it doesn't take much exposure to understand that he's still collectivist-minded instead of short on ideas. This is most evident on "Saving Grace," for which he delivers a contemplative opening verse and exits to make room for a helping of Brittany Howard's bluesy gospel soul. Few moments truly stand out or offer something not provided by part one, though there are a couple nice surprises toward the end: Riggins' clever usage of a René & Angela quiet storm classic on the utopic "Imagine," and a visit from Raphael Saadiq on the righteous "Get It Right," in which Common extols "a woman vice president that went to Howard" and "Stacey and the people of Georgia." The energy throughout the album is so steady and positive that, even at a low volume, it can have a pacifying effect on the soul. ~ Andy Kellman