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Life & Arts

Political, personal mark new releases 

Music Notes

Eli Jabbe

Common is one of the most recognizable names in the music world. He has been making quality music for years, including his 1994 classic breakthrough album Resurrection and 2000's Like Water for Chocolate. 

Common gained mainstream exposure with the hit "The Light," and most recently, 2005's Be, which is Common's biggest album to date. 

The album featured a different sound from previous albums, as Common's long-time friend and fellow Chicago native Kanye West executive produced the album, handling the production of all but two of the 11 songs. West was heavily involved with the production, lending his soulful backdrops for Common to voice his thoughts and share memorable quotes, but remained behind the scene, only rapping on one song. The formula worked well, and it looks like it will be expanded on this summer with Common's latest album, Finding Forever.

Kanye will handle most of the production again. The guest appearances, though, will be limited to only a few singers, including a very much-anticipated collaboration with fellow lyrical elite, Nas. Common recently explained to MTVNews.com: "Finding Forever really means to find a place in music where you can exist forever. Music can be forever if you make it from the heart, if you make it from the soul and it's good." 

In addition, singer Tori Amos is returning with a new album this summer. This effort will find the 20-year veteran making songs with political messages, such as the slated first single "Yo George." 

On the song, Amos asks "Where have we gone wrong, America?" Amos further explained her message to MTVNews.com: "If for one minute the generation who is about old enough and eligible to vote thinks this is about one person, then we're all very foolish." 

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