The Word On: The Dreamer/The Believer, Common

"Unfortunately plays out like a trial in time management; it's a passable album of mostly neutral jams and bare-minimum production... The beats are repetitive, the choruses are mostly forgettable, and a few tracks – like 'Windows', an obligatory middle-aged reflection on being a father – are downright cheesy." avclub.com

"Even when you add up all the winning moments of 'The Dreamer/The Believer', including the throwback lyrical stomp of 'Ghetto Dreams' with Nas and the gorgeous, effortless melodies of 'Cloth', you're still left with performances that pale in comparison to those on 'Like Water for Chocolate' and 'Resurrection'." slantmagazine.com

"Consider 'The Dreamer/The Believer' a wake-up call then, a reminder of just how good the man is and how much respect he deserves." djbooth.net