When an album is extremely hyped, it's easy for it to fall short of expectations. Especially when people are discussing and looking forward to an album for a long time, expectations can grow to the point where it's almost impossible to meet them. It says something about an album like Common's new masterpiece that even after all of the buildup, it blows away all expectations.

Like Water For Chocolate is something completely different from everything that has come before it. It is, without a doubt, hip-hop of the highest caliber. Beyond that, it is also an unparalleled musical journey. Everything in this album is exactly where it needs to be for maximum effect.

The Soulquarians (?love of the Roots, D'Angelo, Kelo, James Poyser and Jay Dee of The Ummah and Slum Village provide the vast majority of the production on this album. Every instrument - from keys, to drums, to turntables to Com's voice itself is beautifully worked into near perfection. The one song not produced by this group of talented brothers is "The Sixth Sense," produced by DJ Premier. Nuff said.

Common, of course does not let the lyrical end of the equation fall. He continues to be introspective and analytical. He's also unafraid, be it of innovation, contradiction or offending the listeners. On each song you get a vision inside of Com's head. This is a feat which is extremely difficult considering the depth of his honesty. This honesty is a breath of fresh air in these days when people seem to be competing to see who can play the "realest," hardest gangster role. The guest artists also contribute their unique expressions to this opus. From Mos Def to Cee-Lo of the Goodie Mob, Slum Village to MC Lyte, Bilal to D'Angelo to Jill Scott this would not be the same album without each of them. At the same time, it remains an intensely personal missive from Common to each and every listener.

The one drawback this album has is that it's almost too good! Once you begin listening, it is extremely different to stop. Each song flows seamlessly into the next and everything feels right as a cohesive unit. As such I recommend that you listen to this album at least a few times from beginning to end. You won't have any difficulty, and you'll greatly enjoy the experience. I promise. That said, particularly hot tracks include: "Time Travelin'," "Dooinit," "The Light," "Funky For You," "The Questions," "The 6th Sense," "Nag Champa," "Thelonius," and "A Song For Assata."

In case you hadn't guessed yet, Who's really feeling this album, and I'm pretty sure most of the site's readers, whether full-time heads or not, will have to agree with me. There has already been quite a bit of extremely high quality hip-hop released this year, and this album leads the pack so far. Do what you need to do, but if you love music you're going to want to have a copy of Like Water for Chocolate in your collection.