With the recent succession of singles tiding us over, hip hop veteran Common's 11th album, "Black America Again," has finally been released. Since 1992, Common has been of America's most unique and powerful voices in hip hop, even after transitioning from the underground scene to the spotlight of the mainstream. He has been acclaimed by fans and critics alike for his music, which stands apart from others in the genre due to its socially-conscious, introspective, and poetic style. This continues with "Black America Again," although it's still too early to determine its place among the rest of Common's catalog (although I think it's one of his most relevant and consistently strong efforts in a few years). However, with a career spanning more than 20 years, Common has already given us many, many musical gems to transport us to musical nirvana with. So in honor of his new album, here are 20 of Common's greatest songs:

1. "I Used To Love H.E.R."

[From 1994's "Resurrection"]

Hands down Common's masterpiece, this song tells the story of a woman and her degradation through the years as she changes who she associates with and how she acts. However, this woman is revealed to be a personification of hip hop, and the song ultimately becomes an extended metaphor that critiques the transition of hip hop in the late 1980's/early 1990's from conscious/Afrocentric rap to predominately funky, gangsta rap. This track is widely called Common's best by fans and critics, but isn't without its famous detractors (we'll touch upon this in a bit). Still, even after all these years, this song deserves its praise for enduring as one of the most brilliant, heartfelt and beautifully-written songs of the genre.

2. "The Light"

[From 2000's "Like Water For Chocolate"]

One of the most genuine love songs in hip hop, Common's "The Light" takes the form of a poetic letter written to his then-girlfriend, with honest and sensitive lyrics that would be considered atypical for the genre, which combine with the instrumentation to create a stunning track. Unsurprisingly, the song was a big hit, and helped catapult Common into the mainstream, even scoring a nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance at the Grammy Awards in 2001.

3. "Retrospect For Life"

[From 1997's "One Day It'll All Make Sense"]

The standout track from Common's third album, this single features autobiographical lyrics about Common lamenting on the issue of abortion and the choice of going through with the procedure, or having a son when he and his girlfriend aren't ready. An emotionally-charged song filled with introspection, the addition of Lauryn Hill as guest vocalist on the chorus only serves to amp up the song's emotional pull, with her voice prone to give listeners goosebumps.

4. "The 6th Sense"

[From 2000's "Like Water For Chocolate"]

Beginning with an introduction that recalls the Black Power movement slogan, "The revolution will not be televised," Common's first single off of his 4th album reflects on topics of hip hop culture, Afrocentrism, the hard work needed to become a successful rapper, and social issues like the violence in Chicago, all while remaining uplifting and thoughtful. As with many Common songs, the music is relaxing and the lyrics are fluid and filled with word play.

5. "Resurrection"

[From 1994's "Resurrection"]

The opening track off of Common's second album, this songs sets the tone for the rest of the album to follow and features smooth piano playing over a drum beat beat paired with lyrics that effectively act as both a re-introduction and reinvention of Common following his debut album (where he was mostly known as Common Sense); now, he would be truly defined as Common, an introspective and socially aware rapper.

6. "GO!"

[From 2005's "Be"]

Featuring backing vocals by Kanye West and John Mayer, this single off of Common's 6th album explores the notion of fantasies, especially sexual fantasies. With it's easy-going rhythm, down-to-Earth lyrics, and smooth delivery by all three singers, this is a song that works perfectly if you're either cruising around in a car at night, or just simply drifting into sleep on a comfortable bed.

7. "G.O.D. (Gaining One's Definition)"

[From 1997's "One Day It'll All Make Sense"]

Dealing with one's spiritual questions about life and the uncertainty of where it's heading, this is one of Common's most mature songs that deals with growing up and finding yourself. Another piano-lead, smooth beat, this track also features CeeLo Green (better known today for his humorous song "Fuck You"), who showcases his true skills as a vocalist through his guest verse and performance of the song's chorus.

8. "The Corner"

[From 2005's "Be"]

A return to the raw, underground sound of his first few albums, this songs discusses street corners in poor neighborhoods, and the struggles of the people who inhabit both. Much like "GO!," this song also features Kanye West (who also directed the music video) and The Last Poets, a group of poets and musicians that were an early influence on hip hop. Plus, at the 48th Grammy Awards, it was nominated for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.

9. "Ghetto Dreams"

[From 2011's "The Dreamer/The Believer"]

A booming, 90's sounding song off of Common's 9th album, the biggest selling point of this song is the collaboration between Common and fellow hip hop veteran Nas, who performs the chorus and a guest verse. While Common's two verses are on point, Nas' verse deserves the most praise, recalling his acclaimed previous verses on Raekwon's "Verbal Intercourse" and Main Source's "Live at the Barbeque." When looking at all these factors, it's hard not seeing this song as the highlight of "The Dreamer/The Believer."

10. "The Bitch In Yoo"

[1996 Non-album Single]

While many people loved and praised Common's "I Used to Love H.E.R.," one of those who absolutely hated the song was rapper Ice Cube, who helped usher in gangsta rap with his group N.W.A. This resulted in Ice Cube and the rest of his group, Westside Connection, releasing a diss song entitled "Westside Slaughterhouse," where they verbally attacked Common and other East Coast rappers (although Common is actually from Chicago). Common responded with this diss track, a venomous lyrical assault on Ice Cube that proved Common isn't one to be messed with. The feud was ended following the deaths of Tupac and Biggie, but this song still packs a punch to this day.

11. "Watermelon"

[From 1994's "Resurrection"]

Arguably containing Common's most clever and rhythmically potent first verse, this song describes Common's abilities as an emcee and his lyrics that will exceed all others. This was one of the songs that Common was most known for in his early days, and it's still an impressive display of clever writing, rhymes, and word play.

12. "All Night Long"

[From 1997's "One Day It'll All Make Sense"]

A smooth, lounge rap number from his third album, this single is the perfect, laid-back type of track that you'd want to listen to while cruising through a city at night, much like "GO!," although this one is even relaxed and rhythmic. It's also notable for featuring production done by The Roots, as well as the guest vocals of Erykah Badu (who would become the subject of his song "The Light"), whose singing voice on the chorus works wonders with Common's tranquil and polished flow. Common would later be featured on her fantastic hit song, "Love Of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop), which personifies hip hop in the same way as "I Used to Love H.E.R."

13. "Be (Intro)"

[From 2005's "Be"]

Largely an instrumental introduction for the "Be" album, this track starts the record off on a high note, with a bopping bass beat, spacey synthesizers, and dynamic violins synthesizing to create an incredibly catchy instrumental piece. The track is then elevated further by Common's entrance, who raps a concise, roughly minute-long verse about the problems society is facing, children being the key for a brighter future, and how being alive in the present is a gift.

14. "They Say" (2005)

[From 2005's "Be"]

Featuring another appearance by Kanye West, this mellow track also features John Legend showing off his pipes on the chorus. Nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 2006 Grammy Awards, the song acts as the perfect three-part showcase for the three artisits, especially John Legend (who would later go on to collaborate with Common on the Oscar-winning song "Glory").

15. "Come Close"

[From 2002's "Electric Circus"]

Another love song directed to his then-girlfriend and occasional collaborator Erykah Badu, this love song takes the form of a marriage proposal to her. Much like "The Light," "Come Close" is another rare example of a genuine hip hop love song, but one that also benefits from the vocal prowess of the always fantastic Mary J. Blige, who brings her A-game to the track.

16. "Real People"

[From 2005's "Be"]

Another smooth, lounge rap number featuring a distinct, jazzy horn undercurrent, this song serves as an ode to the city and streets of Chicago, and the people who inhabit it. However, the song also explores Common's roots to the city and the rough neighborhood where he grew up, with his thoughts wrestling with the effects that fame has had on how he is perceived, and if he is still truly able to connect with his former home.

17. "Testify"

[From 2005's "Be"]

Nominated for Best Solo Rap Performance at the 48th Grammy Awards, this song demonstrates Common's ability as a storyteller. Centering on a woman, the story follows her as she testifies and tricks a judge and jury to find her partner guilty of a crime that she committed, with the story ending as she laughs triumphantly in front of everyone and reveals her deception. The track isn't long, but Common still manages to completely engross you into the story.

18. "Blue Sky"

[From 2011's "The Dreamer/The Believer"]

The second single off of 2011's "The Dreamer/The Believer," this track acts as one of Common's most spiritual and uplifting songs. It describes the struggles that one may face in life, but also how one may be guided down the right path by God, who already guides and inspires many peoples' lives. This song has a feel-good vibe that makes it perfect to listen to on a cool summer day, preferably when the sky is clear.

19. "Kingdom"

[From 2014's "Nobody's Smiling"]

The standout song from Common's 2014 effort, "Nobody's Smiling," this song, along with the rest of the album's tracks, tackles the subject of the high crime rate and violence that plagues Chicago. Although Common has rapped about Chicago many times before in previous songs, this song has a darker, Gospel-esque feel to it that adds to the grim tone, although there is an underlying positive message from both Common and guest rapper Vince Staples about the hope of making something good out of life and one day going to Heaven.

20. "Book Of Life"

[From 1994's "Resurrection"]

Told from the point of view of a man in the ghetto, this song features the narrator musing about the aimlessness of his life and his bleak surroundings, as well as the facets of hip hop and pop culture that have influenced him. For most of the song, the narrator seems to be reciting these standard lamentations about his sad thoughts, grim situation, and inner restlessness, although the song twists and ends on a positive note, with the narrator aware that he will find happiness and aware that he will find himself; luckily having plenty of time in his life left to do it.

Some Honorable Mentions:

"The Questions," "Faithful," "Geto Heaven Part Two," "The People," "Southside," "Communism," "Reminding Me (Of Sef)," "Changes," "Universal Mind Control (UMC)," "Take It EZ," "A Penny For My Thoughts," "Stolen Moments," "Sweet," "Diamonds," and his collaborative song with John Legend, "Glory."