CD giveaway, details at end of review
Kid Cudi
Man On The Moon: The End of Day
G.O.O.D. Music
out September 14th
78/100
[Rating Scale]
[rating:78/100]
Honestly, I didn’t expect anything this fresh from Kid CuDi. Personal expectations for his debut Man On The Moon: The End Of Day were low. I wrote him off as just another blog fad, riding the electro wave to its crash with the Crookers remix of megahit ‘Day N Nite’, and overshadowed by a star-studded guest list and production on ‘Make Her Say’ without proving anything about his own artistic merit – of which I believed he had none. His flow was too awkward, too much of a pale imitation of his producer and mentor, Kanye West (and we all know by now the world only needs one Kanye West). But after giving the album a solid listen and more, the music has spoken and I’ve had a change of heart: CuDi is for real.
But before we begin, and as this is my first review on PMA, a preface. People who know me know I’m a sucker for this intangible musical quality which I like to call sincerity. What I mean by that is the music isn’t just a critic or fan pleaser but it’s clear that what the artist wanted most was to make a recording that actually carries some vestige of meaningful personal depth. A truly excellent work sounds like putting a stethoscope up to the heart and mind of its creator. Anyone who has ever labored over something that personal knows the vulnerability of putting whatever it is ‘out there.’
Well, for someone who already has two hugely popular songs with massive radio play, CuDi has put an album out there that is raw, expressing throughout his own deepest fears, especially his lifelong vulnerability to failure and loneliness. And he’s done so in an original way. First, there’s the track list. The album is split into five acts, each act transitioning with spoken word narrations by Common. They form a vague narrative about his childhood as a loner to his present-day search for identity and pressure to be great. The precise meaning of it all will be better left resolved amongst stoner circles and blunts in the coming months. Which is probably how CuDi would want it anyways, considering how often the dude raps about weed, but it’s exactly that kind of honesty about his own life I’ve come to love about the guy.
But how does it sound? Most who have been following his meteoric rise since his mixtape A Kid Named CuDi dropped last year saw it is only logical to think that Man on the Moon would be CuDi’s College Dropout. But the album is more 808s and Heartbreaks than College Dropout, a genre-bending release that exists in that musically ambiguous gray area between hip hop, R&B, pop, and electronica. Instead of taking the easy way out and depending too heavily on Kanye and his label G.O.O.D. Music’s high profile connections, CuDi shows a commitment to originality by keeping the production fresh and the guest stars low. The best beats are by little known beatsmiths Emile (‘Soundtrack’), Plain Pat (‘Simple As’), Dot Da Genius (‘Day N Nite’), and two particular phatties by Ratatat (‘Pursuit of Happiness’, ‘Alive’). Together, the album has a consistent ambient, downtempo, spacey feel that complement CuDi’s flow and persona perfectly.
But for all its freshness and innovation, I would hardly call the album a masterpiece. Fifteen tracks seems too long, with the album dipping in quality after the first act before picking up again six tracks later in the fourth, which is easily the best. Still, for all its ambition, CuDi deserves some recognition, if not a second or third listen. The way the album is put together means it’s quality is definitely enhanced by listening to it all the way through, from beginning to end. That way, even the worst, most awkward songs sound better in context.
If anything at all, the album has four or five standout tracks that make it at the very least more than worthwhile to check out. To name a few: ‘Soundtrack 2 My Life’ (CuDi at his rawest and with the best opening lines of a hip hop song I’ve heard since, well, I first heard 99 Problems), “Pursuit of Happiness” (the third single and an amazing collaboration – Ratatat owns the beat as CuDi rap-sings with backup vocals by MGMT, followed by a signature electrorock solo), and ‘Up Up & Away (The Wake and Bake Song)’, which is a hybrid of rap and rock that I’ve never heard pulled off fantastically, but I give CuDi mad respect for making it sound more than decent. Then there’s the good stuff you’ve already heard, ‘Day N Nite’ (which I am just recently being able to tolerate again after massive overkill) and ‘Make Her Say’ (the only big name collaboration).
All in all, while it’s not on the same level of game-changing debut that College Dropout was, Man on the Moon is definitely one of the most original and exciting new sounds of this year. It is definitely a promising start to CuDi’s career as a rapper, a career that is about to take off and take CuDi off his lonely moon and into the spotlight.
Rate this album:
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Tags: Kanye West, Kid Cudi, MGMT, Ratatat
I’ve always loved Cudi from the moment I heard him, but never did I expect him to come up with such an inspirational and emotional album. His sincerity adds that extra dimension which hip-hop lacks these days. In that sense he reminds me of the Jay-Z / Nas type person, who spills their heart on the tracks.
The album makes so much sense, and flows in a moving way, any time you need time alone to think, this album is the perfect remedy.
Definite 9/10
that was class although im surprised no ones talking about do it alone, I cant stop listening to it, that , cudi zone and soundtrack 2 my life. Sky might fall is amazing but it was leaked about a year ago
one of the best hip-hop albums this year, although it barely references the genre throughout. Its fresh, dark, deep, slick and soft whilst never seeming pretentious like Kaynes efforts. I hope he stays lonely so he dosent get watered down like the afore mentioned innovator.
great for a chilled mood
Album is certainly one of the best in the past couple of years, but it lacks a certain edge. The whole thing melody wise is perfect, but lyrics don’t pair it. Since Kanye’s first album that was a lot different than the other rap alpums of the time, it’s the same story with this one. But College dropout had songs on it that you remember till this day, because they had that certain something, while Cudi’s songs miss that.
Album would be praised, but mark my word it will be forgotten in a couple of months, because it sounds a lot like a background music I could put it on and enjoy the music but not notice it.
My 2 cents
I like KiD CuDi, but this album was pretty sleepy. The raps felt simple, the vocals were middle of the road, the beats felt way too down-tempo and sucked the energy out of the album as a whole, and it didn’t feel nearly as original as I’d expect him to be after his mix-tape.
He’s not a bad lyricist, but like I said most of his work feels really simple. Especially when compared to what other people like Wale are doing in this “genre-bending” area of hip-hop. And I’m sorry, but “Make Her Say” is just an obnoxious song.
I think “Alive” is the stand-out track for showing how the down-tempo can work, “Sky Might Fall” is unpredictably catchy (but horribly flat in part), “CuDi Zone” showcases some strong rapping and I love the inclusion of strings, and “Up Up and Away” is pretty solid as a closer with a tone (and title) that kind of gift lift off (into the rest of his career?). But overall, I don’t see this confirming – much less cementing – KiD CuDi as a dynamic force in hip-hop.
I think Devin Middleton knows what the fuck he’s talking about.
god this album rocks!
i love all of cudi’s stuff
still love the album though, dont get me wrong
i think more people are actually more inlove with Cudi the person rather than Cudi the artist, cuz if you take a hard, objective look, his talents arent that high
I definitely agree with the other people, that a 78 is a low rating.T here’s not a song on the album that i would skip if it started playing. The PMA rating scale seems flawed, there definitely appears to be a bias towards experimental, indie rock, folk. It also seems like the reviewer’s expect the same sort of lyrical prowess that the aforementioned type of musicians produce and ignore the fact that some artists compensate for their lack of profound lyrics with ENTERTAINING music that is simple, pleasurable, and actually danceable.
I’m actually going to half to agree with Sound Vertie.
The only thing I do like about this album is when Kid Cudi isn’t boring me with his monotone voice.
Just Sayn’
hmm, the album is amazing, but not game changing, its refreshing thats for sure, but it seems like we’re focusing more on his intentions rather than what he really did, Hes great b/c of his genre bending and great with melodies, and to the first poster, Robert, Cudi did help with writing, but that was only a few hooks and a couple lines or so, i wouldnt go as far as saying Ye is looking up to Cudi for direction, n neither is Cudi to Ye, Kanye just opened doors for artist like Cudi to be accepted amongst the masses, but lets not hand out credit to where its not due, but anyway,
Cudi’s great b/c he wants to make an honest album which speaks to people with similar backgrounds as him, n he did, but hes still not a great artist, a very good artist yet, but not great, lyrically, hes not that amazing, his lyrics never blew me away, its more of that, im amazed that i get where hes coming from, and not, im amazed that i get where hes coming from and hes saying it in such a beautiful way, of course, this will take time n hes only gonna grow, but it seems like we’re putting him up on a pedestal a little too quick, n hes still hasnt reached the level we’re all hyping him up to be at, so much potential, i realize, so much heart, its there, but he needs to hone his skills a little more, n then he’ll be up there
THANK YOU. Couldn’t have said it any better!
LOVE the new Cudi. A 78 rating in my opinion is low since Cudi definitely set himself apart from the other new DJs/emcees out there by putting out tracks with more depth, but I think this review is dead on. Upon first listen- I’m favoring Soundtrack 2 My Life, Heart of a Lion, ALive, Cudi Zone, Pursuit of Happiness, Up Up & Away (not much depth to it, but its upbeat and catchy on the first listen). Saw Cudi perform some of these new tracks live at Lollapalooza and it was one of my favorite sets of the fest.
Kid Cudi album is ok I liked the mixtape better but I can’t wait for B.o.B aka Bobby Ray’s album to drop or Kid Sister’s lllllooooonnnnnnnnngggggggggg awaited debut ……..Don’t forget to give them some PMA love Luis
Blown away by the album. The review is dead on the money. Cudi is legit and he’s genuine. Saw him live and it was awesome.
I think you’ve been smoking too much crack Josh, the album is definitely better the sad rating of a 78. He really has changed the game, with all these new emcees to the table he has truly separated himself to be the front runner of the pack (wale, drake, curren$y, BoB just to name a few).
15 tracks being too long? get real man, as far as tracks being fire, theres plenty, cudi zone, enter galactic and heart of a lion being right up there with soundtrack, alive, pursuit, and up up and away. Stop being a hipster and hating on good music (which im surprised cudi hasnt become too mainstream for you to listen)
Relax man, reviews aren’t definitive. If you feel the music that’s awesome, not everyone responds in the same way and we can’t know if he’s changed the game in the first week the album’s released! But seriously, amazing album! I’d rate it an 8.5!
I love this album. Cudder’s simple melodies fit so perfectly over the production. Musically, it sounds fresh. And Cudi comes across as a real dude. So real he’s not even afraid to admit he worked at Abercrombie & Fitch haha.
word? hahaha! +5 points for that.
my fav tracks are “soundtrack 2 my life”, “pursuit of happyness”, “alive”, & the crookers mix of day n nite.
soundtrack 2 my life is prob my favorite song on the album. it’s so raw and emotional but it still has that hook.
hook me up with that!
I love Cudder so this album was unlikely to disappoint, my favourites were:
Soundtrack 2 My Life
Simple As…
Solo Dolo
Heart of a Lion
Day ‘n’ Nite
Sky Might Fall
Cudi Zone
Alive
Make Her Say
Pursuit of Happiness
Up Up
Essentially, over two-thirds of the album
.
The only criticisms are that I had already killed several songs which were released before the album which lessened my enjoyment a bit haha.
Also I would have liked to see CuDi rap more, he ’sings’ a bit too much throughout the album for me and some more spitting, I feel, would have complimented the other tracks nicely, as it did on ‘A Kid Named Cudi’.
9/10 from a huge fan, definitely one of the freshest acts around.
Lot of good songs on here, though some are just too plain.
faves – heart of a lion and alive
and of course day n nite- gotta love it
good songs on this album.
Alive, Make Her Say, Pursuit of Happiness, Up Up and Away, and Soundtrack 2 My life are some of the best on it.
Haven’t really been feeling the other songs too much.
good review!
CuDi’s performance (with Ratatat) on Letterman last Friday is worth checking out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kt-KkPkqXc
It’s just soo original! I mean there isn’t one big hit that’s gonna be playing on the radio forever but the more I listen to him the more I like him. I loved his mixtapes and like his album. I think that some artists might slowly go in Cudi’s direction and his stuff won’t be as original in a few years.
WHERE ARE MY BONUS TRACKS!!!!….Real Pissed!! that they’re not on the deluxe edition!…I co-sign all the comments^^^^vvvvvv
man on the moon
t.g.i.f.
is there any love
i bought the deluxe edition too. no bonus tracks. on the plastic it said “cd includes 3 bonus tracks”
i don’t know where they are. have you gotten them yet???
This album is great for a debut. I admit, I got greedy and downloaded the leak about a week ahead of time, but I still bought the Deluxe edition on itunes. I LOVED the album then, and I still LOVE it now. Rap needs this sincerity and truthfulness, not the same bs songs over and over.
Sure the album gets a little too melodramatic around track 6, but once Enter Galactic starts up, I get pumped up and I can ride on that until the end of Up Up and Away.
P.S.: The bonus videos in the Deluxe Edition really get you into Cudder’s head and make the tone of the album much clearer.
I felt the same, wasnt really expecting much, loved pursuit of happiness mostly cause of ratatat but gave the whole album a listen and was surprised. lots of good stuff on there, but still some pretty boring ones. good review.
I definitely feel where your coming from. I just think it goes deeper than that. For me, after mildly enjoying his mixtapes, the CD was a decent surprise. The more leaks and snippets that came out the more I was excited for it. For the new sound. For someone trying something so different (songs like Up, up, and away) on their debut album, it’s definitely dope. I really only disliked 1, maybe 2 songs on the entire thing. It’s perfect for a play through on the long drive home at night when it’s just you and your thoughts. That’s what the whole CD is… CuDi and his thoughts. I feel like he did a really good job of bringing that out and letting us know what’s going on inside his mind with a cool vibe that is certainly influenced by everyone around him (is that such a bad thing?) and definitively his own at the same time. I’d give it an 88/100. Hopefully he can avoid the sophomore slump on his next album and if nothing else come with it just as hard.
I think Make Her Say was cute and clever.
I’m love love loving Pursuit Of Happiness (and thank God they spelt it correct, not like the awful Will Smith movie).
Ratatat: much better than the similarly named Pokemon.
lmao. you mean Ratata? hey. i played pokemon red religiously when i was little, don’t judge.
but yeah Pursuit of Happiness, Alive, and Soundtrack 2 My Life, and CuDi Zone, and… i could go on all day.
great album.
he did say “similarly named”
There was a reason why the movie ‘Pursuit Of Happyness’ was spelled that way. Think on a deeper level to figure out why.
Did we listen to the same album? This is the most outstanding thing in hip hop… up there with Wale’s tapes… and it certainly isn’t necessary to keep referencing him like Kanye’s protege. Cudi had it on lock before he even met that egomaniac. Cudi has had more influence on Kanye’s music than the other way around. For Christ’s sake he wrote for 4 of the 808s tracks.
Kid Cudi stands on his own two and is heads above the rest. I’m glad you know that now but jeez… how the hell did it take you so long?
It’s cool, a bit drowsy.
http://www.culturebully.com/kid-cudi-man-on-the-moon-end-of-day-review