Kid Cudi - Man on the Moon: The End of the Day

"The Dark Side of the Moon" in hip-hop form.

This, in my opinion, is the best hip-hop album since "The College Dropout" but once again it's just my opinion. I've been excited for this album ever since I first heard Day'N'Night. I'll admit that his lyrics aren't the greatest, and that really this doesn't add up to a hip-hop album, but consider this along the same lines as 808. This is the trippiest hip-hop album I've ever heard, and I love it.

Fire

he is the man and i love this album its got that new new ####
the stuff of the future

dam

My boy Cudi go hard... He next afta Kanye... 10/10

This is a great album, but it is not for everybody. For the people that are looking for crazy punchlines, you will definately be disappointed. But he does a great job of story telling and you can feel the emotions in his songs. There really is not a bad song on it. The space theme is kind of cool and there are some great tracks such as Solo Dolo, Soundtrack 2 my Life & Pursuit of Happiness. Its not quite a classic, but its definately top 5 albums released this year so far. I'll give it a 4.5

Cudi Zone is my ish, one of the best songs this year. This album is on repeat right now.

The thing about cudi is that he appeals to a wide audience. People who dont like hip hop feel him because he brings something new to the table.

There were a number of cuts off his mixtapes that I feel should have made it to the album, but its still a solid release from start to finish.

Really? 5 star reviews? I'm surprised. I thought the album was okay at best. I agree with Nathan 100% when he says it's all style with no substance.

Originality does not always make things good. Cudi did something incredibly new here (at least in his genre) and, honestly, I found none of it very enjoyable. Every song on this album follows a similar tone, with a similar beat, with similar vocals (with a few exceptions). Most of the songs sound disjointed; sacrificing the enjoyment factor for artistic merit.

I guess this album isn't for everybody but obviously there are fans so I can see it doing respectably with album sales. I'm just personally not a fan.

Favorite Tracks:
Day N Night
Cudi Zone
Sky Might Fall
Pursuit of Happyness
Soundtrack 2 My Life

KiD CuDi is the shit and this album just solidifies that!!!

i agree with the rating, 3.5 stars. Not sure about being high and all, but I pretty much agree with the rest of the review.

I think the thing that holds me back from really liking this album is all of the woe-is-me self-loathing. Sure introspection and self-doubt, we all got it, and plenty of problems. But an entire album? For me, it makes it difficult to listen to it all the way through because afterwards i'm just depressed and feel just like the loser Cudi claims not to be in his lyrics. And I don't need or want to feel that way.

So I'll pull this album out when I'm feeling down. It'll piss me off so much that i'll start to feel good about myself haha.

Great debut album, but I think that A Kid Called Cudi was almost a better release. Nevertheless awesome and nevertheless epic when youre high. A great album for Cudi, hes gonna blow.

I wouldn't say that this album is going to be an instant 5-star "classic," but you also have to admit that Cudi is pushing the limits of what you can call Hip-Hop with The End of the Day. I personally found his electro-space endeavor a real pleasure. A good album doesn't necessarily need all the tracks to sound different, and Phantom, to say that "Simple As..." and "Enter Galactic" sound the same is foolish. Kid Cudi is still in the process of finding his style and his individuality as an artist. It would be more than understandable if you could listen to one song pulled out of my iTunes library and be able to tell that it came off this album. The inclusion of RATATAT on the production was also spot on. I can't wait to sit back for a few years and watch him develop.

I think 3 is a little harsh.

This album is genius! Dark, scary at times, but GENIUS! Its songs like "Solo Dolo" where his genius really shines imo.

My Picks:
Cudi Zone
Solo Dolo
Hyyerr
Up Up & Away

hot shytt cudi need to keep doin him

1.pursuit of happiness
2.heart of a lion
3.solo dolo
4.up up & away
5.sky might fall

yeah not a great album but its a very good one. the vibe of this cd wont fit all but it full of good music. cudi zone is my shit though

CuDi got album of the yr wit this one. CuDi is one of the very very few artists in hip hop that can relate to his audience and make u feel like he lives a 'normal' life like most of us.
If u ask me, you dont need to be high to recognize this is great music. This is quality music from beginning to end that tells the story of his life. CuDi expresses his deep inner thoughts and feelings and even though it contains depressing lyrics, he makes it all connect beautifully.
As for the questionable singin, i think he sounds good singin. Its cuz its a new and futuristic style of singin (i e Kanye CuDi and Mr Hudson). "Nathan S." u said Kanye has a futuristic mindset, he gettin all his artists with a futuristic sound now.
"donjonjon"- every person on Earth can prob write an entire album on their problems. Not many artists from any genre are willin to create an album so full of conflict and emotion, so it should be appreciated when someone can translate the negativity in their life into art.

Fav songs:
1. Pursuit of Happiness
2. Day N Nite
3. Make Her Say (I Poke Her Face)
4. Soundtrack To My Life
5. Solo Dolo

LOVE LOVE LOVE this album.
Way up there as far as debut albums go
Haven't stopped listening to it since 11am.

Cudi's one of the few mainstream artists that I actually like. I listened to the whole album last week and WOW I love every track. It's hard to pick favorites for me but,

1. Day N Nite
2. Pursuit of Happiness
3. Solo Dolo
4. Heard of a Lion
5. Alive
6. CuDi Zone

It's hard to pick though, CLASSIC!

Let me start by saying this, the album is like a surreal walk through the mind of the main character, that character is KiD CuDi. The production sonically pieces the ups and downs together into a cohesive unit. The album is best heard from beginning to end so you can feel the experience of it. The variety of instruments and narration (by Common) between songs take you on musical journey. The album is properly sequenced, which enhances both the rhythm and the pace of this work. The album’s rhythm is well managed. Speed changes are never stark or uneven but always
noticeable. The album is cohesive while still being entertaining and keeping on the path of the story. Adding Common as the narrator was a nice touch, it doesn’t come off as forced or pretentious, instead sets the mood for what’s to come.

From the jump you can tell that this is no party album as it opens with "In My Dreams" CuDi croons softly over violins and spacey keyboards where he emits pride and emotion in finally realizing his dream, and being able to share it with all his listeners. It’s the perfect tempo for an opening song. It sets the pace and allows for variation. On "Soundtrack To My Life"
instead of focusing on the usual topics, CuDi offers you a glimpse into his weaknesses and fears. The entire album is conceptually written and follows that tone all the way to the end. CuDi has a very rhythmic flow, with runs of harmonized sing-song raps. The rhyme schemes never gets in the way of the message, and the flow never fights the beat and just floats on top of it. He's not trying to convince you he's the hottest lyricist going but he's not so simplistic that you can't get with it. Album often indicates that KiD CuDi is more of a mood carrier who uses his words and
deliveries for atmospheric effect.

“Mr. Solo Dolo (nightmare),” which opens the second act. Over plucked harp strings and violins, CuDi immerses the listener in the landscape of his dreams. CuDi gives positive message on "Heart Of a Lion" showing us that following your dreams, no matter what other people think, is the only way to become truly happy over anthemic horn-like synths and piano chords.

"Day N Night" the track that started it all, chronicles the self-proclaimed stoner’s lonely adventures and the relief he finds in that good, sticky Kush. In "Sky Might Fall" the midnight
pensive moodiness of Kid Cudi holds sway, and the vibe is chill. The message screams “HOPE!” as he expresses the ups and downs of his life through rhymes and rhythm.

"Alive" a chick song where CuDi compares himself to a Werewolf and is on the “prowl” for chicks. Ya dig! ... "Hyyerr" in which Mr. Mescudi employs a new lyrical cadence that suits him (and the beat) quite well. There are no deep messages to be found, just two chill dudes making that laid back rap you can smoke to. I don’t even smoke anymore and I can still vibe to this sh*t all day.

"Up Up & Away" is one of my favorites and it sets off a flurry of positive emotions in me every time I listen to it. :s ~ :I ~ :-) seem to encompass you into a celebratory mood. All the artists need to take a note cos dats how you should end your joint! The moment it got over I was all ready for another spin front to back. Bookoo props to CuDi and all parties involved.

CuDi keeps his style tight throughout on standouts like “My World” and “Pursuit Of Happiness” but also opting for a slightly more straightforward rapping approach to verses, less sing-songy, spoken-wordish delivery on one of my favorites cut "CuDi Zone."

Just like most of the fans of his past ventures, I was also taken aback by the focus on singing aspect more this time around. But I can't help but enjoy the fact that he took another route to express his life and still put out solid songs throughout the whole CD.
It’s undoubted that KiD CuDi ain't a gifted singer, but he does possess an appropriate sense of tone and harmony to pull of sing-songy delivery with ease. And I don't mind hearing slight errors of an artist as long as their voice is filled with true emotion and care as they sing capturing lyrics.

As far as for the production on the tape, CuDi went down the synth heavy, electro route for a good deal of the record. Cudi takes Spaceship metaphor and flies away with the electro sound giving the tape a echoic, almost ambient sound at times and space age feel. The tracks that lack the electro touch, feature a stripped down and simple production value which let his rhyming and singing shine through. The production is intense/dark where it needs to be and soothing/celebratory where it needs to be. The album sonically captures emotions and then CuDi comes in and work on those emotions lyrically. All of the joints, are very much approached musically. It's not about the best beats, or the fiercest rhyme scheme but about putting together a song as a whole and connecting with people. CuDi deals with personal issues and is not shy
about addressing them in almost every song.

At times his lyricism isn’t well pointed and more than a few times I felt that he wasn't able to nail the concept lyrically he was going for and nearly on every track you'll find KiD CuDi repeats at least one phrase (usually several) multiple times in a row. But rhymes can’t really be evaluated in the typical fashion as they take their time to get their points across, which is a nice contrast to the in-your-face antics of most artists today. The hooks are very accessible and not heavily intellectually challenging, yet very intriguing in the context of the song. With the hooks that include his vocal presence are exceptionally melodic and stay with you longer than the hangover after a bad night of tequila.

The result is an album that reaches into black music's past to push Hip Hop and RnB's borders into left field. the whole vibes and sheer musicality of production is so damn-near hypnotizing. Sometimes you just want to reach for a moody album and CuDi obliges.

Too many artists are afraid to step outside of their “boundaries” and do something different. They’re afraid that people won’t accept it and that they’ll be looked down on for it. Bump that, we need more artists like KiD CuDi, Shawn Chrystopher etc. who aren’t afraid to test the waters and go against the grain. And for that sole reason alone I'd rate this full-on! His evolution will be exciting to watch and I hope that his lyrical-skills will grow and mature over time, perfecting his vision along the way.

Top Picks:
1. Enter Galactic
2. Hyyerr
3. Up Up & Away
4. Sky Might Fall
5. Day n Night
6. Act 1

R yall serious? I actually tried to like this album but i just can't. The music isn't even that good and the lyrics are wack. I know im one of the few peple in there saying this but this is garbage im sorry for anybody who disagress but that's just my opinion. There is only three songs on this entire album that i like and the best is sky is falling. I also agree with don jon jon about it being depressing. Ill still give it a two though since this is his first cd but he does have potential and i like his creativeness.

I wasn't sure how I was to take this album the first listen, at first I thought the first half was garbage and the 2nd half was great. After about 3 listens this album has moved to a spot in my heart that has only been occupied twice before; once with College Dropout and secondly with Food & Liquor. This album is a classic.

joshL - "Not many artists from any genre are willin to create an album so full of conflict and emotion, so it should be appreciated when someone can translate the negativity in their life into art."

I disagree. While in hip hop, you are probably correct, but there are many genres entirely devoted to translating someone's negativity into art. Emo comes to mind, and to a large extent country music and various heavy metal genres. Hell, Linkin Park's Hybrid Theory is very similar, though perhaps not as descriptive. That album had the same affect on me as being entirely too depressing, so much so that I had to stop listening to it.

Lemme be clear, if the entire mood of Man on the Moon wasn't so depressing, I'd give it a higher rating.

there are not enough stars to rate this album because it is beyond immaculate!!!! to have read about this man and to have watched his interviews and then to be able to connect his stories and struggles with his lyrics and with the actual set up of the album was an experience that blew my mind. i listened to this CD straight through no interruptions, not even to stop and see what song i was listening to and that is a first for me. i usually dont even listen to the cd the 1st day that i buy it let alone listen to all the tracks with out skipping, and i was sober. also the fact that there are so many people who can relate to the way he feels and his struggle , Ive been through it the way he has so all his lyrics hit me hard i cried through the entire album and this morning it was the first thing i put on and I'm still crying. it was said to be depressing but its a relief to me to know that someone feels almost exactly the way i have felt my whole life. This man has done it for me. i love kid cudi!!!

"donjonjon"- the entire genre devoted to translating someones negativity into art? i disagree with that. there are certain artists from every genre who make music to turn their negativity into art, but that dont mean THE ENTIRE GENRE DOES. i listen to country all the time, sounds to me like they talk about the positive experiences they have in their life more than anything.

Jus me bein clear, certain artists from every genre translate their their negativity to art and certain artists dont. MOST dont no matter wat genre.

I wasn't planning on buying this album, but now I have to after I heard the entire album a couple of times now.

CLASSIC

Reading these comments make me realize that there are just some things in life that not everyone's going to agree on. For example, personally speaking I would punch my grandmother in the face for a piece of good carrot cake, but my boy The Rev gets nauseous just thinking about carrot cake. My point is, it looks like Cudi is the carrot cake of musicians. Those who love his music really f-ing love his music, and those who don't feel it, well, just don't feel it. (I'm among the more ambivalent group). That doesn't mean that carrot cake isn't delicious, or that Cudi isn't dope, it just means he's an acquired taste...a taste I have yet to acquire.

This is an extremely artistic and honest album. It's refreshing to hear a new artist come out wearing his emotions on his sleeves, leaving himself open. While listening to this album, I felt many emotions, one being triumph, listening to Heart of a Lion and My World , Sadness listening to Sky Might fall and Soundtrack 2 my life, Hope while experiencing Pursuit of Happiness, and Cudi Zone. This was a well put together dream that introduces us to the newest star out of the GOOD music camp. Something that yall may find strange is my obsession with Hyyerr! I honestly believe that song is the theme song to my life. I have listened to that song over 38 times in 6 days. I know kinda strange, but it is clearly one of my favorite songs of all time. I can't say the same for that trash Enter Galactic which to me is this songs = to Sex 4Suga (from Common's Universal Mind Control Album). However Cudi Zone Day 'n' Nite, In my dreams, and Alive are just dope enough to balance out that horrid song from ruining my rating of this album. Fact is, this album is not for everyone, but if you are me, then you dig this! 4.5
1 Hyyerr
2 Pursuit of Happiness
3 In My Dreams
4 My World
5 Cudi Zone

I just shocked at how much of it I can relate to, I have never listened to an artist where I can honestly say "yah, i know what you mean"

Guess I wasn't feeling it as much as you guys there are a couple tracks I was feeling but a lot I wasn't I had high expectations and was a bit let down.

My top tracks are

1.Soundtrack to my life
2.Cudi Zone
3.Solo Dolo
4.Day N Night

better than I thought it would be. Felt this album didn't hit a low after track 3. Great production and Cudi came correct with his flow.

Top 5 tracks
Mr Solo Dolo
My World
Sky Might Fall
Day N Nite
Pursuit of Happiness/In My Dreams

In support of donjonjon, I have to say that hip-hop is woefully behind when it comes to making musically adventurous albums. Man on the Moon is one of the most creative and boundary pushing albums the genre's seen in years, but bands like Radiohead have been pushing the envelope far harder for far longer. What is it about hip-hop that discourages innovation?

I agree with Mr. Top Hat's review. This album will be really hit or miss depending on the listener, but as someone who likes weird hip-hop (like El-P, Company Flow, Cannibal Ox, etc...), I know I will be listening to this album for a long long time. The only bad thing about the album (and it's not really a bad thing) is that it's such a cohesive piece of work that if you take most of the songs out of the context of the album they won't make sense. I didn't like this album until I actually sat down and listened to the whole thing through a couple times. I give Cudi a lot of respect for having such an ambitious idea and executing it in a way that makes the listener not only HEAR what he says, but FEEL it in the way the music drones on and hypnotizes you. I think Nathan S brings up an interesting thought; I think, given enough time, Cudi could be the radiohead of hip hop. Let's hope he can keep this up!

Favorites (in no order):
Solo Dolo
Make Her Say
Pursuit of Happiness (RATATAT!!!!!)
Day N Nite
Heart of a Lion

couldn't make it through a full track. common's intros were enough to make me just listen to the last fifteen seconds.

Nathan S.,

I think the simple answer is a lack of $$. Many established blacks lament that others don't pursue advanced degrees like doctors or lawyers, or even regular college. Instead too many are focused on hoop dreams and rappin. But the simple fact is, people are going to go after what they think they have a shot at. If they think that got skills in rapping, they are gonna pursue it hard.
So with rapping, you're gonna rap about what you know, and when you make it, you're gonna rap about finally getting the cash, cars, clothes, hoes. Note that there isn't really a perception that you can get paid playing an instrument.
Contrast with middle America, where most kids have parents that have enough money to live decently, you look at your problems differently, and your goals and pursuits aren't necessarily towards getting cash, cause mom and dad will pay for your car, etc. And many times playing a musical instrument is required by parents. So you really have the freedom to explore different things, and even more so with music because you have more of a background.
You also have the big recording companies pushing what sells the most. Bands that push the boundaries don't really sell that well. For every Radiohead, there are countless others who are "remaining true to the music" and not selling anything.

So to some up: in hiphop you got broke people tryin to get paid, different problems due to different incomes, not forced to study art or music, and finally the economics of what sells the most.

I have been hearing the mixtape a kid maned cudi for a while and have been wating for this joint to drop. I can honestly say like others have said its not for everybody but if your ears work correctly it should be for you. Keep it real I needed a break from all the garbage that is out right now and this was the break I needed.

dream on good..album of the year hands down

Amen donjonjon, you summed it up quite nicely.

This is just good music to me..Plain and simple..

I thought that this was a pretty tight album, whether your high or crips (I havnt been high while listening to this, so i dunno about the first one, haha).

Cudi Zone is one of the best tracks ive heard in the last 3 years (and that says something)

This is a pretty good album future hip hop

Enjoyable album. Kid Cudi is definitely one of the best upcoming artists out there. But as most commenters have already mentioned, simply an original idea does not translate into success. Lyrically, this album is not up to par.

Kid Cudi will make it. No doubt about that. And this was as great of a start as he could have hoped for.

Top Songs:
Pursuit of Happiness
Sky Might Fall
Soundtrack 2 My Life
Solo Dolo
Make Her Say

It's hard to listen to "sky might fall" after hearing novel's version, which is so much better!

4 Stars

4 Stars- In this Debute Album by Kid Cudi the story of his life is un-folded for you inside and out and placed out in the open for the world to see... i liked this album very much and hope to hear more from Mr. Cudi very soon...

-SONGS TO LOOK 4-
(Im not listing Day N Night because we all know its good)

Make Her Say, Soundtrack To My Life, Heart Of A Lion

very different style

Similarly Impared huh?
I think a stoner should've written this review..
ME, not you.

He is hot. Love pursuit of happiness,sky might fall,Solo Dolo and Soundtrack to my life.

the best album i've heard in like a month

Cudi's album was good to me. From start to finish I think he achieved that dream goal he was shooting for. There was no gun talk, no killings, just pure life.
The album felt like it had a lot of meaning to it and gave a chance to enter Cudi's dreams.
I agree with the self pity on it. His lyrics should have covered a more broad horizon. Instead of being stuck on topics covered on most of the dark tracks on there. Personally, im feelin that aspect that cudi can reveal himself through his lyrics and holds nothing back. But I can see people listening to A Kid Named Cudi then coming to this and are disappointed by nearly every track pitying upon himself.
Overall, I do think the self pity is something only Cudi can pull off as its always been his personality. But for his fans he has to do more light, upbeat songs because pitying himself may be coo for this album but on his next, he has to move on and vary topics to rap about.
Love the album personally, but I can see the how donjon and certain people can get irritated by the self pity content. And im hoping the next album has some upbeat tracks like the mixtape.

Sick and original. You can also feel the passion he puts in every song of his.

Ive read some mixed reviews, so i will start off by saying we are living in Waynes world rite now so if thats what your lookin for, not for you.

But if you like this or wanna like this, just start off by listening to Soundtrack 2 my life. That explains the album, its rite there for you, this album is his shit no ones or nothing else. He is dope, and this track isnt for a the rich kid who hasnt had to suffer or struggle in life. If your havin a bad day just listen to Heart of a Lion, cant go wrong with that.

Favs- 1.Heart of a Lion
2.Soundtrack 2 my life
3.Alive
4.Cudi Zone
5.Day n Night

similarly impaired?
i think a stoner should've written this review. me not you

Changing my rating to a 5, this album the closest thing to a classic released this year.

Top 5 Tracks
Cudi Zone
Day N Nite
Alive
Soundtrack To My Life
Pursuit Of Happiness

classic album. best released album of 09 and that's including bp3. cudi is not great lyrically (he's dope enough though). his originality is ridiculous though. the tracks all feel really fresh. in my dreams, cudi zone, pursuit of happiness and hyerr are stellar tracks. the biggest surprise on the album is that kanye only produced one track. I can't wait for his next offering.

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Any one who hates on kid cudi is a no brainer.. Hes one of the rawest, and most talent hip hop artists out there.. hes not one of those fake ass singers who dont write there own crap.. instead of writing about getting @*#$! and shooting people hes writing about his dreams, his life, his troubles, Hes a true modern hip hop genius poet. Hes willing to experiment with country, rock and all genres, if any one would of listened to his 2 mixtapes youd realise that hes a genius and that he experiments with anything, this album is just the icing on the cake... 5 stars all the way

While Kid Cudi did try to do something different, I just wasn't feeling it at all...AT ALL. It's like emo rap. I'm obviously the minority here, but this album is wack. I would never listen to it again. Just my opinion.

Wow, amazing.

beautiful

CLASSIC.

What you want an opinion?
IT just makes me smile and it's perfect background music for when read, feel like I'm away from this world, every song is unique in CuDi style. A long time I've been playing it and still not over it...

cant wait for the new album

this is one of those albums that you love the more you listen to it. when i first bought it the only songs i knew were "Day n Nite" and "Make Her Say" now those to tracks are still great but the rest of the album holds its own against it. Amazing album one of my all time favorites! Kid Cudi is now one of my favorites also.
Top 5 Songs:
1: Soundtrack 2 My Life (Best Song)
2: Cudi Zone
3: Make Her Say
4: Pursuit of Happiness
5: Day N Nite
other notables are:
Hyerr
Up Up and Away
Solo Dolo
Heart of a Lion
My World
Sky Might Fall

Ill make this a banger for now and I may have to change it to either a classic or in rotation in a couple of years. I really enjoyed this album over and over again. Like the author said I enjoyed the album a lot more when I was high. I thought this album was a really cool new type of genre of hip hop. Im excited to listen to his MOTM2 I just got it tonight. Peace!

Kid Cudi dropped one hell of an experimental album and luckily it worked for him showing from the popularity and the critical success of the album.
In my opinion a classic not a bad song on the album i never have to skip any songs every song brings a different sound and feeling to the listener.
I wont do a top 5 songs cause in my opinion every song is great.

This is Kid Cudi at his best. Ive had this album since its release and I still love hearing it. This is the shit that accompanys you through the good times and the bad times.

This album changed my life, much respect

o you already know what time it is...........

@*#$! love this album. got me through some real hard times. advice for people who 1 starred.. get your brain checked