Sid Ashford: With September 15th finally here, as promised, it's time for me to give my final review on Kid Cudi's "Man On The Moon: End Of Day." First off, I must warn you guys I am very critical when it comes to art, and that it takes a true masterpiece for me to credit an album with "two thumbs up."
Act 1: The End Of Day
The album begins with "In My Dreams" (Cudder's Anthem), and very theatrical piece produced by Scotty's good friend Emile. The track is very straightfoward, and serves as an informant letting listeners know that this album is set inside the mind and dreams of Cudder.
Act 2: Rise Of The Night Terror
The album flows very quite smoothly credit that Scott Mescudi is actually be a really great story-teller. In Act 2 the stand out track would have to be "Heart Of A Lion" produced by Free School. Cudi touches on the drive and fight that he carries during his journey of taking over the world, in preparation for the "re-build." Surely one of my favorite tracks on the album.Act 3: Taking A Trip
In Act 3, we're served with a couple tracks that we've had the opportunity to hear sometime before the album dropped ("Day 'N' Nite, Sky Might Fall"). Aside from the great success Day 'N' Nite recieved, I don't think there is any way to exclude "Sky Might Fall" from easily being one of Cudi's best songs ever. Production from Kanye West also helps. The story behind the construction of this piece is a great one indeed, as Cudi simply presented Kanye with a melody and rhythm of exactly how he saw the track play out in his mind. Kanye quickly delivered and the rest shall be history.
In Act 4 we are faced with in my opinion the greatest section of the album. The songs include: "Alive, Cudi Zone, Make Her Say, and Pursuit Of Happiness." The production follows as: Ratatat, Emile, and Kanye West. I would have to say the song that won me over would have to be "Cudi Zone." There is no way I could ever write a sentence to describe the dynamics of how Scotty feels in his "Zone." If you were skeptical about the genius behind Kid Cudi, and wanted to listen to a song that wasn't a hit single, "Cudi Zone" would be perfect track to me. "Pursuit Of Happiness" is scheduled to be Cudi's official third single.
Obviously the shortest act, but in no way is Act 5 the lacking point of the album. It serves as a mere taste of what to expect from Cudi on the second chapter of three in the Man On The Moon Series. The song "Hyyer" features Chip The Ripper, a great friend of Cudi's and a partner in Cudi's upcoming compilation album. "Up Up & Away" is also a great tune that gives you a good vibe that it's ok to be yourself, and not worry so much what others think.
In closing I want to say before this album dropped I was a HUGE fan of Kid Cudi, and this album only justifies to millions why I made the choice of putting him so high above other established artist. I feel that he is years ahead of his self, and that he carries a definate message that stands out from what you would normally here today. I truly understand his message, and intentions on breaking down the barriers we've set for hip-hop. His music carries throughout all genres, and that we should be more open minded, and not only think outside of the box, but live there. I give the first ever LP project of Kid Cudi, Scott Mescudi two thumbs up.
