“In the last 10 years, Scott Mescudi has been through hell and back,” The cover of the album states. “After feeling like his world was over, he found hope and overcame the darkness plaguing his life.”

Kid Cudi’s seventh studio album, “Man on the Moon 3: The Chosen”, became available across the globe on December 11, 2020. The 18-track album concluded the artist’s “Man on the Moon” trilogy, continuing after 2009’s “Man on the Moon 2: The Rager”. Cudi collaborated with frequent contributors Dot Da Genius, Plain Pat, and Emilie Haynie, all of whom worked on the previous two albums.

“Man on the Moon 3: The Chosen” is a narrative album that sees Cudi in an inner war against Mr. Rager, his evil alter ego, in hopes of regaining his peace and happiness.

Track 1: “Beautiful Trip”

The listener is immersed in the journey of “Man on the Moon 3” with the inclusion of “Beautiful Trip,” the album’s intro track. 2009 Cudi is relevant throughout the initial instrumental, as the electronic blares and strings establish the euphoric tone for the proceeding tracks. The “Beautiful Trip” is a successful opener to Cudi’s latest album.

Track 2: “Tequila Shots”

Cudi recorded “Tequila Shots” the day he celebrated “The Scotts” Going number one on the Billboard’s Hot 100. The track introduces the listeners to the new “modernized” Kid Cudi, while maintaining his recognizable flow. The song is an emotional return to what fans have been waiting for, and it lives up to the hype.

Track 3: “Another Day”

Kid Cudi jumped on the third track with, “If you can’t decide which one I want. All the girls at the party, come along, it’s a party, we started”. “Another Day” is a rap heavy single that thrives on electric ques and melancholic instrumentals.

Track 4: “She Knows This”

“She Knows This” commences with a ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ sample, which is followed by Cudi’s most mainstream piece to date. The song peaked at #9 on the BIllboard’s Hot 100 in its second week. The fourth track on the album, which Cudi released alongside a music video, establishes the artist’s ability to adapt and improve in the forever changing music industry.

Track 5: “Dive”

Cudi sampled Tame Impala’s “Love/Paranoia” for his track “Dive.” Dive is a rap heavy piece while maintaining densely atmospheric vibes and alternative-rock influence. Cudi’s voice further develops as the album continues through the fifth track.

Track 6: “Damaged”

“Damaged” is the first track of “Act II: The Rager, The Menace”, and marks the start of Cudi’s loss of control in the plot of the album. Cudi resurfaces “Mr. Rager” vibes as he descends into his distinct moody vocals. The sixth track strengthens the plot of the album, as it continues Cudi’s journey and experience with fame.

Track 7: “Heaven on Earth”

“Heaven on Earth” depicts Cudi riding high on his rockstar lifestyle, experiencing life’s biggest things and seeking “Heaven on Earth”. Kid Cudi raps his best on the seventh track, giving listeners an insight into his artistic capabilities.

Track 8: “Show Out”

“Show Out” is an aggressive and energetic track that combines related drill and hip hop genres. Cudi raps with the deceased Brooklyn rapper Pop Smoke and London rapper Skepta in his first collaboration of “Man on the Moon 3: The Chosen”. “Show Out” is a disappointing collaboration, as it attempts to connect three voices that don’t match each other. Pop Smoke’s influence on the track is underwhelming, as Septa and Cudi rap their “okay” verses.

Track 9: “Mr. Solo Dolo III”

The third track of the “Solo Dolo” trilogy, reinforces Cudi’s sense of loneliness throughout his life, which describes his musical style, career, and the Man on the Moon trilogy theme. Cudi sings, “Yeah, I take it, I don’t need nobody. Can’t hear me scream. Somethin’ twisted in me.”

Track 10: “Sad People”

He illustrates the intense highs he encounters, and how afterward he sometimes finds himself depressed. He tries to reach his boundaries despite his sadness, even though he realizes it might not be the best for his mental health. “Sad People” confronts somber emotions with a fluid flow. The 10th track proves to be a fan favorite.

Track 11: “Elsie’s Baby Boy”

Cudi looks back at his childhood and sings about his connection with Elsie, his mother. He talks about how hard she worked, despite the lack of a typical father figure, to hold their family together. “Elsie’s Baby Boy” is a unique track that delves into interesting themes.

Track 12: “Sept.16th”

“Sept. 16th”, at the time of the album’s release, was the birthday of Cudi’s girlfriend. For this love-fueled ballad, she seems to be the motive. The 12th track contains a majority of the album’s emotions, as it showcases the feelings of Cudi throughout his desperate moments and heart-ache.

Track 13: “The Void”

On “The Void,” Cudi describes his mental health problems, explaining how he would do anything to keep depression from succumbing. He also takes a moment to thank his supporters for helping him through the years. The thirteenth track is a successful addition to Cudi’s emotional album, as it furthers his journey towards accepting himself.

Track 14: “Lovin’ Me”

Cudi invites indie artist Phoebe Bridgers to provide an anthem about the importance of self-love in finding happiness for the emotional “Lovin’ Me”. Bridgers’ and Cudi’s track proves to be a noteworthy addition.

Track 15: “The Pale Moonlight”

Kid Cudi demonstrates his ability to ride comfortably on the beat in this song and displays his carefree nature in the lyrics. “The Pale Moonlight” proves to be a personal favorite, due to the song’s uplifting themes and electronic beat.

Track 16: “Rockstar Knights”

Trippie Redd reflects on his potential mortality in “Rockstar Knights” as he flexes in a traditional fashion, while Cudi raps in his familiar rhythm. Cudi and Trippie Redd attempt to reach for the stars on the sixteenth track, though unfortunately fall short. The chorus, sung by Trippie, feels off-key and underwhelming.

Track 17: “4 Da Kidz”

Cudi dedicates the song to fans who, like him, have suffered, which is a theme he’s been trying to bring forward and concentrate his entire career. Fans of Cudi will appreciate this track, as it’s the closest thing to “classic Cudi” since “Passion, Pain and Demon Slayin”, the artist’s 6th album released in 2016.

Track 18: “Lord I Know”

Both the album and the Man on the Moon trilogy are closed by “Lord I Know”. Cudi shines a light on the trials and tribulations he has experienced and recognizes the weight of the message of perseverance.

In conclusion, “Man on the Moon 3: The Chosen “ is a worthy addition to Cudi’s discography and an impressive end to the “Man on the Moon” trilogy. The album is a success for fans, old and new. Whatever Cudi has in store for the future, it’s undoubtedly going to push the boundaries of the industry.

SCORE: 8.5/10