Music has had a longstanding influence on me ever since seventh grade. Many things have changed since then, including my taste in music, but its importance has never once faltered—it’s my life support. 

For worse or for better, I am that person who relates music to certain experiences and fragments of time. But even more so, it’s an instant mood alternate; so powerful that it can make or further break a bad day, and make a really good one ten times better.

I started really listening to Kid Cudi around a year and a half ago, and I haven’t stopped since. My list of favorite artists had long been set into stone before I started paying real attention to his music, but soon after, he quickly took the spot as my number one artist, and took over my library and, quite literally, every single playlist in my repertoire.

Cudi is for everyone. His range develops across an accumulative eight studio albums which house multitudes of creative endeavors and explorations of style, personality, reflection upon his inner self, and struggles that come together to resonate with the listener no matter what sound tends to pique their interest. His journey details eleven years of change and struggle resulting in an unfathomable amount of personal growth and an upstanding discography.

With this, and just for you, a verified and absolutely certifiable project months in the making is waiting: Kelsey’s top forty Kid Cudi songs in album-specific chronological order.

 

Man On the Moon: The End of Day (2009)

The beginning of a trilogy | An ambient and moody exploration of Cudi’s talent and the human psyche

1. “Cudi Zone,” of course, had to be the very first track I discuss. It is my favorite song by the artist and my absolute favorite song of all time. The electropop feel breeds uplifting emotions in the listener, no matter the events of the day. It’s one of those songs that sends you into overdrive after a really good day. Cudi’s vocals throughout create the exact color visuals as are featured in the cover art for the album, if you just close your eyes, I promise you will see it—it’s orange, it’s smiley, it’s truly something movie characters dance around in their rooms to.

2. “Man On the Moon (Bonus Track)” is one of the darker songs on the album. For some context, the concept of the album is to represent five acts; five keys to Cudi’s life. Certain sections of the album are curated to provoke a certain mood within the listener. This is one of those songs that I think a large majority of people can relate to, even though some will never admit it. This is the definition of a perfect title song; it ties together the entire message that Cudi meant to convey in crafting this album.

3. “Solo Dolo (Nightmare)” is arguably the darkest song on the tracklist. It begins with an echoing piano intro that spins seamlessly into an adapted loop; creepy and lonely. The sound doubles as a perfect choice for the mood and message of the song and is the perfect compliment to Cudi’s voice.

4. “Soundtrack 2 My Life” is a lyrical masterpiece. The sheer amount of information conveyed throughout the lyrics is notable within itself, not to mention the way it is mixed and spun into this brilliantly dreamy and emotionally raw track. While it does lean to the darker side of the album, it is overall an incredible statement to the hip-hop and rap community and flawlessly sets the subject and tone for the songs to follow.

5. “Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare) [feat. MGMT and & Ratatat]” is Cudi’s most iconic song throughout many corners of the world, pop culture, and the music community as a whole. I can guarantee that around 96% of you have heard this song or at least the remixed version. While its popularity and versatility are unmatched, I hesitated to include this in my top five picks for this album. The baseline meaning has really been lost over the years as it has grown to become such a staple of many peoples’ party playlists. I love this song, I really do, but the lyrics are incredibly dark and reckless and, in my opinion, Cudi has lost a lot of recognition and appreciation for the personal and emotional touch he placed upon the track.

Honorable Mentions: “In My Dreams (Cudder Anthem),” “Heart of a Lion (Kid Cudi Theme Music),” “Day ‘n’ Nite (Nightmare),” “Sky Might Fall,” “Up Up & Away”

 

Man On the Moon, Vol. II: The Legend of Mr. Rager (2010)

Cudi’s second darkest album | Chilling and broken and presented in creatively intricate detail

1. “Mojo So Dope” begins with an echoed vintage voice; perfectly in tune with the mood of the project as a whole. It’s one of Cudi’s slower songs but furthers the point of the extensiveness of his talent. For Cudi to produce such a dark and emotionally attuned song so early on in this album was a risk proving to set up the artist to only expand outwards into alternative and unexpected music genres, styles, and themes as the album progresses. This track is the epitome of this album—everything seems to center around this song throughout the entirety of the tracklist and reflects the overall theme that Cudi is walking a thin line within this story.

2. “Ghost!” is effortless. It’s a subtle nod of your head to the beat and hum to the lyrics. From the get-go, the unique beat jumps out at the listener and aligns with the overall, in-your-face rhetoric of this song.

3. “Mr. Rager” is yet another shining example of how to do a title song right. While it is similar to “Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare) [feat. MGMT and & Ratatat]” in regards to its mainstream tendency, it is one that I much more comply with since it’s a song that is appreciated for exactly what it is. This track is explorative in many ways including the overall idea and beat, and, as many of Cudi’s songs do, hits the listener right in the gut with emotional familiarity, relation, and understanding. 

4. “All Along” is the most unmetaphorically sad song ever written by Cudi. There’s no flare in the lyrics or beat, it’s him speaking candidly and honestly straight in your face. I’ve sat with this song so, so many times and have never been able to come up with an exact reason as to why I love it so much. Maybe it’s because it feels like Cudi is just having a conversation with you, or maybe it’s refreshing to see an artist be so straightforward about some serious thoughts and emotions without a bunch of junk thrown in the middle. But for whatever reason it may be, this song has always been incredibly special to me, and continues to remain as such.

5. “Don’t Play This Song (feat. Mary J. Blige)” takes one of my top spots for features on Cudi albums. His and Blige’s vocals are so perfectly fitting for the mood and message of this song, and their collaboration and harmonizing really take it to the next level. Along with this, being that it is the third track on the project, it serves as an excellent setup for the darker turn within the last seven songs of the album that are soon to come.

Honorable Mentions: “Marijuana,” “Ashin’ Kusher,” “Erase Me (feat. Kanye West),” “The Mood,” “Trapped in my Mind”

 

Indicud (2013)

A bold career choice | A. Unique   B. Weird   C. Genius   D. All of the above

1. “Un****wittable,” although placed as the second track, is the first lyrical song to introduce this absolute mutt of an album that features alternative rock, pop, hip hop, and rap somehow seamlessly combined and curated to complement each and every genre included. The listener can quite literally visualize the change in Cudi’s music from this point moving forward. This melodic mix of anger and sadness is the precipice for this album—a necessity-listen to fully appreciate this project.

2. “Just What I Am (feat. King Chip)” isn’t exactly the second-best song on this album, but I just had to place it higher for it is another one of my personal favorites from Cudi. It’s one of the lighter notes on the album, but also reaffirms the exact phrase of the title as an overall theme. Not only is it an essential track to represent him as both a person and as a brand, but it’s also a catchy song and reassuring message for the listener to both enjoy and resonate with.

3. “Immortal” is a little bit too pop-oriented for my taste, but there’s just something about this song that just works. The basis for the lyrics is a really interesting concept that only Cudi could translate so successfully, given that it also ties back into the themes of both the previous Man on The Moons. His attention to detail and notable planning that plays out across his entire discography is one of the many reasons Cudi stands out against other artists.

4. “King Wizard” placed fourth on my list is a controversial choice amongst other Cudi fans. While I personally don’t listen to the majority of the tracks from this album on a regular basis, a lot of other fans don’t either. Nonetheless, we disagree when it comes to this specific song. While it is definitely one of the more “playable” songs on the album, it’s just a sound that I only enjoy if I am in the specific mood to listen to it. That being said, I enjoy the lengthened verses more so than the chorus in this song, and the beat is just that classic Cudi weirdness that just somehow works every time.

5. “Burn Baby Burn” consists of one of my favorite baseline beats that I’ve ever heard, not to mention the mixing on this song is mad genius. Cudi’s energy and attitude on this song compliments what could have easily become a very congested track with the multifaceted beat, and it’s an excellent example of the versatility of his voice.

Honorable Mentions: “Young Lady (feat. Father John Misty),” “Brothers (feat. King Chip & A$AP Rocky),” “Cold Blooded”

 

KiD CuDi presents SATELLITE FLIGHT: The journey to Mother Moon (2014)

One of the most neglected albums of all time | A collaborative, soft Nirvana exploration further than WZRD

1. “Going To the Ceremony” is Cudi’s tap-in for this production that features his endeavors of alternative rock that leans heavily into the idea of a score. Lyrically, this isn’t a packed song; nonetheless, it’s Cudi pushing the point of the power of good music that proves there are no requirements or rules, especially for him. The build of the guitar on this song is just so classic but maintains that little flair on the mixing that is the core of the artist’s music.

2. “Too Bad I Have To Destroy You Now” definitely is a reflection of “classic Cudi.” That being said, the echoing pre-chorus and chorus add a new dimension to his original style, and perfectly reflects the overarching mood of this album. Soft, electro-pop beats complement the hint of synth in this song, further, the eerieness of Cudi’s mumbled vocals, add yet another chilling layer to the lyrics themselves.

3. “Balmain Jeans (feat. Raphael Saadiq)” is one of those tracks that makes you question what your taste in music really is—this entire project does. The flow of this song in particular is something I’ve noted as nudging me into the R&B genre as my music taste has fluctuated over the years; it has caused me to pay more attention to albums that tell a story as the tracklist progresses. It’s no surprise that Cudi has leaned heavier into a more story-telling style as his career has progressed due to the successfulness of Man on The Moon, but this song is all completing in his undertaking and dedication to the process of stylized music and developing such versatility as an artist.

4. “In My Dreams 2015,” while a nod and rekindling of Cudi’s very first album, is possibly the most alternative the artist has gone throughout his entire career. It’s incredibly chilling with a base that sounds like Galaga turned horror with spider, and skin, crawling notations. This track is definitely out there, but there is so much to be said about this outlandish exploration of aesthetics and interpretation based on the listener, and, more so in this case, the audience.

5. “Troubled Boy” is a soft and sentimental song to close out the album, but not the story. While this music itself is continued in the following album, being as this was just a prerequisite for an intensified story to come, this track still manages to stand alone and to stand out on this album for its complete lack of beats and mixing and literally just is Cudi and his guitar. The tune is baseline, but the melodic echoing is the perfect pairing with the themes and ideas that lie within the lyrics. It ensures a sad sense of calm in the listener after the many ups and downs of the individual songs on the tracklist and furthers Cudi’s allusions to his childhood and the parallels within his adult life.

Honorable Mentions: “Satellite Flight,” “Copernicus Landing,” “Internal Bleeding”

 

Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven (2015)

Genre blurring and controversial among fans and Cudi himself | Kelsey’s favorite album to date, featuring old school rock and a full Nirvana, crunchy guitar takeover

1. “Man in the Night” is, in my professional opinion, the perfect track to listen to on all occasions. This utter rollercoaster of a song makes me want to slam my head into a wall repeatedly, go all boss-lady and get a ton of stuff done, drive like a crazy person with absolutely zero will to live, and punch anyone who even remotely ticks me off in the face—quite literally a brain aneurysm, but I love it all the same. While the nature of the song is incredibly reckless, which lies both in the words and phrasings of the lyrics themselves and a classic Nirvana feel, it is a great track to serve as a confidence booster and, in its own way, motivation. Cudi’s scratchy vocals serve better in no place but here, and his ability to mold to this borderline-metal style so flawlessly makes for the perfect angry-person anthem.

2. “Edge of the Earth/ Post Mortem Boredom,” while being one of the coolest titles to any track ever, is a soft guitared beginning to what will be a very angry, very painful album. This two-part introduction begins mellow and melodic, wallowing in nature. Nonetheless, it picks up around the three-minute mark to add an edge to kickstart the core, life-destroying themes of this project. This song rips your heart out and virtually resurrects you to bear witness to the true inventive style of this album. This combination of numbed-out vocals that transitions into a crisper sound that features garage-band-style guitar is ingenious.

3. “Screwed” is so open and so honest in every sense. The vocals are harsh, with the guitar being even harsher with highlighted riffs that deliver the straightforward and un-sugarcoated themes of this song. While it maintains a continuation of descriptives of Cudi’s struggles, he opens up the floor for listeners by referring to them specifically. This track is absolutely a callout to the listener and is more melodic in nature compared to other songs on the project that tend to be, well, a complete disregard of the “rules” set forth by the music community and critics. He lures you in effectively and cleverly puts forth his message in a less agro-fashion as is the greater majority of songs.

4. “Confused!” has been proven to be what exactly makes Cudi a mad genius. The lyricism of this track represents the exact definition of this title, and the back and forth representation of inner monologue is an expiration of the artist’s psyche. Cudi has said before that this is one of the main songs on the album that he really has no desire to talk about; understandably so, for it walks the fine line between anger and sadness with and of oneself that becomes incredibly dangerous when blurred.

5. “Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven,” being the title song, is getting placed last on this list just to spite all of you who say this is the only track worth anything on the album. This continuation of “Troubled Boy” from KiD CuDi presents: SATELLITE FLIGHT: The journey to Mother Moon truly is a great song, but praised too highly by people who can’t fully appreciate the method behind the madness. The truth behind this track is notable, to say the least, but the looping eirie-ness to the mixing is more so marveling. While it is understandable that people enjoy the calmer sense of Cudi that comes with this song, which almost feels like something that could have fit in on Man on The Moon, Vol. II: The Legend of Mr. Rager, but some of you, to be frank, need to get better taste.

Honorable Mentions: “Fade 2 Red,” “Amen,” “Handle with Care,” “Judgemental ****,” “Séance Chaos,” “Fairy Tale Remains,” “Embers,” “Trauma,” “Worth”

 

Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin’ (2016)

Reconnecting with himself and reconciling with music | A trippy and subdued journey to a brighter future for Cudi

1. “Frequency” signifies a slowdown and appreciation for life from Cudi after a troubled couple of years and the intensity of Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven. The rhythm of this song is unmatched; with its slow and steady groove and tuned-down vocals from the artist. This kick-start to an altered lifestyle shown through this project can be seen through lyrics such as, “Chill on out, love is the rule” that ultimately set the tone for what’s to come. The beat on this song isn’t what is to be expected from a hit song, but Cudi does it justice nonetheless with his creativity and inclement towards the unique and unexpected.

2. “Surfin’ (feat. Pharrell William)” is the most upbeat song Cudi has made for a couple of years. This is truly a jam, and it intunes the listener with his dedication to uplift others, but not denote yourself. Singing along to these lyrics doubles as therapy and a confidence booster, and I can verify that this is a riot to dance around to.

3. “Kitchen” is a cult classic and staple of this album–one that I can actually agree with people upon. It’s definitely a little different in terms of the rhythm by which the lyrics are delivered, but would it truly be a great Cudi song without a unique aspect? The hint of crescendos gives this track an ascending feel and definitely falls in line with this sequential story of healing both the mind and the body while still staying true to individual character and personal ideology.

4. “Swim in the Light,” while having more pessimistic lyrics and aspects than the majority of the project, it is a notable song nonetheless. I don’t particularly love the tone and tune of Cudi’s voice, but it works with the theme of the song and the melodies behind the mixing to create a true piece of art. Besides breaking the theme of uplifting listeners and himself through this album by instituting this song, there remains a spot of hope translated to the building beat and peaking melodies throughout.

5. “Baptized in Fire (feat. Travis Scott)” revisits a more classic Cudi sound seen more throughout the Man on The Moon’s. Not to mention, Scott was the perfect pick for a feature on this track as his signature vocals and style assist in the greatness of this song, and their vocals combined compliment each other through mumbled harmonies and vocal riffs.

Honorable Mentions: “By Design (feat. Andre Benjamin),” “ILLusisions,” “Does it,” “Dance 4 Eternity”

 

KIDS SEE GHOSTS (2018)

The first collaborative project | Cudi and Ye (Kanye West) blend their music and passions on this short-form album

1. “Reborn” is the perfect combination of Cudi and Ye’s individual talents. This album was very much reminiscent of Man On the Moon: The End of Day for Cudi, with dreamy vocals and the original, slowed hip-hop/rap combo so central to his identity as an artist, but with Ye’s twist on it to pack a punch by challenging societal norms and ideologies. Ye mentored Cudi when “Day n’ Nite” gained traction and began his career years ago before the release of the first album, and Cudi has been featured several times throughout Ye’s more impactful projects. These two artists are truly the perfect complement to each other, and this track was an excellent example of that fact. This song personifies both artists’ attunement with their emotions, and they jointly reconcile throughout the lyrics in the optimistic and idealistic melody.

2. “Cudi Montage” covers personal and societal issues that the artist has both experienced alongside Ye and the audience. A major theme throughout this project is the idea of strength and Ye chimes in as a middle-marker to state issues in our country’s climate and delivers both an expertly worded and powerful verse to express frustrations and solutions. You can feel both artists’ turmoil bone-deep throughout the song, which is the type of honesty expected from these statement singers.

3. “Freeee (Ghost Town, Pt. 2) [feat. Ty Dolla $ign]” is the self-love anthem everyone was waiting for. The production of this song is unique by design, with the chorus oozing confidence and the verses detailing the concept as a whole. The development of the chorus and the change it undergoes throughout the course of the song allows both Cudi and Ye to put their own personal touch on the mirrored concept, and they expertly use their individual vocal ranges to create dimension to, what would otherwise be, a pretty flat song. It might not be what you think to be your personal taste or your favorite at first, just as it wasn’t for me, but I promise that, after a couple of listens, you won’t be able to stop listening to it on every occasion.

4. “Kids See Ghosts (feat. Yasiin Bey),” while being the title song, stands alone on this project. It’s a mix between R&B and hip-hop, incorporating the perfect rhythmic beat to ride on while maintaining lyrics that lean slightly towards rap, especially from Ye. In addition, Bey’s voice blends seamlessly with both Cudi and Ye and holds the spot for the best feature on the album packed with notable artists—his repetitive verse being an expertly executed statement that aligns with the project’s purpose. 

5. “4th Dimension (feat. Louis Prima)” carries an alternative vintage mix; a very Ye aspect to this album. The building drum beat adds to the suspense of a crescendo completed by Ye and Cudi’s lyrics throughout. The verses remain crisp without overpowering the acoustics in the background, which is blended perfectly, timing-wise, with the artists’ tapping in and out in a way that sections off the track to give this intro and outro feel to spotlight both of them.

Honorable Mention: “Fire”

 

Man On the Moon III: The Chosen (2020)

The third installment | A reconciling, post-self discovery story that is just, if not more, as intune and in touch with Cudi’s mental health and emotions as the two previous albums in this trilogy.

1. “Tequila Shots” is, “Back just where I started, it’s the same old damaged song” as put by the artist himself. Although reminiscent of themes from “Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare) [feat. MGMT and & Ratatat],” the listener can tell this is not the same person as before; he details more of an internal conflict with the idea rather than the reckless acceptance seen on the referenced song. This idea of growth and maturity through experience is discussed by Cudi throughout the course of the song, saying, “Hear me now, hey, this time I’m ready for it.” 

2. “Lovin’ Me (feat. Phoebe Bridgers)” is the collaboration I’ve been waiting for my entire life. Phoebe Bridgers is another one of my top ten artists; her lyricism is ghostly gorgeous and engages perfectly with Cudi’s design for this track. Her echoed verse unexpectedly fits perfectly with a less subdued Cudi, and they harmonize flawlessly throughout the melodic and sentimental chorus alongside the following vocal riffs.

3. “Solo Dolo, Pt. III” details Cudi’s growth as an artist and as a person. This song lays out his very personal, private struggles with his mental health. Unlike on Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven, Cudi is more acceptant of his struggles and the listener can sense his readiness for recovery through lyricism and specific word choice. Rather than just a cry for help, it’s more offering up and displaying a solution-oriented mindset, which is quite an opposite approach from that of which discussed throughout his more turmoiled music.

4. “The Void” is a clever emphasis on point through the methods of musicality. Muffled verses make for an in-your-face chorus which demonstrates the importance of musical and lyrical build to make or break a song. This is a track that requires the listener to pay closer attention to that of which to appreciate and properly interpret its purpose and place on the album. That being said, the tone shift nearing the end of the song grabs immediate attention with its experimental mixing and a sentimental, heartfelt message to listeners. Not only does this track play with the idea of an artist’s ups and downs throughout their career, but the aftereffects and the process of letting go of the old to let in the new.

5. “4 da Kidz,” while being more so addressed to long-term Cudi fans, is a direct message in a final form of a full-length song to the listener. He offers up his advice after exploring his past personal experiences throughout the entirety of his career, detailing his passion for the well-being of others and an eternal appreciation and recognition for his supporters. With many references to older songs and themes throughout his career, and the beat that notably resembles “Frequency,” it is a general thank you for listening in which he recognizes that much of his lyricism is personal, but it is designed to help fans by relating to their own personal struggles by which he empathizes and extends out a supportive hand to.

Honorable Mentions: “Beautiful Trip,” “She Knows This,” “Damaged,” “Elsie’s Baby Boy (flashback),” “Sept. 16,” “The Pale Moonlight”