Man On The Moon: The End Of Day
by Kid Cudi
  • Record Label: Motown
  • Release Date: Sep 15, 2009
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 454 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 422 out of 454
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 454
  3. Negative: 21 out of 454

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  1. clem666
    Dec 12, 2020
    9
    This project came out on 2009. Still it is futuristic. First studio album for Kid Cudi, a young unknown and underestimated rapper whose contribution to rap & hip-hop will quickly become unmissable and unforgettable.

    Everything in the album is attractive: from the cover and overall artwork to the subdivision by acts of the tracks, the originality of the titles, the narrative parts, all    This project came out on 2009. Still it is futuristic. First studio album for Kid Cudi, a young unknown and underestimated rapper whose contribution to rap & hip-hop will quickly become unmissable and unforgettable.

    Everything in the album is attractive: from the cover and overall artwork to the subdivision by acts of the tracks, the originality of the titles, the narrative parts, all the sci-fi atmosphere and the artists collaborating on the project. In 'Man On The Moon', Kudi explores his daily day and night life. He observes his anxiety, suicidal thoughts, his relation to drug abuse and women, the feeling of being alone,... The album is clearly the precursor of all we hear these days as we call it 'lofi songs' and 'sad rap'. With powerful and clever samples and interpolations, Cudi's tracks both sounds nostalgic and futuristic. The place occupied by instruments is awesome in this kind of hip-hop album: we can hear violins, powerful classic and electric guitars (thank you so much Ratatat for existing), piano, catchy drums.

    This album is deep, catchy and hovering at the same time. Cudi's story truly begins here, where the career of many other artists takes root in (as Jaden Smith and Travis Scott to only cite them). Now please enjoy 'Man On The Moon III: The Chosen' which came out yesterday.    … Expand
  2. brockcheese
    Dec 5, 2015
    7
    I have mixed feelings about this album, with a generally positive vibe. Kid Cudi's greatest asset is his personality which he describes as a martian or "man on the moon".
  3. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    9
    A fantastic and classic debut album. The album introduced hip hop to psychedelic production and was a true game changer to the subject matter of mental health. The melodies and savvy music ear Cudi displayed on this project were second to none. Certainly one of the more enriching, valuable listening experiences you could ask for.
  4. RonaldOVOXO
    Feb 7, 2012
    10
    cudi's flow is a rare style now a days. The chances of finding a great artist with the nicest flow today is 1 in 1Trillion. Kid Cudi is one of the few artists who are going to bring Hip-hop to the Top Of the Food Chain
  5. Hendo250
    Mar 29, 2021
    9
    this album is a 9 this album is a 9 this album is a 9 this album is a 9 this album is a 9
  6. Codeling
    Aug 7, 2021
    8
    Great album. Very good production, a lot of enjoyable songs.
    Best songs: Day 'n' Nite, Pursuit of Happiness
    Worst songs: Hyyerr
  7. iamtrent424
    Apr 13, 2013
    9
    This album is very great. I love the sound to the album and tracks. Kid Cudi is a great songwriter It's more than a hip hop album it's also a a alternative rock album It features great artists like common and kanye west and bands like mgmt. this album is worth having At first I wasn't such a fan of his until I heard this album.
  8. Shaymooose
    Aug 17, 2019
    8
    This album has helped me through some stuff man I can't even lie. This was a fantastic debut.

    Best Tracks:The Pursuit of Happiness, Soundtrack 2 My Life,Solo Dolo, Heart of a Lion, Sky Might Fall,Cudi Zone,Up Up & Away
    Worst Tracks:My World,Enter Galactic, Hyyer
  9. freshie
    Jan 9, 2018
    10
    An absolute classic. One of hip-hop's most important and pioneering albums of the modern era. Man on the Moon deserves all the praise in the world.
  10. garfield7081
    Mar 26, 2022
    9
    13 years later, kid cudi still proves himself worthy of his status from this album

    best song: pursuit of happiness

    worst song: my world
  11. JamesJennings
    May 2, 2022
    10
    An essential album for anyone new to hip-hop, young or old. Truly an album for anyone.
  12. SergioV
    Apr 5, 2016
    8
    77/100. I think, similar to "Acid Rap", people jump on this album because it was a classic breakout. However, there's a few songs on this album that really bring it down because honestly, they're nothing special. Still, a very good album overall by Kid Cudi.
  13. jmarkfin
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    It's up for debate whether this or Outkast's Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is the best hip hop album of the decade. An absolute masterpiece that is grossly underrated by critics but sufficiently panned and admired by fans.
  14. homer4president
    Mar 11, 2015
    9
    It is clear Kid Cudi has arrived. His unique flow, vibe, and the substance of his lyrics allow him to transcend any specific genre and allow people of all musical tastes to appreciate his work. To say that he is a breath of fresh air in every way, shape, or form, is an understatement. The quality of production as well as the lyrical content on this album are superb and there are some greatIt is clear Kid Cudi has arrived. His unique flow, vibe, and the substance of his lyrics allow him to transcend any specific genre and allow people of all musical tastes to appreciate his work. To say that he is a breath of fresh air in every way, shape, or form, is an understatement. The quality of production as well as the lyrical content on this album are superb and there are some great features including MGMT, Ratatat and Chip Tha Ripper just to name a few. The moon man has landed and he is not going anywhere anytime soon.… Expand
  15. TwistedFantasy
    Aug 1, 2012
    9
    PROS:
    The space-adventure-y production is incredible
    Even the "pop" songs ("Make Her Say", "Up Up n Away") sound great Lyrics to relate to Great guest verses from Kanye West, Common CONS: Kid Cudi could have a bit more energy, since these songs are the kind that require it. A few mediocre songs ("In My Dreams", "Simple As", & "Hyerr") Some interludes at the end of songs (Most people    PROS:
    The space-adventure-y production is incredible
    Even the "pop" songs ("Make Her Say", "Up Up n Away") sound great
    Lyrics to relate to
    Great guest verses from Kanye West, Common
    CONS: Kid Cudi could have a bit more energy, since these songs are the kind that require it.
    A few mediocre songs ("In My Dreams", "Simple As", & "Hyerr")
    Some interludes at the end of songs (Most people probably won't mind them)    … Expand
  16. emlugo123
    Mar 10, 2015
    9
    While Kid Cudi's debut album is classified as hip-hop, this album transcends the genre and crosses into others. The production on this album is atmospheric and moody and Cudi's not afraid of baring his soul. The narration by Common gives the album an epic feel and even though it's a long album, it is easy to listen to over and over again.
  17. Teeb_
    Jul 19, 2022
    10
    This is by far the most influential rap album ever. Many rappers have given thanks to Kid Cudi's sound (Travis Scott, for example). This album gave birth to a whole new type of rap.
  18. MalcolmE
    Nov 4, 2018
    7
    Creates a intense and relatable atmosphere. I’m not always a fan of Cudi’s perfomance (such as the humming) but overall there’s great production and well written songs. Not a fan of the narration though. But the album keeps delivering strong cuts here and there until the very end.

    Favorite Track: Sky Might Fall, Soundtrack 2 My Life, Pursuit Of Happiness Least Favorite Track: In My    Creates a intense and relatable atmosphere. I’m not always a fan of Cudi’s perfomance (such as the humming) but overall there’s great production and well written songs. Not a fan of the narration though. But the album keeps delivering strong cuts here and there until the very end.

    Favorite Track: Sky Might Fall, Soundtrack 2 My Life, Pursuit Of Happiness

    Least Favorite Track: In My Dreams

    My Rating: 7/10    … Expand
  19. Sinews
    Apr 10, 2020
    8
    While Kid Cudi probably didn't invent the kind of vulnerable, emotional emo-rap that's become the status quo for a few years now, he certainly gets more cred than anyone else for being a good decade ahead of the game and still managing to produce music that was engaging enough that so many people who were around for it would remember it so fondly.

    There's a lot to enjoy on this album,    While Kid Cudi probably didn't invent the kind of vulnerable, emotional emo-rap that's become the status quo for a few years now, he certainly gets more cred than anyone else for being a good decade ahead of the game and still managing to produce music that was engaging enough that so many people who were around for it would remember it so fondly.

    There's a lot to enjoy on this album, and almost no track disappoints. About the only real strike it against it is it's unjustifiable length. It's length undermines its unique qualities, giving it the feel of an album that tries to cozy up with its more run-of-the-mill contemporaries when it was so clearly born to be a cut above the rest. Despite this minor complaint, Man On The Moon is something of a minor classic graduating to a moderate classic. Perhaps time will tell, but for now, what he have is a set of impactful, soulful tracks that while not feeling as fresh as they did in 2009, will still ring true to the ears of a modern music audience.    … Expand
  20. SaintPablo32
    Jun 4, 2021
    10
    This album captures the depression that Scott Mescudi has been fighting his whole life. Scott talks about the themes of not fitting in, being bullied, drugs and their tolls, fame, and many more struggles Kid Cudi experiences.

    This is a timeless classic that has changed Hip-Hop throughout the years and helped many with similar experiences Scott goes through on this album. No bad tracks on    This album captures the depression that Scott Mescudi has been fighting his whole life. Scott talks about the themes of not fitting in, being bullied, drugs and their tolls, fame, and many more struggles Kid Cudi experiences.

    This is a timeless classic that has changed Hip-Hop throughout the years and helped many with similar experiences Scott goes through on this album. No bad tracks on this album.

    10/10 - Classic    … Expand
  21. LeftyRightyGuy
    Oct 29, 2011
    8
    Brilliant, but slightly boring the standout songs are the singles. He sounds like he is trying, but Kid Cudi is using too much self-pity. There must be something that will make you happy is there Mr. Rager (Besides drugs?) Best Tracks: In My Dreams (Cudder Anthem), Soundtrack 2 my Life, Day 'N' Nite, Alive, Pursuit of Happiness, Make Her Say, Up, Up, and Away, and Man on the Moon.
  22. emlugo007
    Mar 10, 2015
    9
    This is some of the most creative music out there right now. Lyrics could be a little more stable but definitely a great flow. Kick back and enjoy the greatest thing out from 2009: the creative genius of Kid Cudi
  23. RafikiPablo
    May 8, 2017
    10
    Kid Cudi - Man On The Moon: The End Of Day (2009)
    10 / 10
    Kid Cudi takes listeners on an incredible journey of human emotion. With outstanding production, beautiful narration from Common, a incredible structure, and Kid Cudi's cultive personality, this album will forever stand out as a sonically brilliant masterpiece.
  24. QTIP1283
    Dec 22, 2010
    9
    OK, so the album is not perfect. Common tries to ruin it with his stupid narration. There are a few bad tracks. ("Make Her Say", "My World") In addition, Kid Cudi is not the best rapper in the world. In fact, I would argue even he would tell you that. However, the album is saved by amazing production quality, amazing beats, and Ratatat along with MGMT. "Alive" and "Pursuit ofOK, so the album is not perfect. Common tries to ruin it with his stupid narration. There are a few bad tracks. ("Make Her Say", "My World") In addition, Kid Cudi is not the best rapper in the world. In fact, I would argue even he would tell you that. However, the album is saved by amazing production quality, amazing beats, and Ratatat along with MGMT. "Alive" and "Pursuit of Happiness" are perfect. Day N Nite is also the most interesting single I have heard on the radio in a long time. The album revolves around his lonely stoner feeling with cold, bleak beats. Tight jeans rappers are awesome!… Expand
  25. Momoki_02
    Jul 26, 2020
    9
  26. thatguynamed20r
    Jun 12, 2011
    10
    Terrific album, the kind of album that you can just pop into your CD player and listen to start to finish. I highly recommend this album to anyone who is just a little bit into hip hop/rap or a seasoned veteran of the genre. He puts none conventional artists on tracks and it turns out wonderfully, Kid Cudi is a lyrical genius in my opinion and this album is perfect for a warm summer'sTerrific album, the kind of album that you can just pop into your CD player and listen to start to finish. I highly recommend this album to anyone who is just a little bit into hip hop/rap or a seasoned veteran of the genre. He puts none conventional artists on tracks and it turns out wonderfully, Kid Cudi is a lyrical genius in my opinion and this album is perfect for a warm summer's night with some friends.… Expand
  27. jstrickler872
    Jun 24, 2013
    9
    My only issue with this masterpiece is Common's narrating. It's distracting and rather annoying. Also Common's segment in Make Her Say. I guess I just thought Common was useless and actually hurt the album. But otherwise everything about this album is amazing. It has hope, heart, love, happiness. It makes you see the light in this dark world.
  28. AmazinKazin
    Oct 25, 2011
    10
    Hands down the best slow rap album out there. I can listen to this to go to sleep or to pump me up. Easy 10/10 for the record. Cudi doesn't follow your regular, "black & white" rap album.
  29. mattej
    Aug 24, 2011
    9
    Great debut album, to me much more impressive than the follow up. A true masterpiece of the new rap, the alternative rap, in which Mr. Mescudi brings us in his dreams. And trust me, they are trippy, atmospheric, and more than anything, brilliant. Great album, hope Scottie boy brings a better album than Man on the Moon 2 with his next album. This one, however, is a must pick-up.
  30. LegitReviewer
    Apr 28, 2013
    10
    Probably the best debut album i have ever heard, Kid Cudi and his team (Emile, Pain Pat & Dot Da Genius) can't do no wrong. If you though Kid Cudi's was just an one-hit wonder because of Day N' Nite you were wrong, most the songs on this album are much better.
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Most Discussed Album of 2009
7
#7 Most Shared Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. AllMusic
    80
    This first official release is a soul searcher and may require more patience than your everyday debut. Still, the chilly, complicated Man on the Moon perfects the futuristic bleak-beat hip-hop Kanye purposed a year earlier, and rewards the listener with every tripped-out return.
    Read full review
  2. Boston Globe
    80
    It’s spacey, adventurous, and ridiculously intriguing if only because it’s so different.
    Read full review
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Cudi turns out to be that rarest of rap phenomena: a hyped upstart who really does represent a promising new phase in the genre's evolution.
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