Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin'
by Kid Cudi
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Dec 28, 2016
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 155 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 137 out of 155
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 155
  3. Negative: 6 out of 155
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  1. ConyeWest
    Jan 4, 2017
    10
    Passion Pain and Demon Slayin is one of the best produced albums of all time. The production just gives you goosebumps. Along with great lyrics this to me just makes it Album of the Year to me. Songs like Surfin, Frequency and Design make you get up and dance. Triumph songs like Rose Golden and Illusions make you feel like a champion. All and all a great album.
  2. lilYACHTY
    Jan 4, 2017
    10
    Kid Cudi at his best. Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin' is an energetic, positive vibed masterpiece. "By Design" and "Surfin'" produced by Pharrell Williams are the album's highlights, and are, in my opinion, the best songs of the year. Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin' is a positive, energetic masterpiece with a beautiful summer vibe.
    10/10
    This and Birds in The Trap = 2016's highlights
  3. iNEEDaBowl
    Jan 6, 2017
    9
    Cudder finally gets away from his emo teen dream and makes his return to atmospheric beats and introspective rhymes. There are a lot of forgettable songs but several I've had on repeat for days now. By Design and ILLusions are my personal favs. Not quite a 10 as there are too many meh songs but if you don't like this album you never liked or understood Cudi to begin with.
  4. ignacyklimont
    Jan 4, 2017
    8
    This album is not only a triumphant return. It is a great comeback to Kid Cudi's roots, that made him one of the best moaning-depressing-chilling rappers in the game ever. PP&DS won't be a classic, but it is a great album that the world needed: statement that Cudder is back. The album is definitely too long: few songs are too long, and few could be dropped of record. Creating 7-minuteThis album is not only a triumphant return. It is a great comeback to Kid Cudi's roots, that made him one of the best moaning-depressing-chilling rappers in the game ever. PP&DS won't be a classic, but it is a great album that the world needed: statement that Cudder is back. The album is definitely too long: few songs are too long, and few could be dropped of record. Creating 7-minute version of Surfin' seems also pointless. Nevertheless, the rest is just good or great. Tracks like Frequency and By Design are easily one of the 50,100 best rap tracks of the year. The production, climate, melody, Cudi's voice. Everything is on point in those. The collaborations with Willow Smith and Travis are also standouts, especially this second. Though "Through the late night" seemed to be a perfect dark-deep night rap track, Baptized in fire is on the same level. The album gets strong 8 from me and I hope next would be on even better level.… Expand
  5. ZubriQ
    Mar 30, 2020
    10
    This is one of the best of his albums so far. When I listen to this I see.. this is my man. I only discovered it in 2020 for myself. Euphonious
  6. Creamtoast
    Oct 11, 2017
    2
    Two songs! Out of all of the songs in this bloody album, only two were "OK" (By Design / Rose Golden).
    This album was supposed to be about Scott finding himself, exploring new sounds etc.
    Well... it sucks! Auto-Tune up to MAX and everything sounds bland and the same... CUDI, groove back to your old sounds before it's too late. Also, the critic reviews for this album are really wrong,    Two songs! Out of all of the songs in this bloody album, only two were "OK" (By Design / Rose Golden).
    This album was supposed to be about Scott finding himself, exploring new sounds etc.
    Well... it sucks! Auto-Tune up to MAX and everything sounds bland and the same...
    CUDI, groove back to your old sounds before it's too late.
    Also, the critic reviews for this album are really wrong, he isn't at this best, he's at this worst it's quality not quantity that matters.
    So sad to see one of my favourite artists make this much crap but it is what it is I suppose.    … Expand
  7. Hendo250
    Mar 29, 2021
    7
    this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7
  8. iSimon420
    Feb 25, 2017
    10
    Forgive my previous misgivings. This album is truly a return to form for Kid Cudi, an active and profound masterwork that reaches out to the soul stuck in the deepest valleys of darkness and torment, to continue to soldier on and fight against your weaknesses to become the best you-you can become. The autotune I would though can become a tad overdone on individual tracks such as KitchenForgive my previous misgivings. This album is truly a return to form for Kid Cudi, an active and profound masterwork that reaches out to the soul stuck in the deepest valleys of darkness and torment, to continue to soldier on and fight against your weaknesses to become the best you-you can become. The autotune I would though can become a tad overdone on individual tracks such as Kitchen and Illusions. However, singles such as Swim in the Light and Wounds are instant Kid Cudi masterpieces that will remind fans why they love Cudi's flow and skill as a rapper and as an artist. A well deserved 10/10 and a must purchase for anyone, anywhere, anytime, anyhow, and while sober or blunted up, stoned and faded straight to the moon.… Expand
  9. LDyhrKopp
    Mar 14, 2017
    9
    Cudi masterfully returns to form in Passion Pain &a Demon SLaying, yet the critics fail to recognize the significance of this because they failed to recognize Mescudi's artistic ability from the start. The production on the album is stellar and where lyricism isn't absent melodies are abundant.
  10. kwamek7
    Mar 22, 2017
    8
    Not sure if I could really call myself a proper Kid Cudi fan just because I liked some of his more popular songs, but this album has really turned me into one. While it's not too lyrical, the production of the album resonates with me deeply. All of the songs are definitely listenable, and they are all within the range of being okay to great (to be honest, I'm not sure why some people haveNot sure if I could really call myself a proper Kid Cudi fan just because I liked some of his more popular songs, but this album has really turned me into one. While it's not too lyrical, the production of the album resonates with me deeply. All of the songs are definitely listenable, and they are all within the range of being okay to great (to be honest, I'm not sure why some people have a problem with "The Commander").

    Overall, I think this album is great. I have some favorite songs, like ILLusions, but it seems like a different one latches onto my soul every time I listen to the album. Every time it's over, I have a different song stuck in my head, and I wish there were a few more.    … Expand
  11. karamjoud
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    its all about the production. its too DAMN GOOD . Cuid put all his effort on his album and damn it was so good it made my dick hard like a **** guys listen to it right now
  12. xdddddd
    Apr 13, 2017
    7
    A drastic improvement from the train wreck that was SB2H. In fact, because of the outstanding production, there are some tracks that capture a MOTM vibe, not to mention the features do a good job. However, the delivery still needs improvement, and this album didn't need to be 19 tracks long. Regardless, if you're a Cudi fan, you will love this record. If not, you should still give thisA drastic improvement from the train wreck that was SB2H. In fact, because of the outstanding production, there are some tracks that capture a MOTM vibe, not to mention the features do a good job. However, the delivery still needs improvement, and this album didn't need to be 19 tracks long. Regardless, if you're a Cudi fan, you will love this record. If not, you should still give this album a listen.… Expand
  13. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    5
    This album is a mixed bag and runs too long. The production has some major high points but there's just nothing special here. Just the definition of average. Plus, the album cover has to be one of the worst ever. And I feel it could have been a 6 with a better album cover even though that has no impact on the musical experience.
  14. cpfeiffer
    May 29, 2017
    8
    Great album, however the length detracts from that. Certain songs slipped past the cutting room floor, bloating the album. Other than that, the album was Kid Cudi at his finest. He brings back the spacey vibes, emotional lyrics and overall good production that we missed from the early days. He has evolved into a positive person, shedding the dark days of Mr. Rager. I'm glad he overcame hisGreat album, however the length detracts from that. Certain songs slipped past the cutting room floor, bloating the album. Other than that, the album was Kid Cudi at his finest. He brings back the spacey vibes, emotional lyrics and overall good production that we missed from the early days. He has evolved into a positive person, shedding the dark days of Mr. Rager. I'm glad he overcame his trials and created this album.

    Can we talk about the strings throughout? Amazing! The arrangements are beautiful and add a beautiful contrast to the bouncier production seen throughout. Cudi does not disappoint.    … Expand
  15. RafikiPablo
    Apr 17, 2017
    8
    Kid Cudi - Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin (2016)
    8.5 / 10

    Kid Cudi takes listeners on a baptizing journey of self discovery and recovery. The only problem with this project, preventing it from being a true masterpiece, is that it's too long, and contains a couple useless sleepy tracks that need to be removed from the album.
  16. DJBilboSwaggins
    May 26, 2017
    10
    From the start of the album I was instantly grinning to the familiar style reminiscent of "A Kid Named Cudi". Lyrically it connected with me in so many ways, especially track 7 rose golden. Also the great beat selection and engineering makes it an ear tingling satisfying album to listen to. Nostalgic waves bring me back to the first time i heard "A Kid Named Cudi". Listening to that sameFrom the start of the album I was instantly grinning to the familiar style reminiscent of "A Kid Named Cudi". Lyrically it connected with me in so many ways, especially track 7 rose golden. Also the great beat selection and engineering makes it an ear tingling satisfying album to listen to. Nostalgic waves bring me back to the first time i heard "A Kid Named Cudi". Listening to that same album on repeat for maybe a year or so trickling off as the years go by, I'm grateful to say i look forward to doing the same thing with this album.
    10/10 Go buy it

    AND THANK YOU CUDI    … Expand
  17. Frye4
    Nov 24, 2017
    7
    The mellow, dreamlike dance inspired beats and cudi’s Melodic vocal style together with his signature humming make this album a must listen. I would have to say this is one of cudi’s best album’s to date.
  18. clem666
    Jan 25, 2021
    9
    Only a year after his so-called 'big messed up album' Cudi comes back way harder than expected. He manages to prove to us he is still surrounded by dark and shivering questions and concerns. 'Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven' was an unmissable step that made him grow up more than we could have imagined it and now he comes back to the style he usually had even if he sounds more experimental thanOnly a year after his so-called 'big messed up album' Cudi comes back way harder than expected. He manages to prove to us he is still surrounded by dark and shivering questions and concerns. 'Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven' was an unmissable step that made him grow up more than we could have imagined it and now he comes back to the style he usually had even if he sounds more experimental than ever. 'Flight at First Sight/Advanced' is the best example I could give about it.

    Cudi wants his tracks to be profound, melancholic and hovering. Few artists were allowed to join him to talk about their passion and pain but they all were meaningful and attractive. André 3000's job is awesome all along. This is definitely a long album but Cudi had a lot to tell and sign about. Those are not the songs of a healed Scott but rather of a hesitating, destitute, weak and recovering Cudi. He doesn't fear to let the music speak for him when words can't describe his powerful feelings and emotions. Lyrics are truly introspective and incisive. Cudi doesn't fear either to appear to us bare naked like in 'Distant Fantasies'. The cover artwork is quite accurate.    … Expand
  19. thegoat2486
    Jul 30, 2019
    8
    This album has really grown on me over the years and i will definitely say that it is Underrated
  20. scuffedshock
    Sep 14, 2020
    9
    Following his somewhat unexpected checking into a rehab for suicidal urges and depression, Cudi came back. The true Return of the Moon Man has happened, not the original score found in his 2014 bridge between Indicud (2013) and Man On The Moon III. i'm willingly ignoring his 2015 raw alt piece because that isn't the MOTM III we were anticipating since it is essentially aFollowing his somewhat unexpected checking into a rehab for suicidal urges and depression, Cudi came back. The true Return of the Moon Man has happened, not the original score found in his 2014 bridge between Indicud (2013) and Man On The Moon III. i'm willingly ignoring his 2015 raw alt piece because that isn't the MOTM III we were anticipating since it is essentially a experimental/alternative album, on the surface level SB2H was a personal call for help by Cudi himself. This album puts Scott (Cudi) in such a different and fresher state than he's ever been in before. The sounds we hear here give such a "cosmical" vibe to the listener that I find it truly amazing how well produced this project is. In my strict opinion, I believe songs featuring other artists just gave away some bits of the perfection. Andre Benjamin and Travis Scott are a great feature but WILLOW and Pharrell Williams's feature on tracks Rose Golden and Flight At First Sight/Advanced aren't that good, that said Pharrell turned out great on Surfin' (the final track), it's really his jam he performed great in. Cudi carries the entire song like he's supposed to. I've been listening to this album almost every day for some time, it's really the Man On The Moon III Cudi fans have been waiting for. I'm happy the album wasn't called "Man On The Moon Vol. III: Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin' because this is much simpler and a really good album name that explains all three themes Scott is exploring / singing about here. Some of my favourite tracks I listen to every day are: By Design, Baptized In Fire, Does It, Dance 4 Eternity, Distant Fantasies, Mature Nature, Kitchen (a real solo triumph for Cudi) and Surfin'. I can also relate to a lot of these songs considering I have manic depression, sometimes even questioning if Cudi has had a similar mental problem through 2016 when he checked himself into rehab… Expand
  21. SaintPablo32
    Jun 4, 2021
    8
    Scott tries out a new style and it sounds great! Only a few weak tracks but for the most part this is a fun and ambitious project.

    8/10 - Enjoyable
  22. Teeb_
    Jul 31, 2022
    9
    It's definitely not a MOTM album, but it still has an amazing feel to it. My favorite songs are By Design, Kitchen, Rose Golden, Surfin, and Baptized in Fire.

Awards & Rankings

49
#49 Most Discussed Album of 2016
90
#90 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Sputnikmusic
    Aug 7, 2017
    80
    PP&DS is self-indulgent, silly, messy and heartfelt. It's Cudi at top songwriting form, and the songs on it are arguably the best he's ever written.
    Read full review
  2. Drowned In Sound
    Jan 24, 2017
    70
    It is definitely a record that demands repeated attention, as a cursory listen will not unveil all its hidden gems. It's instantly accessible than his previous records, but when Cudi is on his game he reaps unignorable rewards.
    Read full review
  3. The Line of Best Fit
    Jan 11, 2017
    50
    Divisive as they might be, Cudi’s experimental urges are what make him interesting; on Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin’, he’s largely drowned them in a sea of unenlightened navel-gazing.
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