Man on the Moon, Vol. 3: The Chosen
by Kid Cudi
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Dec 11, 2020
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 311 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 277 out of 311
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 311
  3. Negative: 21 out of 311
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. freshie
    Dec 12, 2020
    10
    An unexpected, but pleasant addition to the man on the moon trilogy. Cudi delivers beauitful flows and melodies over beats executed to perfection.

    There's no orchestra in the album unlike cudi's previous albums which took a moment to accustom to
  2. ThaBreeze
    Dec 12, 2020
    9
    This album is another experience. The vibes, overall sound design, S tier production and Cudi‘s vocal chemistry + plus his rap technique makes this album so enjoyable.
    I can sense a whole lotta influence by his own protégé (you already know who I mean) by the majority of those tracks here, which is very funny bcs Cudi himself inspired him a lot.
    Content wise I like how the album splits in    This album is another experience. The vibes, overall sound design, S tier production and Cudi‘s vocal chemistry + plus his rap technique makes this album so enjoyable.
    I can sense a whole lotta influence by his own protégé (you already know who I mean) by the majority of those tracks here, which is very funny bcs Cudi himself inspired him a lot.
    Content wise I like how the album splits in 4 different parts, in which you always get another experience and matching to the mood that you‘re right now on. The album begins with act 1: „Return 2 Madness“ which has some classic Cudi psychedlic sounds pared with smooth trap production. Act 2 is called „The Rager, the Menace“ in which we also get some cool features from uk drill mvp Pop Smoke (RIP) and UK legend Skepta. And somehow they manage to fit all in together and match the overall tone of this album. The Last two acts which are called „Heart of Rose Gold“ and „Powers“, where we get more of a classic Kid Cudi and MOTM vibes. The third act being very deep and emotional and the last one being somewhat uplifting and thoughtful.
    I fully recommend everyone to give it a listen. The more and more I listen to this album the more it grows on me.    … Expand
  3. musikman91307
    Dec 12, 2020
    9
    This album is a near-masterpiece. From the glorious Cudi hymns to the beautiful psychedelic productions, and the few solid features this project rivals all of his previous works (except maybe MOTM I) and reminds everyone how important of a figure Kid Cudi is for the younger generations. What makes it even better is that it's not over yet ("to be continued" is whispered by a little kid atThis album is a near-masterpiece. From the glorious Cudi hymns to the beautiful psychedelic productions, and the few solid features this project rivals all of his previous works (except maybe MOTM I) and reminds everyone how important of a figure Kid Cudi is for the younger generations. What makes it even better is that it's not over yet ("to be continued" is whispered by a little kid at the album's end), so I expect that we will get a second part to MOTM III sometime next year (or 2022 at the latest).… Expand
  4. clem666
    Dec 16, 2020
    9
    So much to say about this album. Sorry in advance because this review is about to be long.

    Let's begin smoothly. The artwork cover is really cool since it is composed by the fusion of those of 'Man On The Moon' I & II. We find back Cudi's face and the colours present on MOTM I and the stars and the dark side of the II. There is truly an interesting visual effect of progressiveness and    So much to say about this album. Sorry in advance because this review is about to be long.

    Let's begin smoothly. The artwork cover is really cool since it is composed by the fusion of those of 'Man On The Moon' I & II. We find back Cudi's face and the colours present on MOTM I and the stars and the dark side of the II. There is truly an interesting visual effect of progressiveness and movement.

    Now we're about to go down. Firstly the beats and overall production are really close to what we are used to hear usually in 2020's rap especially the first half of the project. In a way we could speak of a certain loss of originality from the artist. But the rest of the project sees Cudi taking back what he started himself: more dazzling and transcending productions. 'Elsie's Baby Boy (flashback)' is instrumentally the most authentic Cudi track of the album.

    Anyway when you associate this kind of production with Cudi's lyrics you obtain something far beyond normality. The artist doesn't hesitate to testify the long painful but splendid journey he achieved in order to learn to love himself. He even takes his time to magnificently thank back his fans and their support on 'The Void'. Cudi had certainly way more things to say than to hum because 'Man On The Moon III' is almost spared from the classic yet appreciated Cudi's hummings.

    In this sacred garden of authenticity and deep humanity there are unfortunately few dark points. One of them is in featured artists. Phoebe Bridgers' presence is perfect, accurate and a good surprise. However all the other ones (Trippie Redd, Skepta and of course Pop Smoke) don't really fit in the project. I particularly found that the 'Show Out' song was completely inappropriate in this album, breaking its pace and inner spirit. 'Rockstar Knights' even if catchy doesn't add that much of content. Speaking of featurings and influences, we have to make something clear. Travis Scott physically did not offer his help in any way on this project. It was barely impossible to believe it when you pay attention to the structure, lyrics and production of 'Damaged'. Nevertheless it is a really interesting parallel to make because we clearly see here the mutual influences between the two artists. Travis admitted to admire Cudi's work during his childhood and adolescence. And now Cudi manages to humbly position himself to the fame he deserves.

    'Man On The Moon III' had the chance to come out the same day as the second 2020 Taylor Swift's album ('evermore'). The audience competition is strong. However we can observe with the statistics that the Cudi's fanbase didn't abandonned him. With this project he proudly faced one of the darkest fear of his former role model Kanye West who postponed the release of his album 'DONDA: With Child' multiple times just to avoid Swift's releases and celebrity.

    Cudi eventually elevates himself as the prince of teasing when you hear his daughter whisper 'to be continued' on the last 'Lord I Know' track. I had a hard time not bursting out laughing when I heard it. Cudi made each and everyone wait for 10 years for the end of this amazing 'Man On The Moon' trilogy and ends it on a 'to be continued'. What a prank.

    To end this endless review I would simply highlight the fact that his public found back a rested, happy, healed and even more self-conscious Kid Cudi. I can't wait to hear some musical news from him and the patience to see what artistic and lyrical direction he will take in his next tracklist is already unbearable.    … Expand
  5. AuGeR96
    Dec 11, 2020
    10
    Amazing piece of art. Kid Cudi has truly redeemed himself and also establishes his spot in today's mainstream rap. He uses an amalgamation of sounds that have evolved since the last Man on The Moon and then incorporates it with his iconic sound to create a blissful listening experience.
  6. swagmoneydeclan
    Dec 13, 2020
    8
    Kid Cudi’s artistic talents really shine through in the third installment of the MOTM trilogy. Over the last 10 years Cudi has clearly evolved as an artist and a person. The first half of the album gets a little repetitive and conforms too much to popular styles for my taste, which is why this album isn’t a 10 out of 10. But in the second half, Cudi really settles into the style and vibesKid Cudi’s artistic talents really shine through in the third installment of the MOTM trilogy. Over the last 10 years Cudi has clearly evolved as an artist and a person. The first half of the album gets a little repetitive and conforms too much to popular styles for my taste, which is why this album isn’t a 10 out of 10. But in the second half, Cudi really settles into the style and vibes that have made him so big, especially on tracks like “The Void” and “September 16”… Expand
  7. tegolf97
    Dec 14, 2020
    10
    This album is at least on par if not better than his older Man on the Moon projects. Cudi has created an album that's just as genuine and endearing as his old ones, while improving his overall vocals and lyricism. It's an album that comes full circle and it's great to see Kid Cudi take all that he's learned from his experimentational albums and put it into one of his best sounding albums.This album is at least on par if not better than his older Man on the Moon projects. Cudi has created an album that's just as genuine and endearing as his old ones, while improving his overall vocals and lyricism. It's an album that comes full circle and it's great to see Kid Cudi take all that he's learned from his experimentational albums and put it into one of his best sounding albums. Filled with raps, hums, and great vocals. It also comes in multiple parts each telling a different part of his story and that each have a specific sound. The first half leaning on more current rap trends mixed with Scott's style and the latter half being purely Cudi. Each song from start to finish is enjoyable and well made. Overall, one of Cudi's greatest bodies of work.… Expand
  8. CactusRek
    Dec 15, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Good comeback, este era uno de mis artistas favoritos en esta decada y la verdad estoy feliz que haya tenido un gran regreso como este… Expand
  9. GothamZeppelin
    Dec 18, 2020
    10
    Cudi killed it with this. It compete with the top works in his discography to be honest. It really exceeded my expectations and that’s saying a lot coming from someone who’s been listening to cudi for half his life. Scott really hasn’t lost it in the slightest.
  10. JakJohn
    Dec 12, 2020
    10
    Top notch production and a different Cudi, the album fits well in with previous installments to perfectly end a trilogy. Superb.
  11. NickyNichols
    Dec 11, 2020
    10
    Album of the year. Kid Cudi has been to hell and back and this is his most uplifting and victorious album ever.
  12. persianfoo
    Dec 15, 2020
    10
    Absolutely beautiful album, start to finish. His best project probably. Fire up your vape/joint/bowl and press play
  13. antaios
    Dec 13, 2020
    7
    I didn't expect Cudi to jump onto trap so eagerly, but it makes much sense - seeing long time fan Travis Scott surpassing him in success - and it complements his rapping style fine unlike some people seem to think (also auto-tune has always been his thing). I think besides extending the measures of the beats to 8 beats, he hasn't taken any production techniques from trap. The production isI didn't expect Cudi to jump onto trap so eagerly, but it makes much sense - seeing long time fan Travis Scott surpassing him in success - and it complements his rapping style fine unlike some people seem to think (also auto-tune has always been his thing). I think besides extending the measures of the beats to 8 beats, he hasn't taken any production techniques from trap. The production is satisfying, surprising and subtle as I'm used to from Cudi; the translation into trap makes it very interesting rather.

    In terms of vibe, vocals and production this is an album I've always wanted Cudi to make: leaning into the sadness and the rage. I respect his attempts at upbeat tracks, but I think the motivation is wrong if you do it so people won't see you as that sad rapper. He really sounds much more stable on this album, like someone who has his mind made up. But all in all I think music by someone who is still in search will always be superior, even if it's worse in all the parts. That is to say: the album is also very stable, so maybe this album simply came too late. Songs are rather static, which is not a surprise from Kid Cudi really, but every song really contains the same vibe, somewhere between the crippling depression of "Swim in the Light" and the ego trip of **** Not one song diverges from this, which makes the album barely bearable. But still he manages to make every song a trip full of surprises in the details of the productions, or his hums, or his rapping technique - because that's often forgotten about Cudi: that he is a great rapper too. There's nothing of "Solo Dolo part II" levels of rapping quality, but - again - he consistently stays on a level of 'pretty good'.

    The lack of stand out tracks is the downfall of this album in the end. Something I also noticed on part two of this trilogy. Since it is part of the trilogy, I think there is more pressure on him to succeed, which prevents him from taking risks. That's why I was pretty content with him not finishing the trilogy at first, I understand he will probably not be in the same mood as 2009 since people grow. But still, I'm not mad at this.    … Expand
  14. erolsabadosh
    Dec 21, 2020
    10
    Great album, really enjoy listening! Favorite tracks are solo dolo III, the void and lord I know.
  15. Draymond_Johnsn
    Dec 11, 2020
    7
    The first half of this album is basically Travis Scott music, but not quite as good as Travis would have done it, and the second half is like Cudi's music from 10 years ago, but not quite as good as Cudi from 10 years ago would have done it. Even with that being said though I still enjoyed this, I just wish he didn't call it man on the moon since even though this isn't a bad album, it's byThe first half of this album is basically Travis Scott music, but not quite as good as Travis would have done it, and the second half is like Cudi's music from 10 years ago, but not quite as good as Cudi from 10 years ago would have done it. Even with that being said though I still enjoyed this, I just wish he didn't call it man on the moon since even though this isn't a bad album, it's by far the weakest in the series, and calling it that after 10 years is basically setting your fans up for disappointment. I'd give it a 6.5, but that's not an option so I'll just leave a 7… Expand
  16. AMHDK
    Dec 21, 2020
    8
    Its no secret, that MOTM I and MOTM II are some of my favorite albums ever. With MOTM III Cudi deliver on some tracks like 'Tequila Shots', 'The Void', 'Lovin' Me' and '4 Da Kidz' the vibe and delivery i love from Cudi. Unfortunately, there is too many songs that does not live up to the standard from those songs. The album feels more like a sequel to Passion Pain & Demon Slayin', which isIts no secret, that MOTM I and MOTM II are some of my favorite albums ever. With MOTM III Cudi deliver on some tracks like 'Tequila Shots', 'The Void', 'Lovin' Me' and '4 Da Kidz' the vibe and delivery i love from Cudi. Unfortunately, there is too many songs that does not live up to the standard from those songs. The album feels more like a sequel to Passion Pain & Demon Slayin', which is not bad at all, but in comparison to the MOTM I and MOTM II albums, it lacks a bit of story and quality.… Expand
  17. ChunkDump
    Dec 22, 2020
    9
    oh the humming!!! Cudi is back with this project! i dont know what that last couple **** he put out was but this def made up for it.
  18. WhySoSadCZ
    Dec 11, 2020
    10
    For those of you who want to hear a return to the MOTM wait till you get to acts 3 and 4 and The Void starts. First part of the album is more modernistic with some great features but the second half of the album is where we get that sound we are all used to. Listen to The Pale Moonlight and tell me that you don't get goosebumps! I was waiting for this album for 4 albums!
  19. cosmonauts
    Dec 12, 2020
    10
    Man on the Moon III: The Chosen. — A great return of one of hip hop's most brilliant artists.
  20. JMFILM
    Dec 13, 2020
    9
    Kid Cudi’s best since Mr Rager. A beautiful album that feels like a mix of new and classic Cudi in the best ways possible! Solo Dolo 3 and Lord I Know are instant classics that actually made me cry the first time I listened to them.

    I wish there were more theatrical elements to tie it together with Motm1&2. But this is still an amazing album.
  21. pdroroma
    Dec 11, 2020
    10
    artist, brilliant, i love it so much!!!! kid cudi return in a big style!!!!
  22. Kev23
    Dec 11, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Is Awesome. This is definitely Cudi's second best album, obviously after the first, and with this he redeems himself from his previous works, the theme with Pop Smoke and Skepta is incredible.… Expand
  23. CHIZZYLK
    Dec 11, 2020
    10
    One of the greatest returns in recent hip hop history.
    Cudi's Man on the moon III is all we needed in 2020
  24. Lamphire10
    Dec 13, 2020
    10
    Perfect addition to an amazing trilogy. Even the ones who gave up on Cudi years ago have to admit that he didn't disappoint this time! The moon man is back!
  25. tuxpingviini
    Dec 26, 2020
    3
    This album is boring. It does make for average level background music, though.
  26. Speedybrazil
    Dec 11, 2020
    10
    One of the greatest returns to hip hop, with a fresh take on Cudi's classic sound mixed with a modern touch of the new generation of rap. Incredible.
  27. Riellopez
    Dec 11, 2020
    9
    I think there is much to say about this album. It was heavily anticipated which creates a significant amount of hype, and sometimes having such expectations creates a narrative that is too lofty. This album fulfills a decade long hiatus of the album series that many Cudi fans felt never would be completed. Was it worth the wait? I think so.

    Ultimately, this album is another return to    I think there is much to say about this album. It was heavily anticipated which creates a significant amount of hype, and sometimes having such expectations creates a narrative that is too lofty. This album fulfills a decade long hiatus of the album series that many Cudi fans felt never would be completed. Was it worth the wait? I think so.

    Ultimately, this album is another return to form. Kid Cudi’s first mixtape “A Kid Named Cudi” and his first studio album, “Man on the Moon: The Legend of Mr. Rager” created a sonic and lyrical style that was not seen prior to his introduction into the music scene. Afterward, he tried to push in directions that were unproven, most of them without success. This album however does an EXCELLENT job in returning to a style and tone that he found much success within. The only knock here is that it seems like a bit of a comfortable move in that he did not push the envelope and create anything new in a sonic sense. Ultimately, this move will be appreciated by his fans.

    To be clear, this album serves as a solid representation of how he has grown in his musical journey. It does not expand on what he has done with his previous work, instead, it represents him nearly perfecting the musical style he is the father of.    … Expand
  28. carson1999
    Dec 13, 2020
    10
    Beautiful melodies and classic Cudi with a modern touch. Man on the Moon 3 shows the best of Cudi from 2010 and the best of Cudi from today. Songs like Solo Dolo part 3 and the Void touch on his roots, but Sad People and She Knows This show where Cudi is now.
  29. Eddie_a_patino
    Dec 13, 2020
    9
    This is album is flames. It really embodies the soul of the old Cudi under a new lens. The melodies are lo fi and similar to his old tempo beats, mixed with a more modern touch. I give it a solid 9.5/10.
  30. MrTwinkles
    Dec 11, 2020
    5
    Man on the moon vol. III is a disappointing end to a trilogy. It really reflects Scott Mesudi's career where the Highs are High but they do not outweigh the lows. Throughout the first act of the album shows how Cudi went from 'inspiration' to 'inspired by'. To me, this signified him moving away from his sound and conforming to modern sounds. Most do the tracks throughout the first actMan on the moon vol. III is a disappointing end to a trilogy. It really reflects Scott Mesudi's career where the Highs are High but they do not outweigh the lows. Throughout the first act of the album shows how Cudi went from 'inspiration' to 'inspired by'. To me, this signified him moving away from his sound and conforming to modern sounds. Most do the tracks throughout the first act reminded me of a Travis Scott album without the fire that makes Travis's sound work. The production is very underwhelming. It's a really generic sound that you can find on most modern projects. The second act returns more to the Cudi we know, the spacy sound that makes him 'him'. However again again, it feels like he falls short in truly capturing the magic.

    The album has some high points. Tracks like Sept. 16 and the void are some really good tracks that I enjoyed but it does not weigh up to the uninspiring effort that was the first act.

    The features on this album did not anything either outside one or two good bars by the ever consistent Skepta.

    I believe a 5/10 is a fair rating, to me, it ranges from 4 to 6 out of 10 and it sits somewhere I nthe middle of his discography. I can't shake the feeling of disappointment though.    … Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. AllMusic
    Jan 20, 2021
    70
    Cudi wrestles with the same struggles that have plagued him since he began sharing the complexities of his internal world, but at its best, Man on the Moon, Vol 3: The Chosen shows that years of struggle have yielded substantial growth.
    Read full review
  2. Rolling Stone
    Dec 17, 2020
    50
    His music might still be relatable, but it has never sounded so cliché.
    Read full review
  3. Consequence
    Dec 16, 2020
    83
    Throughout the journey of the Man on the Moon trilogy, which is imbued with many twists and turns, The Chosen captures Cudi as victorious, finally reaching his long-awaited destination.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »