Man on the Moon, Vol. 3: The Chosen
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71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 310 Ratings

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  • Summary: The third and final installment of the rapper's Main On The Moon trilogy features guest appearances from Phoebe Bridgers, Pop Smoke, Skepta, and Trippie Redd.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Clash Music
    Dec 11, 2020
    90
    It’s not clear if this is to be the last instalment of the man on the moon franchise, but what is clear is that Kid Cudi is back on track, and with this release, has made his best solo album to date.
  2. Variety
    Dec 14, 2020
    83
    The album generally finds his deep-breathing, sing-song-y baritone nestled almost exclusively in ambient synth-hop. Ultimately, this nearly single-sourced sound is more consistent, and easier on the ears. ... But it’s when Cudi is by himself — lonely and punching through the darkness — that his somnolent, bittersweet reveries are at their tastiest.
  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.
  4. The Line of Best Fit
    Dec 11, 2020
    80
    While it might take a few listens to make sense of the album's seemingly muddled introduction, one thing is clear: by the end of this hour-long journey, Cudi has reached his destination.
  5. Sputnikmusic
    Dec 14, 2020
    72
    This is a fun, sometimes moving project, extremely consistent and concise by the standards we apply to Kid Cudi since around 2013.
  6. 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.
  7. Pitchfork
    Dec 16, 2020
    49
    “Mr. Solo Dolo III” is only memorable because of its title, which like too much of Man on the Moon III is coasting on a legacy built a lifetime ago.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 91 out of 104
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 104
  3. Negative: 7 out of 104
  1. cosmonauts
    Dec 12, 2020
    10
    Man on the Moon III: The Chosen. — A great return of one of hip hop's most brilliant artists.
  2. AK0311
    Dec 17, 2020
    10
    Great album. Cudi really improved lyrically. Overall one of his best albums.
  4. 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.
  5. Cuzynot901
    Dec 13, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Get ready for a lot of humming :) Lots of good vibes here. It's just a little disappointing there's no guitar stuff but honestly it wouldn't have fit the theme of the album. Cudi nails a surprise drill beat in Show Out. There's a couple really touching songs, Elsie's Baby Boy, Sept 16, The Void, Lovin' Me, towards the end which I feel are the highlight.… Expand
  6. 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 thisThis 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
  7. adamdg3353
    Dec 21, 2020
    8
    Kid Cudi's Man On The Moon III is possibly his best solo project, featuring amazing tracks, lyrics, and otherworldly production. Although theKid Cudi's Man On The Moon III is possibly his best solo project, featuring amazing tracks, lyrics, and otherworldly production. Although the Pop Smoke and Trippie Redd features were unnecessary and rather disappointing, this is still an amazing album overall.

    Favourite tracks: Tequila Shots, Another Day, Dive, Damaged, Sad People, Sept. 16, The Void, Lovin' Me, Lord I Know

    Least favourite tracks: Show Out, Rockstar Knights    … Expand
  8. Macwop
    Mar 22, 2021
    0
    Get ready for liftoff. Man on the moon 3, The latest installment of the man on the moon series created by Kid Cudi is more than just an albumGet ready for liftoff. Man on the moon 3, The latest installment of the man on the moon series created by Kid Cudi is more than just an album but a get away from reality. Scott Mesicudi better known as “Kid Cudi” brings to you a whole new experience. In this album Cudi is going heads up with his depression and brings us along for the ride. Cudi with his harmonic voice over his futuristic ambient alternative hip-hop beats, Sings about how he's struggling with loving himself but through the album he begins to over power the depression. This album in a way is therapeutic for anyone that is going through depression or feels like giving up.
    Throughout the album Kid Cudi is at war with his demons and refusing to go back to his old ways which tends to be a problem that many face in everyday life. In the first song of the album “Tequila shots” Cudi sings “ Alotta Stuff waitin on me right now, it's a storm never thought i would be back here bleeding” This shows that he is struggling within himself and is falling back into a familiar place of pain. Then goes to sing on the chorus “Can’t stop this war, in me, in me ,Hm, hear me now, hey This time I'm ready for it” Even though Cudi is struggling he’s ready this time around .
    As the album continues Cudi continues to try to find an even ground with his demons and begins to feel as if he isn't changing . This to me is something that a lot of people go through at times . Struggling with being the same old person that they once were and struggling to not continue down a bad path. For example , In the song “Another Day” Cudi sings “Day fades and the sun goes away Same old guy and the same old pain Ain't much changin' me, y'all (yeah)Seems like ain't nothin' changin' me, y'all Thank God it's all another day But I can't go escape, what I have made Nah, ain't much changin' me, y'all (yeah)Seems like ain't nothin' changin' me, y'all (yeah)” . To feel as if you aren't going anywhere and stuck in a bad position is something millions face everyday. Cudi is expressing to the audience and is letting us all know that we are not alone in this.
    Future more, The ending of Man on the Moon 3, Cudi begins to realize his inner strength and begins to have hope . For example, in the last song of the album
    “Lord i Know” Cudi sings on the chorus “ Start to show, Blessings in my life, lord i know, you can make it right” The tone of voice completely changes from the first song Tequila Shots, Cudi ends the album in hope .
    In all, Cudi is sharing his experience with depression and is shedding light on a topic that isn't as openly discussed as it should be. Man on the Moon 3 is more than just a cry for help yet an open experience for anyone to interrupt in their own unique way.    … Expand

See all 104 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Most Discussed Album of 2020

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