Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven
by Kid Cudi
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Dec 18, 2015
User Score
3.0

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 237 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 237
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 237
  3. Negative: 158 out of 237
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  1. Maui_Waui
    Apr 6, 2016
    9
    This is Kid Cudi's fifth studio album and yes it's a different direction than what we're used to, but I think that the album benefits from these changes. The first easily noticeable change is the music. Instead of using beat machines and samples, Kid Cudi paints a picture with a guitar. Yes, the riffs are rough and repetitive, but they fit the anguished moaning and singing of Kid Cudi. TheThis is Kid Cudi's fifth studio album and yes it's a different direction than what we're used to, but I think that the album benefits from these changes. The first easily noticeable change is the music. Instead of using beat machines and samples, Kid Cudi paints a picture with a guitar. Yes, the riffs are rough and repetitive, but they fit the anguished moaning and singing of Kid Cudi. The next difference is that most of the album is sang. The singing that Cudi does really sends of message of pain and fear, which is what I believe Cudi wanted to show. It's easy to tell that at the moment he's at a low point and doesn't know were to go. All in all the album is not polished and slick like his previous releases, but I don't think that's what Cudi wanted. The album portrayed his ideas in a fresh way that is not usually seen in Hip-Hop. I fully support Cudi on breaking the mold of Hip-Hop and experimenting in the unknown.… Expand
  2. Mmikenormal
    Jan 7, 2016
    7
    The album isn't as bad as many are saying, but it's not great either. The album has plenty of awful songs, however with the album having so many songs on it, it does have 10 or so "good" songs in my opinion. Songs like "CONFUSED!", "Handle with care", "Fairy Tale Remains", and "Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven" are some of the best. A few songs on the album remind me of his 2012 project "WZRD"The album isn't as bad as many are saying, but it's not great either. The album has plenty of awful songs, however with the album having so many songs on it, it does have 10 or so "good" songs in my opinion. Songs like "CONFUSED!", "Handle with care", "Fairy Tale Remains", and "Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven" are some of the best. A few songs on the album remind me of his 2012 project "WZRD" which I enjoyed. I'm a fan of Hip-Hop a long with alternative music so I wasn't to upset with his new direction he was going in. In some songs he'll finish the end with Beavis & Butt-head talking and to me it just ruins whatever the song had going for it. All in all The album is slightly disappointing. Having so many songs on the album might make the allusion of the whole album being nothing but crap. Cudi doesn't have the best voice, nor does he play the guitar the best. However what he does have is rhythm and the ability to have a good flow and make something sound good. This alum sort of reminded me of an alternative rock album you'd hear back in the early 2000's. I am surprised that the album wasn't a bit better since this isn't the first time he wetted his feet into this genre. I'm eager to see whats next for Scott Mescudi. Until then I will be listing to a chunk of the songs!… Expand
  3. AhtnaAlaska
    Dec 19, 2015
    7
    Definitely not as terrible as the reviews I have read, but still not great. I personally came into this album with absolutely no expectations based on past reviews, but was actually quite surprised. Kid Cudi is a concept artist when it comes to albums, so the title always has a layered meaning i.e., Kid Cudi is not actually from the moon but has his "Man on the Moon" albums. In my opinionDefinitely not as terrible as the reviews I have read, but still not great. I personally came into this album with absolutely no expectations based on past reviews, but was actually quite surprised. Kid Cudi is a concept artist when it comes to albums, so the title always has a layered meaning i.e., Kid Cudi is not actually from the moon but has his "Man on the Moon" albums. In my opinion the title, Speedin Bullet to Heaven, was a reference to the dark thoughts of self harm. SBtH was also dedicated to anyone suffering from mental illness, so there's a good bet Cudi used his creativity to express himself during a dark time. I hope hasn't left Hip Hop behind because he gave it so much diversity, but he definitely put it aside for this album. The overall tone of the album was dark with a raw, grungy sound, but I enjoyed the chaotic roller coaster.… Expand
  4. chasewilliams
    Feb 16, 2016
    9
    I think it's obvious this album isn't for everybody, I believe you have to be in a tough place to connect with it. The guitar and instruments might not be the best but Cudi got his point across with that, he was trying to make it very "authentic". His vocals might be the best part about this album, and the humming that only Cudi can do. It is obvious that Cudi is in a low place and needsI think it's obvious this album isn't for everybody, I believe you have to be in a tough place to connect with it. The guitar and instruments might not be the best but Cudi got his point across with that, he was trying to make it very "authentic". His vocals might be the best part about this album, and the humming that only Cudi can do. It is obvious that Cudi is in a low place and needs help mentally but we've known this about him throughout his career.… Expand
  5. garnold27
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    This album is like a joke that has gone right over the heads of everyone who has heard it, but instead of a joke it is a beautiful piece of art coming from the heart and soul of one of todays more influential artists. It has gone right over our heads. To me, this album must be appreciated by hearing it from Kid Cudi's point of view. Perhaps i am biased having been a longtime fan, but iThis album is like a joke that has gone right over the heads of everyone who has heard it, but instead of a joke it is a beautiful piece of art coming from the heart and soul of one of todays more influential artists. It has gone right over our heads. To me, this album must be appreciated by hearing it from Kid Cudi's point of view. Perhaps i am biased having been a longtime fan, but i believe it to be one of, if not his very best pieces of work. I dont think one should listen to this album expecting the Cudi of old, MOTM3, or anything truly. Im not going to pretend this isnt an album that is going to be selectively enjoyed and understandably so, but i will certainly at least insert my piece in regards to how i believe this album and this man to be regarded as something much, much more massive than what we are leading on to be. This isn't a sad and immature rapper who thinks he can play a few instruments, this is an artist of otherworldly proportions, just as Speedin' Bullet To Heaven is. This album makes me think of Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, The Doors, the British invasion, punk rock, 90's indie and alternative, The Killers, and Nirvana all in one, created by the the Man on the Moon himself.
    Rock on man    … Expand
  6. Big_Skeat
    Feb 23, 2016
    10
    I don't know why everyone is hating on this album. It was great it was different and I think that's what he wanted. This album deserves a lot more credit than everyone gives it.
  7. theWZRD
    Dec 22, 2015
    8
    Very raw, emotion-filled rock that definitely doesn't appeal to the mass. Filled with plenty of garbage songs like seance chaos, WAIT!, return of chip douglas, red sabbath, Amen and angered kids and a few more but the album's 26 track length doesn't lack several gems...sometimes ruined by awkward lyrics or moans.
    Top tracks... Fuchsia Butterflies, Title track, MELTING, Man in the night,    Very raw, emotion-filled rock that definitely doesn't appeal to the mass. Filled with plenty of garbage songs like seance chaos, WAIT!, return of chip douglas, red sabbath, Amen and angered kids and a few more but the album's 26 track length doesn't lack several gems...sometimes ruined by awkward lyrics or moans.
    Top tracks... Fuchsia Butterflies, Title track, MELTING, Man in the night, Adventures    … Expand
  8. zizzou04
    Apr 8, 2016
    7
    I''m not gonna lie, Speein' Bullet 2 Heaven can be an album that's really hard to defend sometimes, I can't sit here and say that some of the criticism isn't justified. Tbh, this album reminds me a lot of a Zach Synder movie, it the style of it is **** amazing, but the substance isn't really that good. All that being said, while I don''t think it's a very 'good'' album, it's a highlyI''m not gonna lie, Speein' Bullet 2 Heaven can be an album that's really hard to defend sometimes, I can't sit here and say that some of the criticism isn't justified. Tbh, this album reminds me a lot of a Zach Synder movie, it the style of it is **** amazing, but the substance isn't really that good. All that being said, while I don''t think it's a very 'good'' album, it's a highly enjoyable that I would recommend, at least, looking into.… Expand
  9. smp6h
    Aug 25, 2016
    10
    This album is best appreciated while tripping, if u don't trip then thats on you don't open your mind whatever. I love this album and think its the best thing to be released in a while, I also think people will be talking about this for a long time, but if anything though people just don't give this artwork enough credit, at least applaud this guy for doing something so different and boldThis album is best appreciated while tripping, if u don't trip then thats on you don't open your mind whatever. I love this album and think its the best thing to be released in a while, I also think people will be talking about this for a long time, but if anything though people just don't give this artwork enough credit, at least applaud this guy for doing something so different and bold compared to the replication that continues in hip hop.… Expand
  10. frnky
    Jan 30, 2018
    10
    To enjoy this album you would have to understand the artist. Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven is music for the frustration. Wanna throw something? Wanna break something? Wanna yell at something? This is your go-to album. For real CuDi fans ya would understand, its part of the journey. For hip-hop fans this album is not for ya.
  11. jugboy
    Jul 1, 2018
    7
    I'm not going to insist that everyone is listening to it wrong, nor am I going to make the overtly biased claim that this album is a masterpiece. It isn't. It's a minor downgrade from 2009's Man on the Moon, which featured 808s, electronic pads, and some embarrassing lyrics. This album demonstrates Kid Cudi's willingness to put creative pursuit over the (at times) boring and flashy pop-rapI'm not going to insist that everyone is listening to it wrong, nor am I going to make the overtly biased claim that this album is a masterpiece. It isn't. It's a minor downgrade from 2009's Man on the Moon, which featured 808s, electronic pads, and some embarrassing lyrics. This album demonstrates Kid Cudi's willingness to put creative pursuit over the (at times) boring and flashy pop-rap wave that we're still wading in. To the braindead, Irish-punk-loving, self-harmers who dislike this album because "hurr durr it doesn't compare to [your favorite garage-founded band]," I'm no Cudi Stan, I don't think his discography is spotless, and I think WZRD is a mess of an album, but you know goddamn well you're talking out of your ass when you say it's one of the worst albums ever. The unwarranted butthurtness almost appears to be an anomaly until you remember Fantano gave it a zero, and he's the unquestioned master of all things music... if you're under the legal age of agreeing to Metacritic's terms and conditions.

    Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven is an unremarkable, occasionally impressive venture into the mind of a man damaged by drugs and creative stagnancy. This is not horrible, the skits are not horrible, stop pretending like this album is the worst thing to ever happen to music.    … Expand
  12. Blyze
    Dec 11, 2018
    10
    This is the best album i've ever heard.. Masterpiece... I don't care what people say about this Masterpiece.
    They are jealous cuz they never released an album like this.
  13. stupidman3444
    Sep 20, 2019
    10
    This album is so much better then people make it out to be. Extremely underrated.
  14. goombalsded
    Jan 9, 2019
    10
    Just listened to this album for the first time. Cudi's greatest album, and i will go as far to say on my top 10 albums list. People bash on his vocals, but i find them beautiful. Cudi's vocals are always a little out of tune, but it works. Everyone who talked **** about this album can fight me in real life. I'm looking at you melon-man.
  15. clem666
    Nov 20, 2020
    8
    Kid Cudi bravely dares to give the floor to his mental and addiction issues. So yes, it is hard to listen to, it is different, it sounds different and sometimes it is painful. But that's the whole point of 'Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven'. You simply can't deny the fact that it is the most original album of the artist since his beginnings. However he let down the rap to try himself to someKid Cudi bravely dares to give the floor to his mental and addiction issues. So yes, it is hard to listen to, it is different, it sounds different and sometimes it is painful. But that's the whole point of 'Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven'. You simply can't deny the fact that it is the most original album of the artist since his beginnings. However he let down the rap to try himself to some rock-punk and alternative indie music, and he should be encouraged to do so. I'm tired of predictable artists' works and Mescudi clearly went against the tide of the mainstream music.
    Once you grieved the fact that this is NOT a hip-hop/rap album, you have everything to gain. Some songs are deep as the Mariana Trench, some songs are catchy as hell and yeah, some tracks are messy and reflect powerful anxiety and distress. Lyrics are a free pass to Cudi's past and present struggles and events. Dare to dive in here and let the show take you by the guts.

    To all the people who 'want the old Cudi back', please just grow up and realize this project is a whole part of Cudi's personality. It contributed to make 'Passion, Pain & Demon Slayn'' and 'Kids See Ghosts' two amazing albums.    … Expand
  16. Nightseric
    Dec 18, 2019
    7
    An album that reflects on mental problems in an odd way, Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven is a bland album in comparison to Cudi's other projects, but stands out positively in comparison to other artist's albums.
  17. Perplex
    Dec 26, 2020
    10
    Great album, not the usual cudi, and i doubt we're ever gonna see much of this cudi again, but it was a great stray away from his usual style. An amazing and essential part of Cudi's legacy
  18. Teeb_
    Jul 31, 2022
    8
    While it's not his greatest album, it's still an amazing experience. It provides an excellent feel for alternative rock. This is definitely an underrated album.
  19. Cyi
    Apr 27, 2023
    8
    Kid Cudi's studio album "Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven" does some wrong, but does a lot right. This album has many tracks that are pretty bad, "The Return of Chip Douglas" being a prime example, that song is incredibly annoying to listen to. The Beavis and Butthead skits also do no work helping the tracklist out, making some songs unable to be added to playlists. The sound of this album mostlyKid Cudi's studio album "Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven" does some wrong, but does a lot right. This album has many tracks that are pretty bad, "The Return of Chip Douglas" being a prime example, that song is incredibly annoying to listen to. The Beavis and Butthead skits also do no work helping the tracklist out, making some songs unable to be added to playlists. The sound of this album mostly works, but the main thing that sticks out is the songwriting. On a track like "Embers" where he is being incredibly vulnerable and emotional, listening to this album while reading the lyrics is a difficult, emotional experience, it really can break you.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
44

Mixed or average reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. Pitchfork
    Jan 6, 2016
    40
    Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven is interesting the same way a friend getting a dramatic bad haircut is interesting: Once the shock wears off, you still have to look them in the eye and level with them.
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  2. HipHopDX
    Dec 15, 2015
    40
    On a sonic level, much of this album is strong but the identity and continuity are lackluster.
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  3. Billboard.com
    Dec 15, 2015
    80
    Speedin' is an uncomfortably internal album that's a pleasurable listen. It's not as gleefully nihilistic as Future, but comes across just as revelatory.
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