Kid Cudi proves he still has plenty left in the tank in “INSANO”
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TOP 5
Honorable Mention. TOO DAMN HIGH (Ft. Lil Yachty)
I love it when the jits and the former stoners come together.
What’s even cooler is that Kid Cudi was once the Lil Yachty of the game, so it’s dope seeing the two join forces for “TOO DAMN HIGH.” They deliver in the collaboration, too. They both come with good energy, carefree vibes, and a splash of passion as they try to explain why being high can lead to money being made and women being enjoyed way more thoroughly. Too bad I feel asexual when I’m high, so I can’t confirm this.
Lil Yachty puts up the best worst verse I’ve ever heard in this song (I think I just really like it when his voice cracks).
5. SEVEN (Ft. Lil Wayne)
Kid Cudi and Lil Wayne should’ve retired seven years ago?
I’m just kidding! They both have something left in the tank, and they prove that in “SEVEN.” In the song, powered by this booming, uptempo beat, Kid Cudi and Lil Wayne go off in their own unique ways. The former does this by relying on passionate, distorted vocals and speaking on living life to the fullest, while the latter comes with this extra competitive approach that definitely adds some well-needed fire to this album.
If you only have a few minutes to spare, I recommend you fast-forward to Lil Wayne’s verse. Don’t get me wrong; Kid Cudi sets the tone for the song, I just feel like his part is a little unnecessary (I am aware that it’s his song. I don’t care).
4. RAGER BOYZ (Ft. Young Thug)
Kid Cudi and Young Thug’s chemistry in “RAGER BOYZ” is so good.
I’ve always been one of those outliers who sees similarities between Kid Cudi’s and Young Thug’s styles. After listening to “RAGER BOYZ,” you might notice those similarities, too. They effortlessly pass the baton in the track, getting lost in the hypnotic, soul-stirring production. Both come across as rebellious individuals ready to combat the negativity surrounding them.
This one feels the most seamless and organic to me among all the songs on this album.
3. WOW (Ft. A$AP Rocky)
THIS IS HOW YOU DRIVE, CUDI!
I sensed the spirit of A Kid Named Cudi while listening to “WOW.” In this track, Kid Cudi leans on incredibly infectious melodies (a trademark of his), lyrics that delve into his personal struggles and romantic conquests, and a beat that not only thumps but also carries enchanting vibes, perfectly aligning with his distinctive style. The cherry on top is A$AP Rocky’s effortlessly cool, slick verse, where he details various ways to charm a lady (now we understand how he won over Rihanna).
2. BLUE SKY
If you threw Post Malone on “BLUE SKY,” it would be the greatest song ever created.
One thing I appreciate about Kid Cudi is his tendency to include a song at the end of his albums that signifies overcoming melancholic thoughts; “BLUE SKY” fulfills that role. It exudes a sense of refreshment, authenticity, sunlight, and unbridled positivity. The track carries a timeless quality, characterized by feel-good production, melodies that linger in your mind, and lyrics that I would love to hear over and over and over again.
1. X & CUD (Ft. XXXTENTACION)
I got f**king chills listening to “X & CUD.” Either the song is excellent, or that incubation period was the real deal.
I strongly believe that if XXXTENTACION were alive today, he would be the best artist in the world (not just the best rapper, but the best artist overall—better than Taylor Swift and them). “X & CUD” perfectly encapsulates why I hold this belief. His passionate vocals, layered over the song’s powerful beat, will penetrate your ears, clearing away earwax and resonating with your soul. Even if I don’t fully comprehend the lyrics, his vocals convey a sense of depth and emotional resonance.
Kid Cudi unquestionably excels in this song as well. He delivers his best rap verse on the album and matches X’s heartfelt vocals. It’s evident that he channeled X’s spirit while laying down his contributions.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. OFTEN, I HAVE THESE DREAMS (DJ Drama) (4/5)
2. KEEP BOUNCIN’ (3/5)
3. GET OFF ME (Ft. Travis Scott) (3.5/5)
4. MOST AIN’T DENNIS (3/5)
5. WOW (Ft. A$AP Rocky) (5/5)
6. ELECTROWAVEBABY (3.5/5)
7. A TALE OF A KNIGHT (3.5/5)
8. CUD LIFE (2.5/5)
9. TOO DAMN HIGH (Ft. Lil Yachty) (4/5)
10. GETCHA GONE (4/5)
11. AT THE PARTY (Ft. Travis Scott & Pharrell Williams) (3/5)
12. MR. COOLA (3/5)
13. FRESHIE (3.5/5)
14. TORTURED (3.5/5)
15. X & Cud (Ft. XXXTENTACION) (4.5/5)
16. SEVEN (Ft. Lil Wayne) (4/5)
17. FUNKY WIZARD SMOKE (3.5/5)
18. RAGER BOYZ (Ft. Young Thug) (4.5/5)
19. PORSCHE TOPLESS (4/5)
20. BLUE SKY (4.5/5)
21. HIT THE STREETS IN MY NIKEZ (3/5)
OVERALL RATING
(C) (75%)
Doesn’t it feel like Kid Cudi is playing with house money these days? I feel like he sounds loose and carefree these days. When you’re considered a legend like he is, why not feel this way? In INSANO, Kid Cudi has tons of fun; as a listener, it is fantastic to experience.
I want to preface what I’m about to say by stating this: Kid Cudi is one of my favorite musicians of all time. That said, I think he’s an awful rapper (I’ve always thought this). His rapping in INSANO is another level of bad. His flows sound like they were tossed into a broken blender, his lyrics are all over the place, and his punchlines are not clever at all. However, I absolutely applaud Cudi’s exuberant energy and his ability to hit us with deeply infectious melodies. It doesn’t make up for his bad rapping, but it does, at least, remind you why you fell in love with him in the first place.
Why is DJ Drama on this album? I’ve never once connected Drama’s street-inspired style to Cudi’s ever in my life. We can’t just be throwing Drama on everyone’s albums. I’m starting a petition to stop this. Aside from Drama, I think this album’s features are pretty solid. Travis Scott swooped in and saved a few songs, Lil Wayne gifted us with a hard-hitting verse that I f**k with a lot, Yachty’s contributions to “TOO DAMN HIGH” were charming, and Rocky was excellent in “WOW.”
The diverse and energetic production that permeates this album might be its most commendable aspect. I appreciate the vibrant and colorful sounds, with a delicate balance of contemporary elements and resonant vibes. The beats contribute to a positive and invigorating feel, especially when coupled with Kid Cudi’s infectious moments.
Kid Cudi is already a legend in my eyes. He has released several albums that hold a special place in my heart. However, I must be honest: Many of his past albums have been average at best. INSANO falls into that category. While there are moments where he exhibits flashes of the artist he was in the past, there are more instances where he seems a bit out of place and scattered. However, it’s worth noting that, for his well-being, I appreciate that his content sounds more uplifting and less melancholic. He deserves happiness.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
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