When we think of Kid Cudi, we usually remember his long run as the “Man on the moon,” an ode to his platinum album trilogy. Throughout the 2010s, Cudi captivated the hiphop rap scene with lyrics spanning from love, space, and drugs. With hits like “Day n’ Night” and “Pursuit of Happiness” he defined an entire era. Lately though, his discography has taken a major shift.
In August of 2025, Cudi released “Free,” an album that took fans by surprise with a Pop sound that isn’t part of his usual ecosystem. His listeners are used to Psychedelic Hip-Hop and Alternative R&B. In fact, whenever he tries to switch genres, it infamously doesn’t work. Like when he tried rock with his album: “Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven” in 2015 (which was poorly received). There’s just something about this new record that makes it quite a pleasant listen, though.
This project feels way more authentic than “Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven” and has a different level of maturation. His writing is easy to understand and catchy – definitely showing the pop – but for an artist who has failed the audience more than once, it actually feels refreshing. Simple chords, riffs, and progressions that accompany Cudi’s signature hums and energy.
Here are some of my personal highlights:
“Neverland” starts off the album like many, talking about the forever-youth that pop holds so dearly, that it seems like tonight is the night and will always be the night, or in Cudi’s words, “we’ll never die, you and I.” Simple, yet entertaining.
“Mr. Miracle” is a personal favorite, due to the funky guitar riff combined with the catchy lyrics; I just can never get enough of it. Like many in the album, this tune is an internal scream coming from an artist who feels trapped by society’s opinions. He feels like he isn’t enough for his fans and this album was made to change the public opinion.
“Deep Diving” touches on themes of loyal and significant love. Cudi argues that “without love, there is no honesty” and with no honesty, there is no significant love. Giving your time and affection to someone can be really scary, but he reminds us that diving deep is necessary.
“Truman Show” is an obvious ode to the Jim Carrey classic, and Cudi argues that everyone, to a certain level, has absolute control over their decisions. However, life’s narrative influences us more than we could ever realize. In Cudi’s words, it might seem like “such a simple thing,” yet people often lose control. “The victim and the villain are the same.”
“Submarine” is probably the closest we get to having our nostalgic man on the moon sound back, there’s something about the synth and space-esked sound effects that is so reminiscent of his past projects. This song is all about feeling lost and needing guidance, yet the atmosphere created just wants to make you get up and dance.
I consider “Picnic in Paris” to be the best song off this project. It is by far the catchiest and most pop sounding, which might deter some listeners, but those vocals, man…just too good. It is THE love song in the album, with verses like “Got me so high. Canceling gravity. It feels like for my whole life. You were waiting for me.” He does not hold back his feelings, which seems fitting given that he got married not too long ago. Instant classic for me.
Whether you know Kid Cudi or not, if pop is your thing, this is a must listen. I will say, it is quite ironic that Cudi, wanting to break the mold but still please his fans, turned to pop of all genres, but I’m still glad he understood the job and was able to bless our ears once more.
