Kid Cudi INSANO Album Review : Every Track Ranked
In a long-awaited return, Kid Cudi graced the music scene today with his ninth studio album, INSANO. Known for his commitment to evolution and a penchant for unpredictability, Cudi has once again shattered expectations, taking listeners on an unexpected journey through interdimensional alternative hip-hop. As with any bold artistic venture, the results are a mixed bag that demands a thorough examination.
In today’s review we’ll break down every track on Insano, an album which at time serves as a poignant reminder that Kid Cudi is not to be forgotten for his fearless experimentation.
Featuring an ensemble cast of heavyweights including Travis Scott, Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, Lil Wayne, Young Thug, Lil Yachty, DJ Drama, and the late XXXTentacion, INSANO promised a diverse and impactful musical experience. Yet, with a whopping 21 tracks, the skepticism regarding the consistency of such a vast undertaking was not unwarranted.
Contrary to expectations, it appears that Cudi’s solo ventures on INSANO shine the brightest. While the collaboration with industry giants is undoubtedly commendable, the album’s overstuffed nature and occasional disjointed feel, while a testament to Cudi’s defiance of norms and indifference to critics like myself, make for a somewhat disorienting listening experience.
Nevertheless, despite its quirks, INSANO manages to stick the landing more often than not. The initial jittery start may catch listeners off guard, but once Cudi finds his rhythm, the album transforms into a multifaceted work of art. It becomes evident that Cudi, true to form, refuses to be confined by the conventions of hip-hop, proving once again that he is an artist guided by his own creative compass.
Kid Cudi INSANO – Track by Track Review
OFTEN, I HAVE THESE DREAMZ ft. DJ Drama
A droning start to the album to be honest, while there’s a lot of potential offered by the production, it falls short of invigorating the listener or effectively narrating a compelling story for an opening track.
Keep Bouncin’
Electro-trap, again there’s a lot of potential in the production but sadly the flow doesn’t quite compliment it, verging on the annoying as the track hits its peak.
GET OFF ME ft. Travis Scott*
A much stronger track than the previous and a top pick for the whole album. Travis Scott awkwardly does steal the spotlight on Cudi’s own track but we move…
MOST AIN’T DENNIS
The discombobulating production renders the track too awkward to vibe to, maybe by design, but at the detriment to some of the best lyricism on the album up to this point.
WOW ft. A$AP Rocky
This might be the best track on the album and while A$AP Rocky’s verse is welcomed it doesn’t outshine the classic Cudi vibes oozing from the track. Here’s hoping Rocky’s “it only gets better from here” quip rings true!
ELECTROWAVEBABY*
A personal favourite of mine but understandably this gear change to a 80s synth vibe track won’t be to all tastes. The infectious groovy production and the evident enjoyment Kid Cudi derives from his music serve as a compelling reminder that he is among the few top rappers who still infuse a sense of joy into their craft, prompting me to groove along appreciatively.
A TALE OF A KNIGHT
A reflective track exploring Cudi’s creative journey and artistic ethos. It’s a strong window into Cudi’s thought process and commitment to living his life to the fullest delivered on a sick beat.
CUD LIFE
All rise for the king of rager town. Infectious production and after a shaky start, you can hear Cudi has found his footing on the album.
TOO DAMN HIGH ft. Lil Yachty
We made it to the Lil Yachty feature and while not a bad song, it is rather uninspired and forgettable for it’s substance but it brings good energy.
GETCHA GONE*
We’re back in the room! Strong production and even stronger flow from Kid Cudi – instant replay.
AT THE PARTY ft. Pharrell & Travis Scott
A chill vibey track we all fell in love with a few months ago when it was released as a single – nuff said.
MR. COOLA*
Another highlight track of the album. The mix of flows, all of which arresting kept the ear engaged all the way through – it is dawning on me that Cudi excels on all his solo tracks this album.
FRESHIE
Opening with Bizzy Bone’s infamous “Aye, before we even get started, you ugly motherfuckers ain’t finna be mocking me while I’m on motherfuckin’” was hilarious. Another strong track, one of my favourites!
TORTURED
A powerful and emotionally charged exploration into the man behind Kid Cudi, this track offers a refreshing glimpse into vulnerability from an artist typically celebrated for outwardly positive vibes. A masterpiece track, but not one to be listened to frivolously.
X & CUD ft. XXXTentacion
Unclear if this track was needed, it doesn’t quite take the track anywhere that Orlando didn’t. It likely would have had more room to grow as a solo.
SEVEN .ft Lil Wayne
A decent enough track but Lil Wayne does understay his welcome.
FUNKY WIZARD SMOKE*
Fire from start to finish. The production sells the track within but a few moments and Cudi is on his A game with a hypnotic flow and expert story telling abilities.
RAGER BOYZ .ft Young Thug*
Not the first time we’ve seen these two collaborate but certainly the strongest. Their styles intertwine well on RAGER BOYZ, if there’s such thing as rap harmonies, then they have perfect pitch as they weave a strong tapestry with this track.
PORSCHE TOPLESS
Quite a divisive track, I lean more on the positive end of the scale. It’s a nice vibe. Sure it’s a little poppy but still an enjoyable listen.
BLUE SKY*
Hit material! It’s the type of feel good track that transports the listener to a far off feel good land of pure euphoria. It transcends genres in a way that only Kid Cudi can. FAULTLess.
HIT THE STREETZ IN MY NIKES
Another feel good track and nice closer to what turned out to be a very feel good album.
Kid Cudi INSANO Review Final Thoughts
In its entirety, the album is one that won’t necessarily cater to every palate, but then again, when has a Kid Cudi project ever sought universal acclaim? What the album does encapsulate is an artist unwaveringly committed to his ethos of “never looking back.” While the ingredients for what could be deemed a “perfect album” are undeniably present, and truth be told, with more stringent editing, there’s ample material for a flawless 12-track record, I’m happy Kid Cudi didn’t do it.
Despite its imperfections, the album manages to open a window to realms many rappers shy away from – traversing reflective and vulnerable nuances to the groovy and bombastic peaks. It’s a journey, and as we look towards his next evolution, it’s clear that we’re not disembarking from this train anytime soon.