Released 10 years ago
Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin'
Kid Cudi · 2016
86 min · 19 tracks · alternative rock
A kaleidoscopic mix of introspective lyrics and experimental soundscapes that blend genres seamlessly.
Top tracks — play these first
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Frequency Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Rose Golden — Featuring a guest appearance by Willow Smith, this track embodies themes of self-acceptance and resilience through lush instrumentation and heartfelt delivery.
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Surfin’ — A standout track that juxtaposes uplifting melodies with introspective lyrics, it captures Cudi's journey towards healing and optimism.
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By Design — This track features a collaboration with Andre 3000, blending their distinct styles to explore themes of purpose and ambition within a vibrant soundscape.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends genres with varied vocal styles but lacks a cohesive flow across its extensive tracklist.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, shifting from introspective verses to more energetic choruses.
- The last three tracks create a gradual descent in energy, concluding with a reflective tone that contrasts the earlier intensity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady flow with gradual peaks
- introspective listening for deep thoughts
- for late-night introspection
- emotional exploration through sonic landscapes
- immersive journey across diverse themes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, catchy tracks
- seek high-energy party vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows Kid Cudi's return and continued artistry after a hiatus.
- Career context
- Released on December 16, 2016, Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin' is Kid Cudi's fifth studio album and his first since a brief hiatus. Following the commercial success of his earlier works, this album arrived during a time when Cudi was grappling with personal struggles, including mental health issues, which informed much of the album's content.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Travis Scott· Jaden Smith· Frank Ocean
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Frequency Start here 4:58
- 2 Swim in the Light 4:29
- 3 Releaser 5:27
- 4 By Design 4:17
- 5 All In 4:10
- 6 ILLusions 4:16
- 7 Rose Golden 4:37
- 8 Baptized in Fire 4:45
- 9 Flight at First Sight / Advanced 3:56
- 10 Does It 4:22
Disc 2
- 1 Dance 4 Eternity 4:43
- 2 Distant Fantasies 4:47
- 3 Wounds 4:03
- 4 Mature Nature 3:55
- 5 Kitchen 4:28
- 6 Cosmic Warrior 4:00
- 7 The Guide 5:06
- 8 The Commander 4:16
- 9 Surfin’ 6:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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