While the album starts strongly, with the first track marking a clear continuation from the previous, the entire record unfolds like a weak, diluted version of the beats, lyrics, narrative and uniqueness of its superior predecessor.
Once again, this album is divided into Acts, and the story progresses throughout the tracks as on a stage. This time, Kid Cudi divulges the realities of his new life, in all its fame, overindulgence and deep loneliness. Acts II and III are labelled ‘Stronger Trip’ and ‘Party On’, respectively, and both delve the self-destructive path our (anti-)hero undergoes in the attempt to destroy (or find?) himself (or his soul) amongst the tantalizing trappings of fame and fortune. By Act IV Mr Rager of the album’s title, a psychotic alter-ego, has emerged amongst all this excess in search of greater adventures, thrills, and of course, danger. The drama finally culminates in the destruction of...something. The album art depicts Kid Cudi, bloodied and gutted, staring lifelessly from the floor where a knife rests beside his blood-soaked hands. Yet, the final track, one of the better songs on the album, is titled ‘Trapped in My Mind’ and is an internal monologue as the artist contemplates whether or not he’s crazy, and if that’s actually a bad thing. And of course, there is the final instalment of the trilogy to come, suggesting that it is not the hero who has been beaten. So maybe it’s Mr Rager who has died by the end, and Kid Cudi wrestling with the annihilation of his other personality, and now left with nothing but the thoughts in his own mind.
This story should have been a great premise from which to produce another outstanding album, surpassing the previous. But alas that’s not what happened. While there are, without a doubt, some great tracks on this record, mediocrity was the overwhelming impression I got. This is of course, in comparison to the first album. Because this album is still pretty good in comparison to the real mediocre stuff out there. But to accomplish real excellence is to surpass your own excellence, and that’s not what Kid Cudi has achieved here. Let’s hope he can redeem himself in the third album and produce something amazing. I still have hope! [Image from http://www.culturebully.com/]
