Though Man On the Moon, Vol. II is Kid Cudi’s sophomore effort, the album’s rightful predecessor is Kanye West’s 808s and Heartbreak. Though not as frosty or insular as Kanye’s downer- pop masterpiece, Man On the Moon, Vol. II explores the same territory — alienation, self-doubt, loneliness, disillusionment. Like his mentor Kanye, Cudi is less interested in fame than its aftershocks (for example. “Don’t Play This Song”). Man On the Moon, Vol. II succeeds not just on the basis of its vivid interior descriptions. It’s easy for an artist to act morose — Cudi’s talent is that he makes it listenable. Thanks to his longtime producers Emile and Plain Pat (along with crucial contributions from Jim Jonsin, Chuck Inglish, and No I.d.) Man On the Moon, Vol. II is a fully inhabitable sonic landscape. Even when the songs turn bleak — and the final seven songs are downright chilling — the music remains inviting, brimming with intricate detail and unique tones. This is an album painted in blacks and whites and blues, but Cudi shows us the limitless shades that exist within those colors.