For Cudi’s music, each release feels like a new chapter, as he rarely repeats a certain sound, with ‘Neverland’ being no exception to this.
As a standalone track, it has an upbeat, feel-good vibe, taking him in a more poppy direction than some of his previous projects. This release comes as a complete shift from his 2024 album ‘INSANO’, showing the rapper’s ability to switch things up and try out new styles of music, playing on different influences.
‘Neverland’ comes as one of Cudi’s most experimental tracks since 2015’s ‘Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven’, seeing him take an acoustic guitar with an alternative rock feel. The song later progresses into a stadium rock-influenced chorus, where he really leans into the Peter Pan lyrical theme.
The hook is infectious and powerful, and is bursting at the seams with personality. It is refreshing as the listener to hear Cudi in a new, happier light, and this release raises questions as to where the sound will be heading on his upcoming album ‘Free’.
On an Instagram post, the singer has already admitted the album will be “taking [fans] to new places”, and expressed that he has “been waiting for this moment a long time” since he “really put his heart and soul into this jam”.
As well as the track’s release, Cudi will debut a short film connected to the song, at the Tribeca Film Festival this June.
Soph Johnson
Image: 'Neverland' Official Single Cover
