Eminem – Relapse
Release Date: May 19, 2009
Record Label: Aftermath
Cause we need a little controversy/cause it feels so empty/without me.
That’s the famous hook from Marshall Mathers’ (more famously known as Eminem) hit 2002 single, “Without Me.” But has it really been empty? We have controversy (Kanye West and anything he does, Nas trying to name his last album after the N-word), young stars (Wale, Charles Hamilton), and a platinum-selling artist messed up on drugs (Weezy F. Baby). But Eminem has always brought that certain charm to the genre. And with four platinum records under his belt and a plethora of hit singles, Em’s first album in 5 years, Relapse, is bound to cause some noise.
The first three tracks off Relapse feature the typical banter of Eminem. Going on a murderous rampage as a psychotic killer (3am)? Check. Hating his mom (My Mom)? Check. Getting ass raped as a child by his stepfather (Insane)? Check. Eighth grade Drew would have found this edgy. He is going back to the shock tactics used in earlier albums, but it’s totally blasé. The listeners will react with a “been there, done that” attitude to a lot of the lyrical themes present on Relapse.
Then there is the accent. It’s like he became a Rastafarian. But it dooms singles “We Made You” and “Crack A Bottle.” The flow and tone are just laughable. Regardless if it’s Eminem taking on a split persona, it’s horrible and should have been placed in the trash bin.
Relapse isn’t entirely a lost cause. There are a handful of quality tracks that prove Slim still has it. “For Old’s Time Sake” features a classic Dre cut, while “Must Be The Ganja” contains a killer hook within a laid-back beat. The dark “Déjà Vu” is a favorite, because Eminem’s reflection on the past few years really brings out his best. The line “See, me and you, we almost had the same outcome, Heath,” is especially chilling. Eminem definitely hits somewhat of a stride on the later tracks of the album, as “Beautiful” comes off as the album’s ballad. Closer “Underground” displays that Marshall Mathers fire, proving he can still overtake any beat.
But ultimately the bad singles and filler tracks (Bagpipes From Baghdad for example) sink Relapse. Tracks like “Medicine Ball” inject some good humor (the final Christopher Reeves diss is hilarious), but for every decent track, there are two or three throwaway songs. Having only six or seven good tracks on an album of twenty is never a good thing.
In the end, Relapse is like all the bad horror remakes that have been littering theaters recently. It’s a rehashing of old ideas and plotlines, and you know it isn’t going to be good. But you go see it anyway, decide, “eh, it’s decent for what it was,” and move on with life. But that’s the saddest part about Relapse. It isn’t the crappy accent or the weak beats from Dre, rather it’s the realization that Slim Shady has become stale. Maybe a second Relapse this fall will make things better.
I am very lukewarm on this album. Some parts I like, some parts I'm indifferent too, and other parts I just flat out hate. Still a pretty fun album to listen to with the windows down (hence the high reviewer tilt), but fun =/= good.
I am very lukewarm on this album. Some parts I like, some parts I'm indifferent too, and other parts I just flat out hate. Still a pretty fun album to listen to with the windows down (hence the high reviewer tilt), but fun =/= good.
I'm reluctant to listen to this yet. I have heard my roommate play it many times and it sounds pretty bad, and he tells me it's amazing, maybe his best and he thinks I'll think it's amazing. haha
Let's just say we usually don't have anywhere near the same opinion on amazing.
Drew, you seem to hit the nail on the head with some of your reviews. Eminem was good back when I was 10 and enjoyed hearing, "my bum is on your lips!" He has lost his stride after that break. I look at the track listing and wonder "Am I listening to a Kanye West album?" But, Eminem has lost it and should pass it down to rappers like P.O.S. and Atmosphere. I would rather listen to When Life Gives You Lemons, Paint That S*** Gold then Relapse. And if he does have another one coming out in the fall. Just drop it and let us get on with our lives. I won't lie the anticipation is not killing me this time.
From what I've heard of the album so far (I'm half way through), I think one thing you fail to mention is how good his flow still is, if not, even better. His lyrical content/flow on the tracks I've heard is pretty dope.
It took some spins but this album grew on me immensely. I think is his best work since Marshall Mathers LP. To each his own but to only give the Dre. production a 7 and music a 6.5? I agree that the lyrical content is a little repetitive but it flows nicely.
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