Eminem/Recovery/ album review

Global rating of the product: lyrically: 4 stars
instrumentally:2,5 stars
Since the release of Relapse, Eminem’s music has taken a new artistic direction. More introspective, Marshall Mathers decided to give his public a glimpse of the real him. No more evil Slim Shady disguise, no other character to spit his rage on Recovery.
The very positive point of the whole album is certainly the return of the talented lyricist. As a matter of fact, many listeners had felt left down by the artist since the release of Encore that did not really meet the standarts that you’d usually expect from a good hip hop album.
Relapse was quite surprising in its concept: Eminem took the risk for his album to be overlooked in its depth, even by die-hard fans. It nearly happened to me, but after a second listen I discovered Eminem’s artistic intent. I thus became more appreciative of his lyrical and musical effort in Relapse.
From Infinite to Recovery, Marshall Mathers offers his audience a long path made of personal experiences and reflexions. Wordsmith Eminem always was and will stay.
Not Afraid embraces a powerful violin background while Eminem faces his public with sincerity. Of course it cost Marshall Mathers a lot to face his demons, to admit his mistakes during his career path. The song unleashes loads of dynamite. It is probably one of the best songs of the album. Eminem also promises not to let his fans dow. However, and despite the huge lyrical efforts set on his brand new album, we are entitled to ask: “Who are Eminem’s fans at the moment?” Undoubtably, they are probably not the same kind of people than the ones that supported the artist a decade ago (with a few exceptions, of course). It can be partly explained by the fact that the different albums’ tones and topics vary from album to album. A lot of Slim Shady LP and Marshall Mathers LP listeners actually think that Eminem lost his edge. Well, while I am a long term, adult fan and supporter of Eminem’s music and also very appreciative of the artist’s lyrical effort, I must admit that- musically speaking- the Recovery album barely meets my expectations. Where have the catchy beats gone, where have the mischievousness and the dark humored spirit of his former albums gone?
Too many metal and rock’n roll influences spoil too many songs in my opinion. While it is true that many hip hop artists used diverse varieties of other musical genres to compose their albums,their album’s main musical base remained mostly hip hop sounding.
Moreover, Recovery’s mood is morose and constantly self depreciating.
Cold Wind Blows starts with some icy lyrics. Eminem’s voice hits high notes. Dark guitar and piano sounds are combined with rhythmic claps. Em’s generous word mastery enlighten the song. Good flow too. This is another good song.
Talking To Myself: Time for instrospection on a keyboard background. I don’t understand why Eminem admits envying Lil Wayne and Kanye. He has nothing to envy massive commercial hip hop album sellers such as them. Maybe I would have preferred a wicked diss of both emcees. I probably would have felt better.
Won’t Back Down features pop artist Pink. Eminem excels in his art of rhyming. Unfortunately, the harsh musical background kinda spoils the well written song. I like Eminem’s flow on this one.
Going Through Changes is made of a soft bitter chorus. Marshall Mathers recalls pains and regrets, ancient memories, regrets about family life that didn’t really work out. The song’s tone is quite depressing. Why is Eminem crucifying himself all the time?
He can see clear in his life, realizes his mistakes, but I am not sure he is ready to fully accept himself the way he is. Get rid of this heavy self laceration and you’ll feel better, for sure!
On Fire is one of the tracks I enjoyed most-lyrically and instrumentally as well. However, when Eminem addresses critics, he seems to really miss the point. Why would he ask them to spit rhymes? A critic is there whether to point out a positive or a negative opinion 5or both) aboutr an artist’s work, in order to share some constructyive criticism with his readers and the artist. To each his/ her own: let the artist create and let the critic do his/ her job! This little point being raised, the song is great: good beats, nice chorus, nice instrumentals, nice flow, astute punchlines: in short, Eminem at his top. I recommend this song.
I’ve been disappointed by Cinderella Man and No Love. They are definitely not my type of songs. Eminem really good on Love the Way You Lie, but I don’t like the Rihanna chorus at all. It spoils the song in my opinion.
Globally speaking Eminem’s efforts to be closer to his fans, his lyrical craft, his matured analysis of his personal mistakes really need to be appreciated. That’s why I chose to rate my review differently. A little bit disappointed by the instrumentals and musical genres that are used in the album, I nevertheless still admire Eminem’s lyrical genius.
Copyright by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

20 thoughts on “Eminem/Recovery/ album review”

  3. I grew up listening to Eminem. I was 15 or 16 when he burst into the public life and stood on top of the charts. I can’t say I’m his biggest fan out there, but nevertheless I love him as a fan. I think I’m possibly one of those very few who feels ‘right’ with this ‘change’. It’s a growing process to me, a maturity of forms. I can certainly relate to being a ridiculous, angry teenager who has grown up a little in the past decade. Eminem simply can’t stay the same forever; he has to mature somehow. I loved his past albums then, but I also love this album now. I won’t say which one is better, because in life’s journey one may act different, talk different, dress different, but the feelings could still be the same. That’s how I feel through Recovery. It’s still Eminem. 🙂

  4. Hey cheryl, oh my god, I cannot agree more with what you’ve said. I love this new album, this new philosophy on life. I am pretty disappointed that the author of the review couldn’t feel the way I did after I finished listening to the album. I mean… It’s so amazing, it’s so emotional from start to end. Eminem shares his past experiences which led to an utterly indescribably new lifestyle that will even take for surprise his own fans. Nonetheless, all I can say is that I’m glad he has finally decided to grow up and face his demons. Somehow I can’t help to draw a parallel between his life and Dr House. In the very same year (2010) they’ve both reincarnated into a new reloaded person. I love this album and I can’t stop listening to it. Specially, the following songs: Talkin’ 2 Myself, Going Through Changes, Not Afraid, Space Bound, 25 to Life, Love the way U Lie and You’re Never Over. Those 7 songs are a true homage to hiphop and poetry altogether.

  5. By the way, I listen to Eminem since I was 12, from the moment I saw his ‘Real Slim Shady’ video. From Marshall Matters LP. So, don’t try to discredit my comment saying that I’m not a true fan.

  6. I think the album’s good but the beats kinda suck (excluding “So Bad”)… However Em’s lyrics compensate them but “Won’t Back Down” would be a lot better if the sound wasn’t so shitty :S, And the Rihanna’s and Kobe’s “choruses” should go to the trash!

  7. To Marshall: I don’t normally listen to RAP, but I have recently listened to most of your songs, or perhaps, I should say that those are your ways to express yourself and to keep you alive all this while.
    I am nobody to say this, and I don’t even know if I could reach you, yea YOU, here. But, I wish you all well, a pitiful lost soul. We don’t always need to reach out to this world or try to solve the complication in this world. We might not be capable of changing other people/ things. It is very tiring to do so. Try to search within yourself, and you might find things that you have been long searching for in your life, right inside you. Once our own perception is changed, we will view this world differently.
    If you are rich enough, escape with your lovely daughters to others places in this world for serenity. Even if it could only be temporary.
    Screw all those so-called friends if they don’t make you a better you. There are fans/people out there who love and support you.
    “People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”
    Lastly, ???????????????. Life would be easier if you could just let it be~ You are the only person in this world who can own and alter your own destiny.
    ****Check out Stephen Covey’s 90/10 Principle for now.
    With lots of loves <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
    xoxoxoxoxo's
    Eveline

  8. Eminem is a lyrical genius and its pretty clear. This album proves it. He is the king of rap and I’m super excited for the Jayz and Eminem concert woop woop!

  9. Hey everyone I don’t know a lot about Marshel Mathers or Eminem *the Singer but I started listening to him last year and I really like the encore CD and Slim Shady LP. And I just wanted to know if anyone knew how to get a hold of him. Or maybe give me a little history.

  11. yo nice review 🙂
    em is soft on recovery
    anyways,can u add my eminem blog link to your site[eminembasement.blogspot.com]
    i would do the same 🙂
    thanks
    shady4eva
    peace

    1. hi, i will check and add your site asap…i lack time at the moment, but i will do my best:))

  13. just some kind reminder: insulting comments or comments that don’t make sense will be erased from this website…thanks.

  14. Maybe the musical aspects of Recovery are so different because the album wasn’t edited by Dr. Dre? Also, imo the Rihanna chorus isn’t that bad

  15. i attended the eminem and jayz concert in detroit at comerica park and it was and amazing expierence. eminem is the best artist in the rap industryyyy. his songs are about real things and actually mean something.

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