album Relapse (2009)

[Cpvr]

Since the release of *Encore* in 2004, Eminem has faced a tumultuous five years. His battle with painkiller addiction and the reclusive behavior following the murder of his best friend, Proof, nearly brought his career to a halt. Given this dark chapter in his life and his tendency toward violent and misanthropic themes, fans might expect *Relapse* to be a challenging listen.

The album opens with "3AM," where Dr. Dre's slasher-movie-inspired synths set the tone for Em's chilling tale of murder and memory loss. The lyrics are intensely vivid, with references to *Silence of the Lambs* and lines like, "Wake up naked at McDonald's covered in blood again," and, "Put the key in my door/bodies laying all over the floor."

In "My Mom," Eminem revisits the subject of his mother, first addressed in his 1999 hit "My Name Is." He acknowledges, "I know you're tired of hearing about my Mom," but presses on with, "What kind of Mom wants her son to grow up as an underachiever?" The album is filled with profane outbursts, underscoring its angry tone.

"Insane" delves into darker territory, hinting at abuse by a stepfather with the grim line, "One night he walked in and said 'I want my **** sucked in the shed / can't I play Teddy Ruxpin instead?'" Meanwhile, "Medicine Ball" finds Slim Shady mocking the late Christopher Reeve, the paralyzed Superman actor, with the taunt, "Let's breakdance," over some of the album's slickest production.

The incongruous single "We Made You" is the album's most commercial track, offering a humorous critique of fame, complete with Bugsy Malone-style piano loops, jabs at Amy Winehouse's troubled marriage, and a catchy chorus.

Two light-hearted tracks, "Old Times' Sake" and "Must Be The Ganja," serve as laid-back anthems for smokers, with Dr. Dre dropping the line, "If at first you don't succeed, won't hurt to smoke some weed," on the former.

Eminem's sixth studio album is unapologetically raw, showcasing his signature sharp humor and honesty. *Relapse* is as bold, witty, and expertly produced as fans have come to expect from Eminem and Dr. Dre. However, when compared to contemporaries, the album falls slightly short in terms of innovation; musically and emotionally, Kanye West's *808s & Heartbreak* feels more groundbreaking.

 

[Ashake]

This album was a big comeback for Eminem. Relapse was a big hit. I still listen to the lyrics but I struggled to grasp everything. He's just too fast. Songs like '3 a.m.' and 'Beautiful' resonated with me so well. He sold huge copies, carting in huge amount of money.

 

[Harsh World]

Since the release of *Encore* in 2004, Eminem has faced a tumultuous five years. His battle with painkiller addiction and the reclusive behavior following the murder of his best friend, Proof, nearly brought his career to a halt. Given this dark chapter in his life and his tendency toward violent and misanthropic themes, fans might expect *Relapse* to be a challenging listen.

It's so interesting how Eminem dealt with addiction versus other musicians. It ruined many careers, but somehow Em stayed on top.

Dr. Dre dropping the line, "If at first you don't succeed, won't hurt to smoke some weed," on the former.

Words of wisdom right there.

 

[1stop]

I’m a big fan of Eminem. I have virtually all his songs on my playlist. I listened to them back to back especially, 'We Made You' and 'Crack a Bottle'. They're very catchy and humorous songs.

 

[Bawse]

I listened to relapse a lot when I was in highschool. Eminem and Ludacris.

 

[Snippet]

My best song in Relapse is Dejavu, Beautiful and Underground. I need to confess that the rest of the album sucks. I’m a big fan of Eminem but those songs are not just working with me. In my opinion, I think he's too kiddy on those songs.

To be honest with you, I was so disappointed because I was actually expecting more than this from Eminem. It seems he made the album in a rush and didn't do the needful. I’m so surprised that he gave us such bad music despite being a good rapper.

I’ve always known him to translate pains into rap, but this one isn't worth it. If I have to rate this, I’ll rate it 2 out of 5. It just didn't resonate with me.