Slant Magazine

Wow, thats the first Bad review I've seen this album get, every one else loves it, even alot of folks that never did before, I havent listened yet, I'm gonna buy it the day it comes out so I cant say yay or Nay, but seriously, this is the first bad thing I've heard said on this album, everyone else is saying its his best in 10 years........Guess I'll find out for myself

Any greatness left you say eh?

But your magazine never actually acknowledged the greatness..I mean 1 and a half for MMLP which is arguably one of the greatest rap albums of all time

A decade ago you say eminem had a sense of humor but your magazine wasn't able to recognize that

Here's an idea: try to review the album while actually withholding the emotional lacing.

Can someone explain to me how this album and the MMLP were rated 1.5 stars but Encore (easily recognized by EVERYONE as Em's worst album) was given 2.5 stars?

Different writers? Just a guess. Then again, I'm not a rocket scientist.

I cant stand people who review music and look for anything to Bitch about just to give said album a bad review. Ive read many other reviews and havent heard on bad thing said about this LP. Ive been listening to Recovery since it was leaked and it is honestly the best album ive heard in a long time and it goes without saying its Ems best since Eminem Show and it might even overshadow that masterpiece. The only song i wasn't feeling was "Wont Back Down" which featured Pink. He used Kobe and Rihanna the best they could posibly could have been used. I was a little doubtful about the cd when i read that he used other producers besides Dre and himself but i was pleasantly surprised. The whole album is perfectly balanced unlike his Encore LP and that was given a whole star more then this. Im never reading another review of anything on this dumb a$$ site. MMLP got a 1 and a half? ARE YOU SERIOUS!!! Just some bias a$$ people given the chance to shred and badmouth an artist that they hate. Its sad and unprofessional if u ask me. Go listen to another Jack Johnson album ya hateful pu$$ys.

now its time to see , its just Criticism vs. Marshall Mathers

I really, really detest Recovery. And I probably know more Eminem lyrics than any other rapper save for Ye or Jay.

So I agree with the reviewer. and am pretty bewildered by the comments.

the only reason I took the time to post this is to say that Just Blaze has not lost his soulful touch at all- he produced both Exhibit A and C for Jay Electronica in the past year or so, two absolute instant classics.

That's all. :)

Oh,I see.Recovery is just as bad as MMLP.If that's the case,we have nothing to worry abuot.

I guess Slant Magazine is as bloated, sullen and detestable as their authors.

IF there is any greatness left in Eminem? There should be something fkin wrong with you for thinking that.

Hahahah

i remember back in the days(before i cancelled my slant subscription) they gave marshall mathers lp 1.5 stars.that was the most retarded review ever while went on to win a grammy and eminem's best selling album.the album sold more

than 1.79 million copies in it

first week just in the US, earning

a spot in the Guinness Book of

World Records as the fastest

selling solo album ever.The album was ranked #302 by

Rolling Stone on their list of The

500 Greatest Albums of All

Time.Rolling Stone placed

the album at #7 on its list of the

best albums of the 2000s.so now these mentally ill "reviewers" give recovery 1.5 stars.the people reading this can only imagine how many laurels eminem is going to garner with this masterpiece.

vocalism on June 15, 2010, 01:33 PM

Different writers? Just a guess. Then again, I'm not a rocket scientist.

=============================================

Actually, genius, both albums were reviewed by the same writer. I guess it's understandable that you're not a rocket scientist.

You're right. My bad. But my point is still relevant to half the other comments that have been made. And The Eminem Show got 4 stars. And "Lose Yourself" was on Slant's Best of the Decade list, as were MMLP and TES if i'm not mistaken

Just to be clear, I reviewed Recovery. Sal Cinquemani reviewed MMLP. That was nine years ago, and he's come to appreciate Eminem much more in the interim, as evidenced by his Eminem Show and Encore reviews. So this idea that Slant is eternally biased against Em is nonsense.

Backto: it's true that Just Blaze produced "Exhibit C," but otherwise, he's been sliding for a while; listen to the recent Blaze-produced tracks from Maino and Kidz in the Hall and Fabolous and Saigon for proof. Even "Exhibit C" is far less exciting than "Breathe" or "Church for Thugs." His run's over.

The rest of you need to quit it with the irate comments. I like Em. The Slim Shady LP is in my top 10 and I adore both MMLP (yes, Sal shortchanged that record a bit) and TES. Parts of Relapse floored me, as did every guest verse and freestyle he dropped in 2009, so I was expecting a great deal from Recovery. I have nothing against him and I want him to succeed, but this is a thoroughly leaden and boring album. You'd probably realize that if you weren't blinded by your own biases.

Was "interim" the right word to use there?

Do you fools listen to music, or do you just skim though it?

Judging by this, it's the latter.

through*

M.T. Richards, there is no excuse for giving this album a 1.5/10, especially after seeing both Encore and Relapse recieved 2.5/10 from the same magazine. Lyrically, Encore and Relapse have nothing on this album, and that is what Eminem is all about. I notice something new and witty in his album every single time I listen to it again. Listen to the lyrics man, listen to the lyrics.

And on a side note, did you review Drake's "Thank Me Later?" Because if you did, I don't even know what to say except that you obviously do not have any clue what real hip hop is and have no business reviewing these albums.

Good Bye

i completely agree with gto718 on this, i really struggle to see how you can have any credibility with your reviews when you admitted you (as a magazine) misrated MMLP, by miles, and miles.

There is no winning this: to argue that MMLP shouldn't be 4.5 stars or more is unwinnable, and this ultimately leaves the reader of these reviews with no faith in the judgement of your magazine, which is exactly where it should be.

As for this album, im hardly fighting against the strongest viewpoint; a magazine with opinions of a schizophrenic; but i loved it. Infact, i still love it, am loving it, and i would love to let this review to just be ignored.

But one more thing first: "blinded by your biases" - now that pisses me off. I can let you have your opinion, but you've gotta let us have ours. Otherwise we're gonna start that argument on who's opinion is right. Look at your reviews, hundreds of people have made an account to correct your opinion. You can't even agree with your own collegues. You are downright fucking wrong. We might have a strong and unfaltering opinion, but you're so set in your will to remember music as the golden oldies, and prove yourself right with your own opinion you have overlooked one of the greatest rap albums of our decade, as just another production by that bad-mouthed fucked up kid who preyed on snotty brats pocket money.

No, genius, Jesse Cataldo reviewed the Drake album. A cursory look at that review would tell you that. How does someone who enjoyed other Eminem albums have no business reviewing one of his albums? Likewise, if an album is objectively good, why would having an understanding of "real hip-hop" (whatever the hell that means) matter when reviewing the album?

Please, blindly devoted Em groupies, get a life.

Gila, it's fruitless to try to have a discussion or even reply to these people. They're obviously idiots. Who expects every writer at every magazine to have the same opinion about an album? If everyone agreed, what would the point of even writing or reading a review be? To validate your own opinion? These people are just fanboys, and they don't care about music or criticism. Just because one writer dislikes an album and another writer disagrees doesn't have anything to do with "credibility." One writer disliked MMLP and liked TEM. Another writer likes MMLP and dislikes the new album. Big whoop. Who cares? It's obvious by most of these posters' names (and the fact that we've never seen their comments on this site before) that they've never read Slant before and just came here because of the Eminem review. They obviously haven't read the actual reviews, know who wrote them, know what the ratings are (they're out of 5, not 10 gto718), or understand anything about criticism. I happen to think that this review is a little harsh. The album is much better than Relapse. But M.T. is entitled to his opinion. Pitchfork gave the album an even worse review and I'm sure there will be more. The album isn't great or even good. Eminem's greatness is indeed behind him. It happens to the best of them. These people need to get lives.

Created an account just to say this:

Slant Magazine obviously has a vendetta against Em. As other posters have said, the Mag has constantly ripped even Em's finest work.

I've listened to the album, it's his best work since the Eminem Show. I already got that biddy on the itunes preorder list.

vocalism took the typing from my fingers, its just a review. i dont agree with the score(im thinkin 2.5) but i agree with the review points. just because the lyricism is good doesnt mean its a good album(example: Rakim's The 7th Seal). the beats were trash, the singing was horrible, the content was recycled, and the guest appearances were whack. the album has its moments, but it doesn't have replay value. If yall like the album then why do you need to read good reviews about it?pitchfork gave NaS Untitled a 3.8 but i dont care, i liked it and that's whats important, no need to throw a bitch fit over it. btw to the reviewer, great review.

i find vocalisms comment so ironic, in just a paragraph he hasn't realised he has turned on himself

"they don't care about music or criticism" but yet it is you who can't take the criticism of this article, saying

"it is fruitless to try to have a discussion or even reply to these people"

we simply disagree with your opinion, and i think Gila is making an assumption which is almost certainly not true - the idea that an album can be "objectively good". What defines an objectively good album? its almost an oxymoron, as "good" particularly when refering to music, is so opinionated, there is no such thing as an objective opinion. So the argument people are saying, is you have to look at the album from the right set of eyes, and from those eyes (aka the eyes of real hip hop) the album is a masterpiece.

and vocalism - what do you mean don't understand anything about criticism - you are criticising them right now! everyone understands criticism! we aren't retards!

vocalism - I love the little indulgence at the end. As if you hadn't shot yourself in the foot enough already why don't you just throw out your "blinded bias" : "Eminem's greatness is behind him". You don't agree with everyone else, big whoop, get a life.

^ Are you honestly comparing criticism of an album to an artist's fans criticizing a review because the writer didn't like it? That's absurd. I'm not using the word "criticism" in the broad sense - I'm referring to art criticism. If these people honestly cared about criticism they would understand that it's one person's opinion, that it's not the end of the world if some people don't like something that you like, and that different writers have different opinions. These people are Eminem fanatics and all they care about is that someone wrote a bad review of his album. So yes, it's fruitless to try to argue with them. It's like arguing with the parent of a child and trying to make them see that the pasta art they posted on the fridge might actually not be as amazing as they think.

hiphophawker: Have you read the reviews? Because every writer clearly thinks he's talented, even in the negative reviews. TES got 4 stars. Everyone here keeps ignoring that and keeps talking about the negative reviews - because god forbid someone writes a negative review of Eminem. M.T. has already said he likes MMLP and TES. Seems like a bizarre "vendetta" to me.

you can only see one side! do you think that the people on this may not read this review, and think, "whoever wrote this review is an idiot, they are just too ignorant to understand his music". A part of them realises it is fruitless to try to argue. It is fruitless to try to let them see it when they have a whole different set of eyes. To dehumanise someone as "all they care about is a bad review" is just not true. What people care about is that reviews just like this will stop the album from selling well, and ultimately damage the artist, and they like it just the way it is. I like it just the way it is. They comment so every reader reads the commments and sees how almost everyone disagrees with the review, thinks it is wrong, and buys the album, supports the artist.

The discussion isn't important, because we/they've realised that arguing with people like you is like a parent trying to convince a child that Dali's Time is better than the child's pasta art.

P.s. just saying "that's absurd" isn't a counterargument. I think you don't like the comments because you think they're stupid. Guess what they think?

Id just like to say this is the most ridiculous review I have ever read in my entire life. Ill admit this album has flaws: WTP, So bad, On Fire, they seem to just be filler tracks.

But a 1.5?

Seriously?

This is the most blatent cry out for attention i've ever seen.

Give a great album a terrible then put it on wikipedia, so people (like me) wonder what is going on.

Nice one guys.

Everyone is laughing at you and I sure as hell have lost ALL my respect.

I think it's dumb as hell for different people to review Em and Drake's album. The same person who did Drake's should've done Em's or Vice Versa. But there is no way in hell that Drake Album is better than Recovery. Just like there's no way Encore is better than MMLP.

And a 1.5/10. U really shouldn't be allowed to review rap anymore. I think you're a rock guy, so they just thru the White Boy's album to you.

Does anyone have a Pic of the reviewer. The 2 bad reviews I saw was this and the pitchfork review. The guy on pitchfork looks like he's into an alternative lifestyle that doesn't involve women. He seemed to be holding the homophobic remarks against Em. I would bet this guy either looks the same or is some rock grunge looking person who doesn't really listen to Hip Hop.

^ Spoken like a true Eminem fan.

^Spoken like someone who likes to generalize. Anyway:

Unbelievable. I'm absolutely unsure as to whether or not some of these critics are right or if I'm simply going insane.

I've had the album since it leaked, I think it's one of his best. Right on par with The Eminem Show.

And Slant's review of MMLP. LOL. Come on. Really? That album is one of the greatest hip hop records ever, period.

"I adore both MMLP (yes, Sal shortchanged that record a bit)"

A bit? 1.5 out of 5 is shortchanging "a bit"?

I also think it's funny that you found it necessary to log on and defend yourself.

I logged on to defend a brilliant artist who has returned to the top of his game.

Seriously though, 1.5 for the MMLP? I don't care who reviewed it. That destroys any type of credibility this "magazine" has when it comes to critiquing in general.

I'll just hang on and wait for a review from a decent publication, such as Rolling Stone.

^^^^^^ I'm a fan, so what. But I can be critical. I gave the album 8/10. Too much singing and yelling. They're too many good song on that album to give it that low of a score. The guy is clearly holding something against Em. And lets not pretend that gays and some women aren't a lil more critical than just the average reviewer.

They should have 1 person review albums for each genre of music. A 1.5/10 is just retarded. These people rated Drakes album higher than Distant Relatives. Obama needs to pass a law to stop these people from reviewing Hip Hop.

SMH - idiocy is an alternative lifestyle. You got a problem with alternate lifestyles, you'd better change then.

I will not believe in your site's reviews which gave 'the blueprint' a 3 and MMLP a 1.5... I can understand other reviews that gave recovery 3 because there were pop-like beats Em's rap is unbalanced. Yeah, this album is not perfect. But 1 and a half?? I wonder how you can treat this album just like a trash...

Shit...I guess it is right not to read this insane reveiw and listen to his album alone...

The fact that this record seems to be so polarizing validates it to me. This would be a very different story if all the major sites were giving it 3-5 stars (out of 10), and the comment boards were quiet. Wouldn't that be much more telling of a truly bad/mediocre record?

Instead what we have are thousands of comments both for and against on countless websites across the internet... reviews that differ so wildly that its impossible to really give much credence to ANY of them. It's great that a piece of art is getting such attention and causing such debate. Its been awhile since I've seen this happen...

That said, my opinion... I F*&CKING; LOVE this record.

Seriously? I'm not a huge Eminem fan, and I CERTAINLY wasn't a fan of Relapse in any way, shape, or form, but this is a good album with some rotten tracks here and there (Cold Wind, Almost Famous to name a couple of mediocre ones) but also an album with some AMAZING songs.

It's pretty obvious that the reviewer just dislikes Eminem. Look at how the review is structured: it starts with specifics about the songs and eventually just degrades into a complete rip into the artist, generalizing rather than providing specifics about this album: "Eminem can't talk to women and he never could, so when he threatens to strangle anyone who leaves him, the peril feels forced and wholly off-putting. And can we please, Em, stop dressing up misogyny as emotionally charged desperation?" Yes, Eminem is a complete misogynist and yes that is a major problem. This album is surprisingly a bit of a change, although not a complete one. If you compare the track 25 to Life with Space Bound we can see that Eminem (especially on an album about recognizing faults) is commenting on his own inabilities with women, when the female he speaks to in 25 ends up being a symbolic representation of hip-hop. This is clever misogyny that serves a critical purpose instead of his usual brand, or the excessive crap of Relapse in which women were dismembered left right and centre like a smut film (horrible..). He also takes a female perspective in his second verse on Love the Way you Lie. Is he cured? No, but like the rest of the album, it's about admitting he has a problem.

It might be an idea as a reviewer not to bring to the table the same assumptions about an artist who is obviously making a sharp turn in his life. That being said, there are the occassional homophobic or sexist lines that are unwarranted, but seems to be a problem in the world of hip-hop in which Eminem is no longer the leading problem.

I just created an account and it has the ridiculously long password but I don't care because I'll never be on this website again. I lost all hope in Eminem last year on 'Relapse' until I heard his last skit where it said there is another CD. Anyways with great expectation Eminem delivered with this CD. This album can be measured up to his other best selling albums; Marshall Mathers LP, The Eminem Show. He has a wide range of tracks with his unique lyrical style. This album is a solid 4 out of 5.

I don't know who this M.T. Richards guy is but he's clearly a hater. If a 1.5 out of 5 on arguably Eminem's best album doesn't make you a hater then nothing does. So I thought whatever this website isn't into hip hop let me skip it over but no they give other hip hop albums decent scores.

Let me start off by saying I am a huge Drake fan. He's Canadian so am I, from Toronto. All I'm trying to say much love to Drake. I'll admit I'm kind of bias when it comes to Drake. I was waiting for Thank Me Later and downloaded it when I first heard it was leaked. Then on June 15 I bought off iTunes because he's Drake! Let me say I was somewhat disappointed with his album. I mean it has a few good tracks but the album overall isn't that great. So yeah this website gave it 3.5 stars. A score I would give it.

If you're giving Thank Me Later 3.5 in comparison Eminem's Recovery is a 4.5 but that's because I somewhat bias with Drake. To be completely honest It would be 3 for Drake and 4 for Eminem's Recovery. For sure I will be buying Eminem's album of iTunes on Tuesday.

M.T. Richards is a hater!

M.T. Richards is a hater!

This album is a solid 4 out 5!

This album is a solid 4 out 5!

This album is a solid 4 out 5!

This is a despicable review, spewing hatred, misunderstanding, and outright imcomptence as a critic. Any reasonable observer can see that following two substandard efforts from Eminem, this is him returning to form, with lyrical flow and unmatched metaphorical delivery, unmatched even by his previous efforts. If you do not understand or believe his punchlines do not deliver, I am sincere in the belief that you either are not smart enough to understand them or are not listening to them. With regards to overlapping phrases, metaphors with double meanings, and similes with brutal force, this is Eminem at his finest and even better, always tantamount and frequently superior. But maybe I shouldn't be addressing your review with actual criticism, and focus on the Ad Hominem delivery like yourself.

Seriously, your review is awful, focusing on nothing but derogatory remarks and short sided put downs; this is truly the worst analysis of Recovery I've seen and at best a misguided interpretation of a great if not classic return by one of the greatest rappers ever. 1.5? Atrocious, biased, ignorant patheticness; it is a travesty that an article so putrid is allowed to be presented as a music review.

But I guess critics have nothing nice to say, as Eminem states in the 3rd track of the album, although you probably didn't even listen to it. Ugh, what a lamentable state this game is in when we have negligent critics producing such farcicle material.

I had to make an account to post something about this "Review".

This review is an absolute joke. I understand people can have their opinions and that is all well and good. That being said, when people are reviewing a product it's generally a good idea that they know how to use the product(comprehend lyrics in this case). It's quite obvious that this man/woman does NOT know how to do this. This album has been getting favorable reviews from people that actually KNOW hip-hop/rap. I'm not going to review the CD here because It's obvious I wouldn't make an account just to post on here about a bad album.

I truly hope no one decides not to buy the CD based on this review. It is painfully obvious that this site DOES NOT KNOW hip-hop based on this review and other reviews people pulled up in the comments section. Either find a way to truly review hip-hop/rap albums or quit reviewing them all together.

Yeah, this album is so polarizing that some would really love it or other would really hate it. However, 1.5 is f**kin' incorrect

This guy is clearly smoking he gave Trap Or Die 2(Mixtape) 4 stars but this 1.5.. WTF

Did you even listen to Seduction? He's not talking about a woman, hes talking about Hip Hop (Same with 25 to Life).

Another thing, you discredit the album for this: "but there's nothing altogether endearing about his facade: shouting earnestly one track, cackling devilishly as he kicks a woman in her pussy the next."

Since when is having an album cover a wide range of emotions a bad thing?

One quick addition... Of all people to include on your list of "highly skilled rappers" who've worked with Em in the past, you pick... STICKY FUCKING FINGAZ? Are you sure you should be writing magazine articles, because it appears you've undergone blunt trauma to the head recently.

Take it from someone that has listened to Eminem since I was 15,this is his 3rd best album.

I doubt he could ever top slim shady lp and Marshall mathers.Anyway,as for the review above-what a load of tosh.

You obviously don't understand his music.Previous songs like kim,describe the anger when certain events happened.He never actually went out and killed her,or we wouldn't be reading this shabby review.

Yes I agree Relapse wasn't good,though he knows this,(although I think 'same song and dance' was underated and should have been released as a single)

You fail to hit the nail on the head that the album is about him coming back from where he has been,and if you think 'Going through changes' is the only best song then you should be sacked from your post.

In 7 days time when he is no1 on the album charts in uk and usa (above Drakes 'Thank me later' might I add) I suspect you will feel rather silly,as I also suspect it will be no1 in Australia as well.

Which won't just be coincidence now....will it? Rendering any review you do in future,a big miss.

PneForever2, You're crazy and delusional.

Recovery is a rehash of Relapse, and both are horrible albums.

Eminem is so desperate to stay relevant that he puts two very well known, different, pop-stars, pop-rock Pink, and r&b-dance pop Rihanna on his album. And as M.T. Richards said, their talents are worthless on an album of worthlessness.

If that's not a cry for desperation, I don't know what is.

His change of heart on his opinion of Relapse was only because his fans trashed it so bad. Eminem was worried that for once he might not be the "King" of his little world. So he rushes out another album of the same garbage his fans gobbled up a decade ago. More inane violence, insipid sexuality, and a plethora of nothingness.

And your comment about Drake is pointless, because Drake will be #1 everywhere for this week. When he falls to #2 next week, it won't matter, because he was already on top.

^^^I doubt that they'll feel silly. Remember, this is the magazine that proudly gave the greatest selling hip-hop album of all time a 1.5/5.

I guess the question is if the reviewer actually listened to this album, or if the punchlines in it were just too complex for him to understand.

Call me a fanboy, whatever, it doesn't take a fanboy to see the blatant bias that this magazine has against Eminem.

Ok Teenybopper,

If you are correct,he won't reach no1 this weekend/next weekend,rendiring him not relevant.

If you bothered to read my post I said Relapse was bad.Apart from same song and dance.The point with Rihanna isnt shes a pop start etc,ask yourself what the track is about-domestic violence.

Now sit back and think.Click.oh its there-you remember Chris Brown?

Cleverer than you thought huh? He takes someone elses story and makes it his own.

But I shall wait til 'Drakes no1'.When he isnt that shall make Drake 'irrelevant', and you delusional.

You can always tell when an arguments won when the children start throwing insults.

Let me premise my comments by saying I am bored and to be honest this is more of a writing exercise than anything born of passion. Em certainly doesn't need some "rap intellectual" beefing with a blogger pretending to be an objective critic concerning his work. Let's start with the basic assumption that you are being fair and "like Em" and "have nothing against him and I want him to succeed." Well, let's see about being fair.

Let's look at the following albums you reviewed:

****1. B.o.B.

"B.o.B. Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray" 3 1/2****

****2. 8Ball and MJG 4

"Ten Toes Down"****

****3. Nas and Damian Marley 4 1/2

"Distant Relatives"****

****4. Reflection Eternal 4

"Revolutions Per Minute"****

****5. Young Jeezy 4

"Trap or Die 2: By Any Means Necessary"****

****6. Kurupt 3

"Streetlights"****

--------------------------

Recovery 1.5?

Let's take just compare that 1.5 to say, a 3? Kurupt's aptly named "Streetlights" sounds like something out of a "Boys in the Hood II" soundtrack with the same old westcoast motifs, and derivate hip-hop. The tracks? Imaginative: "I'm Burnt," "I'm Drunk," and "I'm the Man." If you listen to "Streetlights" and "Recovery" back to back (pst, I did) and can, in any conceivable way, explain how one received a 3 and the other a 1.5 other than bias, I would certainly like hear it.

Now, on to one of my favorite criticisms by M.T. Richards: "And can we please, Em, stop dressing up misogyny as emotionally charged desperation? Love might be a battlefield, but rational men don't kill their wives as soon as talk of divorce arises." Rational critics might be able to understand the difference between hyperbole, superlative, and reality. If EM had killed his wife you might have a point, but I am guessing there is a small leap from Em's figurative language to the actual act. Further, confusing authorship and character in a piece of fiction (let's be honest, almost all of rap is fiction) is a college composition 101 mistake. It doesn't, as you suggest, dismiss his misogyny. You are right. Rap has had a long history of disrespecting women. That being said, let's look at how you rated misogyny among other recent reviews!

"Lay it down, Lay it down, you hoes lay it down...making money off your sister and your lady...you's a bitch, do your job..[More random discussion about pimping and the finer points of getting your cock sucked apparently by sisters and wives]." 8Ball and MJG

Your review: "8Ball and MJG don't eschew stereotypesâ€"they submit to them, and ecstatically so, with rhymes about fried chicken and watermelon." Really? Honestly? However, I didn't find one instance in that "review" that discussed misogyny. Just boys being "boys?" As long as you embrace stereotypes you are authentic? Exactly. Certainly sounds like a rap revolution! 4 stars!

Of the six albums you reviewed other than Recovery there is enough misogyny to go around to retroactively reverse the 19th Amendment. I suppose however those rappers don't have the same standard as Em. Ultimately, this is about standards. Unfortunately, Em's review, in comparison to the other reviews, implies bias and anyone with a hint of sense can see that.

I'm not a sycophant fanboi; however it seems to me Em really does receive some unfair press. Imagine a sprinter winning gold in record time at the Olympics. Everyone loves him, says he's just incredible, the most amazing thing ever, then when at the next Olympics he wins gold again, just doesn't beat his own world record everyone rubbishes him and says how he's lost it, despite the fact he's still achieved gold.

If any other MC (bar a couple) had released this album it would be a career maker. So it's a shame that a great album receives such negative press simply because his earlier work is just so amazing it's off the chart. That said, this is perhaps the trickiest album Em has ever put out.

It was so easy to love MMLP just as it was so easy to critique Encore and I'm still not sure about Recovery. Personally, I loved Relapse, yes it had faults (lots of them) but it felt honest in a way he's not managed since TES. Recovery seems to have an agenda, it feels like he wants this to be a triumphant comeback album that reinstates him as the undisputed king. If this was boxing, it would be a points victory rather than a KO and I think everyone expected a Tyson first round knock out; but a Win is still a WIN.

After seven or eight listens through Recovery followed by a recap of SS, MMLP, TES I don't think this is Em at his best simply because the album is too long and by Track 13 has lost its way. His flows aren't as free as his early work, he seems tense (not desperate), just tense and that seems to constrain him almost as if he's trying too hard and it's not coming as easy to him as it once did.

I think this is evident because he is not confident enough to let the album speak for itself and has to continually remind us how good he is and that he's on the top of his game etc. For me this really grates as it is totally unnecessary; as MW said, those that can, DO, those that can't TALK about it.

That said this is undoubtedly an excellent album and I think it's unfair for people (me included) to continually compare him to his earlier work all the time. Lyrically, no one can touch him and that's why I think it's a shame that he felt the need to include so many guest artists, because this is one man that can stand on his own.

Welcome back EM, you've been missed!

FalloftheHouseofUsher has a massive point. I'd love to hear the reviewer come back to. As far as im concerned, this review is biased.

I listened to all 17 tracks of recovery and must say that I strongly disagree with your review. Eminem’s lyrics and delivery are on point on every track and every song has a message in it. The production is not bad; just different because it is not done by Eminem or Dr. Dre except for, “So Bad.” This album deserves way more than 1½ star; it deserves at least a 4 out of 5; I give it a 5 out of 5. No I’m not being bias because other than a few tracks I didn’t enjoy Encore that much, I liked relapse but the accent was a bit much, but this album is FIRE; I’m glad I BOUGHT it.

I read this review from top to bottom before forming an opinion.

I'm not in the least bit a "stan" or a life-long Eminem fan, but this review is disgusting.

Statements of contempt such as: "Eminem can't talk to women and he never could, so when he threatens to strangle anyone who leaves him, the peril feels forced and wholly off-putting. And can we please, Em, stop dressing up misogyny as emotionally charged desperation? Love might be a battlefield, but rational men don't kill their wives as soon as talk of divorce arises" <-----------No relevance to the album.

What I read was a "review", that spent more time critiquing Eminem as a human being, rather than the album itself. I don't care if Eminem is an axe-murderer who's killed 1,000 babies, this is an album review. If you can't review the album without letting your own jealousy and nauseating hatred permeate through the review then you should just differ the assignment to someone who's more capable of understanding the basis of the lyrics.

"He's a puzzling man who raises a lot of questions, one of which is how such a wondrous talent can make such bloated, sullen, and detestable albums?"

You mean 'detestable' albums like the MMLP, which was not only the best selling album of last decade but the best selling rap album of all time?

It's funny that you commented on this page claiming that you wish the best for Eminem and that you wish him luck and will always support him when you take low blows like this: "If nothing else, Recovery will adjourn the idea that Eminem has any greatness left in him."

Perhaps you realized the hollowness of your own Review when you saw all the negative comments it received.

My advice? Try reviewing the album next time. You embarrassed your magazine with this one. I hope that they don't make the mistake of giving you any more big mistakes. Possibly Molly Cyrus' new album is more your speed.

VictorCrowley: I appreciate the diagnosis. Also, this "emotive" shit is well-treaded territory for Em. Since you're such a devoted fan, I'm sure you remember the declarations of maturity that dominated TES (as well as the Rolling Stone cover story that referred to him as a "proud father" who had "slowed down his drinking and drug use"). It's a bit of a ploy.

FalloftheHouseofUsher: It's difficult to pull off blasé condescension when you clearly put more effort into your (lengthy and meticulously researched) comment than anyone in the thread. And while you make a fair point about Ball & G's misogyny, their songs work as complete songs, whereas Em's misogyny becomes all the more noticeable in the context of such an aggressively unpleasant album.

Jamesthebang: Too true. Clearly a line like "Call me the ball sack/I'm nuts" is beyond my realm of comprehension. If you want to read unwarranted praise of an album that collapses under its dreary beats, strained hooks, obnoxiously surly flows, and empty optimism, go read Allhiphop. But you -- and I'm speaking to the dozens of other users here as well -- shouldn't feel obliged to enjoy an Eminem record simply because it's an Eminem record, nor you should flood an internet forum with poorly reasoned arguments (what do MMLP's sales have to do with anything?).

Something tells me that the editors at Slant are not, in fact, embarrassed by this review, since it appears to be the most popular review in our recent history. But I'll gladly dedicate some coverage to "Molly." Thanks for the request!

Hi, it's me again Mr. Richards.

You exemplify my characterization of you in a previous post even more so in your rebuttal when you single out a simple phrase from Eminem's album as if it somehow proves your efficiency in lyrical comprehension. Your fallacious reasoning is laughable.

"If you want to read unwarranted praise of an album that collapses under its dreary beats, strained hooks, obnoxiously surly flows, and empty optimism..."

What is empty optimism? See this is where you present a dichotomy. It was your magazine that criticized Eminem on the Relapse for all of his negative content and accused him of rapping lyrically graphic content for the pure 'shock content'. Now that he has changed the topic, you have also critiqued this. Your magazine has also criticized Eminem's earlier work (which I mentioned before), that you claim to have a love for.

"...shouldn't feel obliged to enjoy an Eminem record simply because it's an Eminem record..."

Perhaps you forgot to read where I clearly said that I'm not a huge Eminem fan by any means. Maybe you were too blinded by your insatiable need to create inadvertent passive-aggressive jabs at everyone on the blog.

"(what do MMLP's sales have to do with anything?)"

Well when you have the best selling rap album of all time and the greatest selling album of the decade, simple elementary inductive reasoning would lead you to generalize that it's a fairly good album. Eminem was a big name in hip hop at the time, but big enough to produce the biggest album in hip hop? I doubt it. If the content of the album were truly as poor as this magazine claimed it was, it wouldn't have performed the way it did on the charts. I didn't think I had to break down something this simple.

"Something tells me that the editors at Slant are not, in fact, embarrassed by this review..."

Something tells me that the editors at Slant told you to give this album a shitty review so you could attract more buzz to your lifeless magazine. Maybe I'm wrong...but I doubt it.

You display your ignorance of the artist when you attack the song "Space Bound". You compare it to Kim, which proves that you have no comprehension of the lyrics. It's not a song about an actual women, but a metaphor for hip hop. Hip hop is his 'mistress' so to say. Perhaps if you had listened to the album instead of skimming through 1 or 2 songs and reading the lyrics online you would've picked up on this.

His 'outdated' pop references have been made since he began rapping. They are just a continuation of his persona.

My recommendation? Listen to the entire album again from top to bottom. Actually listen to the album instead of hitting 'skip track' after the first verse. Also...don't make pointed strawmans and attack my logic with fallacious examples. Have a good day Mr. Richards. I don't intend on wasting anymore time on this magazine.

"A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you." C.S. Lewis

While your response was dismissive (and yes, I did research your work), at least it was a response. There is one central question you managed to dodge and in the smooth science of egotistical douchebagery, let me quote myself:

Let's take just compare that 1.5 to say, a 3? Kurupt's aptly named "Streetlights" sounds like something out of a "Boys in the Hood II" soundtrack with the same old westcoast motifs, and derivate hip-hop. The tracks? Imaginative: "I'm Burnt," "I'm Drunk," and "I'm the Man." If you listen to "Streetlights" and "Recovery" back to back (pst, I did) and can, in any conceivable way, explain how one received a 3 and the other a 1.5 other than bias, I would certainly like hear it.

There are people I respect who love MMLP despite the fact that I don't. But citing its sales as justification for its "brilliance" is idiotic:

1. The Beatles, 1 (11,499,000 copies sold)

2. *NSYNC, No Strings Attached (11,112,000)

3. Norah Jones, Come Away With Me (10,546,000)

4. Eminem, The Marshall Mathers LP (10,204,000)

5. Eminem, The Eminem Show (9,799,000)

6. Usher, Confessions (9,712,000)

7. Linkin Park, Hybrid Theory (9,663,000)

8. Creed, Human Clay (9,491,000)

9. Britney Spears, Oops! … I Did It Again (9,185,000)

10. Nelly, Country Grammar (8,461,000)

Hello, if your reading this finish reading this post and navigate away from this site. This review just screams "I'm disagreeing because its cool to do and it will bring loads of attention". Congrats you managed to get attention you seeked but no worries it will fade. That being said please anybody considering making an account just to post this review is a misleading one, don't. You may ask yourself "self, why is this poster doing what he's telling others not to do?" answer: someone needs to end this nonsense.

P.S: 4 out of 5. However people need to stop exaggerating and giving this album a higher praise than it deserves.

I think any fan of rap/freestyle/hip hop etc. would give this more than a 1.5. Compare this with everything else released this year, consider the content, production, vox, only Drake, Wayne, and maybe B.o.B are even close. Gotta give that man, at least a 4, unless you are a total hater.

I think it may be because you are most likely a female (given the abbreviation of your name as many female authors do) and most chics don't dig em's vulgarity. I can understand that, I wasn't really feelin when he kinda dissed MJ, but this just goes along with his "no boundary" mentality. I wish he would have dissed Kanye, (he hated on Taylor Swift haha, that's ammo!) that woulda been funny but oh well, "won't back down" is crazy ill.

ps to the author - I like your use of creative words but don't twist shit up, it's not a riddle.

My full name is actually Matthew Thomas Richards.

You probably think W.H. Auden is a woman, too.

what a dumbass this guy is, really one and a half star. this album is awesome. who is this guy anyways, some county fan? idiot

Where is your brain? I think you wrote this review, leaving it on your table.

What an awful review. This is obviously someone who listens to folk music and obviously knows nothing. Just a wannabe who wants a reputation as a harsh critic. I'd rate this review one and a half stars. What a cock.

Richards,

While I don't agree with your review, I understand that you are entitled to your opinion and it seems that you generally don't like the album. However, nothing ruins your credibility more than coming onto the forum and offering a rebuttal to those who disagree with you. If you are entitled to your opinion, then certainly those who read it are entitled to theirs.

I don't understand the point of arguing with a computer screen. Do you honestly think that after arguing everyone is going to say "You know what, I was wrong, this album is shit, great review!!"

Since Eminem is the best selling artist of the past decade, it is safe to say he has many fans, so writing a negative review, you knew it would get a lot of attention (especially when it is on Wikipedia), you knew many people would disagree with your review and comment as such. That only makes your presence on this forum even more unprofessional and juvenile. A true pro woulda taken the shots from internet nobodys, kept writing and hope that this review will help garner you more views for your next article.

Damn, you look like an idiot.

This is directed to vocalism and who ever agrees with him.

"Eminems greatness is indeed behind him" - vocalism

Did u listen to the actual lyrics of the songs? If u did, do u even know what he's talking about? I don't care whether you like the album or don't, vocalism, but to say his best his behind him just shows that you know nothing about the album. I would tell you to actually listen to the album but u seem to dumb to understand what he would be talking about anyways. I'm not going to sit here and explain every song, although I could, but u tell me what other rapper of eminems stature has the same type of emotion, the same type of meaning or reason behind it. There's no one that can match his lyrical skills, rythym, cleverness and his tones. You guys say his beats don't work for him and all this nada nada bull shit when if u think about it (Which you obviously havn't) there's no other cd that sounds like this in the way technoish sounds are mixed in with his hard emotional lyrics. Dre may not have had many of his beats on the album but he's the executive producer. Dr.dre won best producer or the 2000's and received the lifetime achievment award, so I don't think he would put out an album that's not good. You may hate it but you just can't say he's past his prime. Listen to the three singles that he came out with before Recovery was on the shelf; 1) Forever feat. Drake, lil wayne and Kanye west, 3 of the biggest names in hip hop but when eminem spits his verse you feel like your listening to another song, his rythym, lyrics and passion are second to none. 2) Drop the world with lil wayne. Listen to the song and tell me he's past his prime, his verse blows lil waynes out of the water (just like in "no love" on the recovery cd) even though lil wayne's verses are very good. 3) Airplanes 2) with b.o.b. And hayley williams. I've never heard A verse so emotional and u get captured in the music like not many rappers can do. He tells a quick life story of himself in an incredible way.

The bottom line, vocalism, is that u have know knowledge of rap/hip hop at all if u say he's past his prime. No other rapper can do what he do, he is above all and everyone when it comes to lyrics so before you say shit like he's Past his prim or his album isn't even good, why don't u listen to the lyrics and try to understand what's happend when u listen to eminem because everytime u do listen to him its history, its epic, its classic shit.