Eminem – Relapse (Album Review)
Historically, “Relapse” has been rated low from critics worldwide, as to many, it was too far left for even a die-hard Eminem fan to enjoy. But on the real, was it really that bad? Once you get past the stupid Scottish accent he tends to rap with from time to time, you’ll realize this album does have some songs with great substance.
STREAM
TOP 5
5. SAME SONG & DANCE
What allows a sane human-being to make a song like “Same Song & Dance?”
The premise behind “Same Song & Dance” revolves around a sicko kidnapping Lindsey Lohan and Britney Spears, with the ultimate goal being to molest and enslave them. Yikes.
Before you call me a sick ass for giving “Same Song & Dance” a favorable rating, hear me out… I strongly believe there is a message behind Em’s madness on this song, and it revolves around warning women about dealing with strangers. If you think about it, Em is playing big bro, right?
4. BAGPIPES FROM BAGHDAD
“Bagpipes From Baghdad” is the only Groundskeeper Willie-ass track I like from this album.
I feel like Eminem’s flow is incredible on this song! (Despite the fact that his lyrics are ridiculous). The beat is very infectious, too (Kudos to Dr. Dre).
You know what’s a shame? Nick Cannon stuck up for his ex-wife Mariah over this song, and as a result, he had to catch that fade by Eminem. Welp, now he’s divorced.
3. MUST BE THE GANJA
Most things about “Must Be The Ganja” is hot (The beat, the hook and Em’s flow on his verses). The biggest issue with the track is Em’s buffoonish lyrics on it. If he would’ve stayed true to the title of the song instead of talking about serial killer s**t, this could’ve possibly been a club hit! (Then again, I’m sure this weird ass white man doesn’t want to be played in the clubs)
2. CRACK A BOTTLE
Why wouldn’t “Crack A Bottle” be one of the top 5 songs from this album? It has three of the biggest rappers in the game spitting on it (Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Eminem).
So who had the best verse between Eminem, Eminem and 50 Cent? (Cause Eminem clearly wrote Dr. Dre’s ish) I say Em!
“Crack A Bottle” is goofy on the chorus, but not goofy enough to not take seriously (Unlike Em’s other pure buffoonery songs like “Real Slim Shady” and “Ass like that”). The beat attached to the song has a circus-feel to it, and like the geniuses they are, Eminem, 50 Cent and Dr. Dre’s rap styles fit the beat perfectly.
1. DEJA VU
Along with “Beautiful,” this is the only song where Eminem is being honest and normal on this album (It’s also one of the few songs where he doesn’t sound like Groundskeeper Willie).
“Deja Vu” opens up with Em talking about drug addiction, which was all the way real at the time. He also lets the world know that he thought his drug addiction was normal, and didn’t understand why everyone wanted him to change. Scary, but deep sentiments.
I think the song is very heartwarming (believe it or not), and a good listen to someone who is battling addiction.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. DR. WEST (SKIT) (N/A)
2. 3 A.M. (4/5)
3. MY MOM (3/5)
4. INSANE (3.5/5)
5. BAGPIPES FROM BAGHDAD (4/5)
6. HELLO (2.5/5)
7. TONYA – SKIT (N/A)
8. SAME SONG & DANCE (4/5)
9. WE MADE IT (4/5)
10. MEDICINE BALL (3.5/5)
11. PAUL – SKIT (N/A)
12. STAY WIDE AWAKE (4/5)
13. OLD TIME’S SAKE (4/5)
14. MUST BE THE GANJA (4.5/5)
15. MR. MATHERS – SKIT (N/A)
16. DEJA VU (5/5)
17. BEAUTIFUL (4/5)
18. CRACK A BOTTLE (4.5/5)
19. STEVE BERMAN – SKIT (N/A)
20. UNDERGROUND (2/5)
OVERALL RATING
(D+)
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT RELAPSE
- Eminem’s stories might be bizarre and sickening, but his ability to tell stories is top notch. He’s very vivid/direct in his vision, which ultimately creates the perfect visual for anyone that listens to him rap on this album.
- Eminem can still rap his ass off. His wordplay, punchlines and ability to dissect any beat he’s given is pretty astonishing on this album.
- I loved the instrumentals on this album! Dr. Dre truly hooked Em up with some pretty hard-hitting/memorable beats.
- As crazy as it may sound, Eminem opened up quite a bit on this album. There were certain songs in which he talked about his drug addiction, confirming rumors and embracing the battle. I respected that.
WHAT I HATE ABOUT RELAPSE
- What the f**k was up with Em’s silly ass accents?
- I’m not going to lie, on some songs, Em lost me content-wise… I thought at times he rambled, spewing out nonsensical lyrics that no one on this planet can relate with. I get it, Em’s aim was to go left-field with his thoughts here, but that doesn’t make his lyrics enjoyable.
- Em’s talk about rape, child molestation and murder were overkill on this album. In his previous efforts, I felt like these topics came a lot more natural, while this time around, it seemed like he was bringing them up for shock factor.
“Relapse” is very sloppy, and at times, absolutely ridiculous. If you aren’t willing to enter into Eminem’s sick ass world, you will not enjoy this album. Is it Eminem’s worst album? No, but this is where his bid for top 5 rappers of all time was both solidified (Creativity and Flow) and put into question (Weird ass topics).
MAKE SURE YOU LET ME KNOW WHAT YOUR TOP 5 FROM THE ALBUM IS IN THE COMMENTS SECTION!
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.