Eminem goes off the rails in “Relapse.”
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TOP 5
Honorable Mention. Same Song & Dance
How does a rational individual find the creative space to craft a song like “Same Song & Dance”?
The concept of “Same Song & Dance” is unsettling, as it revolves around the abduction and mistreatment of high-profile figures like Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears.
Before you judge me for giving “Same Song & Dance” a favorable rating, I encourage you to consider my perspective. I genuinely believe that beneath Eminem’s wild lyrics, there’s a deeper message at play. It’s about warning women of the dangers of interacting with strangers. Maybe Eminem is playing a big bro, right? Here’s another thing: The song is pretty catchy.
5. Bagpipes From Baghdad
“Bagpipes From Baghdad” is the only Groundskeeper Willie-ass track I like from this album.
Eminem’s flow in this song is undeniably impressive, even though he uses a strange accent and hits us with ridiculous lyrics. And yes, the beat is super catchy—Dr. Dre nailed it.
It’s wild to think that Nick Cannon stood up for Mariah over this track and ended up getting into that infamous fade with Eminem. And now, he’s divorced.
4. Must Be The Ganja
Nah, Em took more than Ganja during the making of this album…
“Must Be The Ganja” has several standout elements, including an infectious beat, a captivating hook, and a unique flow by Eminem. However, the track’s biggest drawback is Em’s lyrics. If he had focused more on embracing the essence of the song’s title instead of delving into morbid subjects like serial killers, it could have had the potential to be a club hit. Then again, it’s understandable if this unconventional white artist wasn’t aiming for mainstream club play.
3. Beautiful
Is “Beautiful” my favorite track from this album? No. However, I believe it’s the most complete track.
Every once in a while, it’s refreshing to hear a more vulnerable side of Eminem, and “Beautiful” delivers just that. In this track, he emphasizes the importance of self-assurance and staying true to oneself. I love the song’s gentle beat, especially with its edgy rock elements, the heartwarming chorus, and how a more grounded Eminem dives into the track, as if he’s searching for a way out of his depression.
2. Crack A Bottle (Ft. 50 Cent & Dr. Dre)
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? (Eminem clearly wrote Dr. Dre’s s**t) I say, Em!
In “Crack A Bottle,” the chorus balances being playful and serious. Unlike some of Eminem’s other tracks known for their comedic antics like “Real Slim Shady” and “Ass Like That,” this song maintains a level of seriousness. The accompanying beat exudes a circus-like vibe, and the rap styles of Eminem, 50 Cent, and Dr. Dre align flawlessly with the rhythmic nuances of the production, showcasing their brilliance as artists.
1. Deja Vu
In addition to “Beautiful,” “Crack A Bottle” stands out as one of the rare songs on this album where Eminem expresses himself with honesty and a sense of normalcy.
“Deja Vu” introduces Eminem’s raw and authentic exploration of drug addiction, reflecting a deeply personal and genuine experience. He candidly reveals that he believed his drug dependency was ordinary and struggled to comprehend why others urged him to change. These sentiments, although unsettling, carry profound meaning.
Despite the dark subject, “Deja Vu” possesses a heartwarming quality that may surprise listeners. It provides a relatable and empathetic perspective, making it a valuable listen for those navigating similar struggles.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
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RGM RATING
(C+) (78%)
Eminem’s storytelling is undeniably top-notch, even if his tales may venture into the bizarre and unsettling. His ability to vividly convey his vision creates a perfect visual experience for anyone who listens to his raps on this album.
Additionally, Eminem’s rap mechanics remain exceptional. His wordplay, punchlines, and skill in dissecting any beat presented to him are astonishing and stand out prominently on this album. I will say this, though: The random accents Eminem rapped with on certain songs were strange.
The instrumentals on this album are outstanding. Dr. Dre provided Eminem with eclectic, unique, hard-hitting, and memorable beats that left a lasting impact.
Surprisingly, Eminem displays a significant level of openness on this album. He delves into personal topics, addressing his struggles with drug addiction and loneliness. This vulnerability is admirable and deserving of respect.
Honestly, there were moments on certain songs where Eminem’s content left me confused. At times, it felt like he rambled, delivering nonsensical lyrics that seemed detached from relatability. While I understand Em’s intention to venture into unconventional territories with his thoughts, it doesn’t necessarily make his lyrics enjoyable.
Also, Eminem’s exploration of topics such as rape, child molestation, and murder in this album may be perceived as excessive. In his previous works, these themes seemed to flow more organically, whereas this time, it felt like he was deliberately invoking shock value by bringing them up.
Overall, Relapse is a little 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.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
