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So a copy of the just-dropped Eminem album landed in my hands this morning, and the only thing I could do was listen to it immediately. I mean, it’s been five years since he last released an album (Encore) and the hype surrounding Relapse has been massive. Em’s doing press all over the place and there are several big stories surrounding it: not only did he finally record with Dr. Dre again (celebration!!), but he’s clean from the drug addiction that spiraled him into years of depression and absence from the public eye.

I didn’t have any real pre-conceptions of what the album would be. Obviously I’ve heard “Crack A Bottle” and “We Made You”, and was slightly underwhelmed, although happy to hear those ominous, punchy Dre beats. Questlove said on Twitter, “no front [I] thought I’d hate it. I friggin love it. … but i like it better than slim/em show/encore”. Otherwise I dove in with no bias and no expectations.

So what do I think? Ehn. Oftentimes it’s not fair to judge an album after one listen, but these are just my first impression thoughts. Ehn. Meh. Good, but not great. A welcome return, but not an instant classic.

Like I said, Dr. Dre’s beats come hard. They’re booming, soul shaking and intense, conveying the kind of fury that Eminem probably intends to carry with his return. I’m back, I’ve been shaken, but I’m still strong. Em’s lyrics and delivery are razor sharp, staccato and perfectly delivered, save for the weird accent he’s been using lately. What’s up with that accent, anyway? You know what I’m talking about, it’s all over “We Made You”. Has Slim Shady developed a more skewed personality, complete with silly voice? Anyway, his delivery is on point and fierce, but the message is old. There are some things Em could have tackled on this album to make it great - and sure, he does touch on his depression and drug use (he mentions in the liners that he tried to write a song for Proof, but couldn’t do it justice). But I found that he makes a mockery of the issues more than he takes them seriously, and the good thing about Eminem in the past is that he separated his serious songs from the mockeries. Here they blend together.

Also - and it could just be me - but maaaaaaybe it’s time to stop rhyming about chopping bodies and tying people up, you know? He’s been there. I don’t really need another song about your mom, or another song about killing women. Even if it’s a dark fantasy of an alter ego, it’s still been done before. I guess what it all comes down to is that Relapse was an opportunity to come back with vengeance, and in many ways Eminem came back with a Rehash instead.

First Listen Stand Outs: Bagpipes from Baghdad, Old Time’s Sake, Underground

Have you heard? What do you think, and what tracks are you feeling?

PS: Watch the full “Hooking Up with Eminem” special - really informative and interesting!

Tags: albums, eminem, reviews

Posted on Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 at 4:02 pm by Wendy and is filed under Music & Videos.

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