Back to Recovery

You know since it has been almost two and a half years since one of the greatest rappers of all time has released any album I’ve decided to go back to 2010 when this guy made a surprising comeback into the mainstream culture where he has nearly vanished from. Eminem’s last album Recovery had been the long time anticipated album all his fans had been waiting for after the disappointment of his other album Encore.

During the time of Encore Eminem’s addiction to Ambien, Vicodin, Valium, and Methadone pills were spiraling out of his control while also having trouble with his ex-wife Kim. Eminem claims he had been addicted to the pills early 2000s but it wasn’t known to the public until about 2005. After Encore had disappointed fans and critics alike for its simplistic lyrics, desperation to shock, and complete change from what made Eminem famous he started to go downhill from there.

After a few failed attempts to recover to his mainstream success Eminem disappeared from the public spotlight claiming he was going through a dark period in his life with his drug addiction, the second failed marriage to Kim, problems with his mother, and even the death of his 20 year friend Proof.

In early 2010 Eminem announced that his next album that was to be called Relapse 2 would be released middle of this year as Recovery. The first single off this new album is called Not Afraid and could arguably be named one of his greatest songs ever.

Eminem cuts straight to the point in the song which is explaining what and how he has dealt with the absence and pain that has been attacking him ever since he’s been around. The lyrics say it all without letting the emotional music over shadow it. In his lyrics Eminem states he’s “not afraid to take a stand”. He then reaches out to others that have been through similar problems “everybody come take my hand, we’ll walk this road together through the storm whatever weather cold or warm just letting you know that you’re not alone”.

The vocals are different than what he is usually known for but it seems like a change for the better. At 37 years old I don’t think a Caucasian blond haired squeaky voiced pubescent pop star bashing rapper will have as strong of appeal as he did 10 years ago. Sometimes a change to adapt to your age, maturity, and emotional state can be effective when it’s done right.

So the single was excellent with vocals, instrumental, consistency, and message. At the end there’s just a feeling of completion, at least to me, that Eminem has accomplished. Eminem took a risk that most celebrities can’t do successfully and pulled it off. This was not the Eminem all his fans had remembered but the new one that they and even others that previously hated him could welcome with open arms.

The next single to the album Eminem would collaborate with pop star Rihanna on “Love the way you lie”. The song describes a painfully honest relationship that some people go through. Eminem digs into the psychology of borderline domestic violent relationships with Rihanna supplying the chorus. Rihanna, being a victim of domestic violence with Chris Brown, displays heartthrob lyrics and vocals. Some may argue that it is even better than “Not afraid” though I would disagree. However, I would say it falls at second best on the album.

The last extremely fascinating song on this album has got to be his third single No love. Here the two best rappers collaborate once again after teaming up for “Drop the World” for their better song. No Love has both of the rappers at one of their very best game not overshadowing each other and just nailing it. Lil Wayne starts it out slow with some in depth lyrics and Eminem takes over with rapid fire word plays. They take samples of the song “What is love” and make better work of it.

Overall the album is just a fantastic work of music. I don’t think you will ever find more inspiring songs than what the man that has been through so much in life has made here. While all the songs are not consistent with each other they truly make you feel pumped, joyful, and uplifting. From his single Not Afraid to his song seduction there is bound to be a song for anyone. I would recommend this to anyone that likes rap music.