Eminem - Recovery

Hailing from Detroit, Michigan Marshall Mathers A.K.A. Eminem, is back with his new album Recovery, the follow up to last years lackluster and uneven Relapse. This time around, Eminem eschews his old lyrical jabs at celebrities, and aims for a more straightforward and lyrical hip-hop album, and what follows is one of Em's best albums since 2000's The Marshall Mathers LP.

The album opens with "Cold Wind Blows" a melodic, mid tempo tune that gives the listener some classic Eminem rhymes set over a catchy beat line. The disc's first single, "Not Afraid" is a solid, straightforward song that is dark and deeply personal lyrically, detailing Em's rise from drug addiction and his struggle to come to terms with his inner demons. "On Fire" is a party ready, hip-hop tune that features some groove heavy numbers set amidst Em's classic rhymes. "Won't Back Down" is a terrific track that includes a guest appearance from Pink who delivers an amazing vocal performance that coincides well with the rock/hip-hop sound of the song and is a standout track on the album. "W.T.P." is a groove laden party starter that will get you bopping your head all throughout until the song ends.

The album's second half starts off with "No Love". This track features a terrific guest verse from Lil' Wayne and also includes a sample of Haddaway's "What Is Love" that makes it one of the numerous highlights features here on the disc. "Space Bound" is a midtempo number that gives the listener a break from the high energy tracks heard previously and also adds a little variety to the mix as well. "25 To Life" is a beat ridden, synth infused track that ventures into territories that we haven't encountered yet here on the album, but work out very well here anyway. "So Bad" returns the album to its high energy, no holds barred vibe that has been found on several of the subsequent tracks. My absolute favorite track off the album is "Love The Way You Lie". This tune features an amazing guest vocal appearance from Rihanna and touches on the subject of domestic violence, and Em and Rihanna absolutely blow the roof off on both sides with an amazing performance that is well worth the price you paid for the album. Em's last two studio albums, Encore and Relapse were feeble attempts at resurrecting his Slim Shady persons, that was rampant on his first three albums and quickly grew stale for some time after that. There is no question that Eminem is one of the top rappers out in music today, and this album ensures that Em holds on to the hip-hop crown that he has rightfully earned after the past decade.

To wrap it all up, a superb and terrific album from Eminem who has delivered one of his best albums in a decade and one of the best albums of the year so far. If you're looking for a simple, straightforward hip-hop album, this is the one for you. Highly recommended!

                                                                                                                            Album Score: 4.5/5

Track Listing:

1. Cold Wind Blows
2. Not Afraid
3. Talkin' 2 Myself (f/Kobe)
4. On Fire
5. Won't Back Down (f/Pink)
6. W.T.P.
7. Going Through Changes
8. Seduction
9. No Love (f/Lil' Wayne)
10. Space Bound
11. Cinderella Man
12. 25 To Life
13. So Bad
14. Almost Famous
15. Love the Way You Lie (f/Rihanna)
16. You're Never Over
17. Untitled 

As an added bonus, here is the music video for "Love the Way You Lie", which world premiered on MTV and YouTube last week! This video features cameo apppearances from Megan Fox and Dominic Monaghan from Lost, hope you enjoy it!