Eminem: Recovery Review


Alright – everyone knows Eminem can rip a track.  He has proven it lately with some insane verses (i.e. Drake’s Forever).  Can he drop a dope album though?

Well some people would say he did with his last album Relapse.  Although I think Em ripped that album – I had a problem with his accent he chose to use (repeatedly) and the beats were way too generic to me. There were definitely a handful of good tracks – but as a whole the album is never in my rotation.

Well here comes his newest album Recovery – time to see if Em can drop another great album in 2010.

***Disclaimer***
This is a very early leak again – and I can not be sure this tracklisting will change.  In 95% of cases the retail album is exactly the same as the leaks I hear.

1. Cold Wind Blows – Ummmm yeah – OK Eminem is kind of a problem!  I know a lot of my friends don’t check for this guy anymore…but he can still rap.  He is spitting some of the bars he dropped on the Westwood show that had people going nuts.  Just sitting nonsense, but no one makes nonsense sound funnier of better.

2. Talking To Myself - Weird(that doesn’t mean bad) beat here. Got a Miami Vice feel to it…I do not like the dude singing at all.  Then Eminem follows his singing – with some singing of his own. Finally rapping.  Pretty personal here. Eminem talking about his struggles and addiction.  Minus the singing on this it is cool.

3. On Fire – Beat is too generic for me – I bet he produced this.  Maybe Dre…either way these type of generic sounding beats are exactly the reason I didn’t like Relapse for the most part.  He kills this – and hey no weird accent this album so far!

4. Won’t Back Down – Don’t like the Pink hook – but this beat goes hard and Em rips it.  This has been floating around the net for a minute now – so I have heard it a lot already.

5. W.T.P – I guess this is Em’s shot at a club single…ehhhh maybe 5 years ago.  Dude is feeling his singing too much.  He sounds good but this is just not my style of song.  LMAO as I listen to this I realize it is about a White Trash Party hahaha – I don’t like the beat but this is funny.

6. Going Thru Changes – Dopppppppppppppppe sample…Sabbath?  Eminem back to being personal.  A lot of people won’t like this because of it – not me – I respect him being honest.  He has mentioned Proof a couple times this album – gotta be tough to talk about that.

7. Not Afraid - Been out for awhile now…I like it – some people don’t.  Yeah Eminem singing is not a good look – but I like a song like this that has a good message.  I am a sucker I guess.

8. Seduction – Oh no autotune sighting.  Generic slightly plodding beat – can’t wait to see the liner notes – another Eminem beat I bet.  Still Em is rapping with no accent and sounds good.

9. No Love – A Weezy feature on this – damn Em does not have many on this album.  LMAO @ sampling that “Baby, Don’t Hurt Me” song…you know the one SNL made famous with the head bopping dudes?  The beat is harder than you would think with that sample.  Weezy is killing it! Em singing – cmon man stop it.  Eminem answered back with a sick verse of his own. Wow Eminem is just destroyed Wayne’s verse…and I liked Weezy on this.  Great song.

10. Space Bound – Is this an Eminem love song? I bet you he is raping or killing this girl by the end of the song. This beat reminds me of Hotel California for some reason.  A bit of a rock ballad hook there…beats Em’s singing I guess. There we go, took the third verse, but now Eminem is strangling a girl and shooting himself.  Touching.

11. Cinderella Man – Eminem beat!  I dunno that – but it isn’t good to me.  Em sounds good but I am not feeling the hand clap and electric guitar beat.

12. 25 to Life – Cool singing to open the song – love rap beats with these slightly breathless female vocals.  Wow this beat is cool – DJ Khalil is a problem – more people should know his name.  White girls gonna love this song.

13. So Bad – I was about to say this beat is generic – but it isn’t.  Something about it keeps it kind of fresh – there is almost a tuba like quality to the beat…and the guitar licks sound better than on Cinderella Man.

14. Almost Famous – This is alright – not one of my fav tracks – not really feeling the production.  Don’t get too mad though it is alright and I have no complaints about Em’s performance on this album at all.  Oh yeah as I was typing that the chorus dropped, makes me dislike the song a bit more.  NOTE: I already like this song now – sounds better with my headphones.

15. Love the Way You Lie – LOL WTF Rhianna on an Eminem album?  Ok I guess no more surprising than Pink. Another guitar based beat – they must be trying to nail that white crowd.  You ever notice small town white people are much more open to rap songs with guitars?  Maybe it is just me.  This song could be a hit for Em – sounds like he made it for the radio.  No complaints I am a sucker for songs like this.  I love me some gee-tar.

16. You’re Never Over – LMAO Eminem singing like he is in Blink 182.  A real synthy vibe to this beat.  This is fitting for the end of the album called Recovery.  This beat seems like it would play triumphantly as someone was walking out of rehab or something.  Could play this song at the end of The Breakfast Club.  The hook makes me laugh, the way he holds his notes.  I should not like this – but it is infectious.

Overall on one listen I like this album.  People are gonna think I like everything, but I don’t, there has just been a huge influx of good albums dropping lately.  Feast or famine I guess, because the start of the year was really slow.  Now I have too much to listen too.

Anyways back to Eminem LOL… I think he ripped this album – that dude is still one of the best rappers alive.  I like this better than Relapse so far.  A couple songs were obviously crafted for radio love…but I enjoyed them so there is no problem there.

People will complain about Eminem being “Emo” but I don’t mind him being personal.  He does sing on too many hooks and bridges though, do it once if maybe twice if you are feeling yourself like that.  Overall though – off one listen this is good, maybe even great…I wonder if it will grow on me?

I can’t believe I am listening to a potentially great album from Em in 2010.

EDIT: A couple bonus tracks released on itunes:

Session One - This is the kind of beat I expect from Just Blaze – a typical Just Blaze banger- perfect for Em and Slaughterhouse.  It is great to hear Em with Slaughterhouse.  It is really lame that Buddens couldn’t be on this because Amalgam wouldn’t allow it. Good business choice you stupid fucking label.

Riderz – This is def a Dre beat. It is actually OK – not nearly as generic as Dre has been for like 5 years now.  I have no faith in Dre at all at this point – but this is pretty good.  Seems like some classic good ol Shady shit talking on this .



June 7, 2010 Comments

  • Erfde
    wow ur review is so stupid
  • Almost Famous – This is alright – not one of my fav tracks
  • 25 to Life - About his relationship with the hip-hop industry, not about relationships with females.
  • And on Almost Famous, "If they don’t like they can all get fucked, instead of sucking him off.They can go get a belt or a neck tie, to hang themselves by. Like David Carridine, they can go fuck themselves and just die." Fuckin nuts man!
  • Scphiranha
    you guys dont know real music. maybe u should actually LISTEN to this music, not just click the play button.
  • Ziki
    Eminem has always been a great artist, but unfortunately he's trying to blend in and be more appealing to younger generations who obviously don't know what real rap is. He's still great lyricist (maybe not as complex as he used to be in his old albums), but the production in this album overshadowed his talent. Eminem needs to get back with the Funky Bass Brothers (the ones who produced most of his tracks on his three first albums) and Dr Dre for his production.
  • Rawad
    dude dont get me started , wtf is wrong with the guy singing ? if u 4got bout this ,, the game is not bout spittin only its more of talent he got talent nd he can sing, like wt u talkin bout ? plus I aint racist bt Em is white yoo , he still belongs to be a white american male :-D evn tho' good job on this haha bt I disagree with the singing parts, like as u said everyone has his own opinion I respect yours as everybodie's else, like cmon the album been on the #1 on the billboard for 5 weeks like stop sayin he aint bk nd u cnt say he is gone ;-)
    holla
  • Lmtorres83
    I AGREE WITH U JESTERKING!!! BUT IT AINT THE SAMPLING, ITS JUST HIS BEATS SUCK!!!
  • Lmtorres83
    EM NEEDS TO GET SOME BETTER PRODUCTION ON HIS ALBUMS!! HE'S A GREAT LYRICIST BUT I NEVER REALLY LISTEN TO HIS MUSIC CAUSE THE BEATS SOUND SO BLAND!! HE SHOULD HAVE ALCHEMIST PRODUCE HIS ALBUMS!!
  • Marcinius Jones
    Honestly, what I like best about this album is the way the lyrics are written to look so simple and they sound so weird when you first hear them; then when you sit and think about them you're like "Hoooooly shiiiiiit." I completely agree with you that I don't necessarily like what mainstream rap has turned into - but this album is definitely a diamond in the rough.

    Really liked your review by the way and all your thoughts. Most critics are way too into themselves and their opinion. I found yours to be honest and fair. Thank you for taking the time to write it.
  • Tzanella
    This album kills it.. no one can top Eminem.
  • Tzanella
    ur a fucking faget bro.
  • LOL These are Em's fans!
  • James Clougher
    Eminem definitely wanted to take Recovery in a new direction. When I found out 50 Cent and D12 didn't make an appearance, I was sooo disappointed. Especially after stating there were tracks with them featuring on. Oh well, guess I'm back to D12s World and Psycho.

    Anyway, I have mixed feelings about all the "new" (in comparison to Eminem) artists appearing on the Album. He definitely resisted what Jay-Z did on Blueprint 3, and bring in every big name just because he could (I mean really, who wouldn't want to do a track with Eminem? I mean besides Benzino :p) to appear on his album. I think I understand what he was hoping to do; he wanted to reestablish himself among the newer musicians to stay "hip". This really isn't new and totally understandable. Metallica did the same thing when making St. Anger (aside from all the other catastrophes that impeded the quality of the album, but that's another story). So I guess I can forgive him for not bringing back the old favorites, since the tracks himself are solid.

    A lot of people may think he's bashing his own stuff, but there's a hidden message to it. What he's doing to second guessing himself, and putting himself down at the same time, complementing the whole Rebirth theme. Speaking of Lil Wayne, I don't think they're flows go well togethor. I know a lot people are really into that whole talking thing Lil Wayne does sometimes on his tracks, and I admit that DontGetIt/Misunderstood was a very unique experience, but I didn't pay money to hear him talk.

    To me, Eminem has always been a top notch artist, an okay producer, and an acceptable musician. His flow has definitely changed a lot over the years, but I think there is a subliminal artistry to his albums.
  • jesterking
    Eminem is a great rapper, there is no question. But to make a point of something that you said... You mentioned Metallica. Yes, they changed their music a lot after the black album... Where are they now? If he keeps on trying to hook the younger crowed that he hasn't hit yet, he risks alienating the old crowed that got him through to where he was! Its a very fine line he must walk.

    As for lil wayne, I can't stand his style of "rap". Like you said, its almost like talking... I like fast, smooth flows that I know Eminem can do. The type that you have to play over and over again and each time you hear something new and are like "OH SHIT!". Anyone can come up with a rhyme and just talk it over a beat...

    so yeah, in summation, I am fine with Eminem's latest album, as long as he keeps this style to this album. If he goes back to his roots, like most people who are fade away and then come back usually do, I can guarantee he would be the best rapper out there today, bar none! I have been ridding with the album in the car, because I miss Eminem, and its better than anything else... I just hope his next album is like the early 2000 stuff. Ya know?
  • I wouldn't mind hearing some 2000 Em...and I think on a couple tracks here he kind of captures that...but I don't know if I want year 2000 Eminem beats.

    My problem with his old albums are that they sound dated. Eminem has always had an iffy ear for beats IMO.

    Ideally for me - Eminem's next album would be produced by Alchemist. Em always sounds awesome when he freestyles over Alchemist beats. Alchemist usually drops only the heat - and he is straight up boom bap classic rap.

    I think more artists should do albums with only one producer - it can lend a cohesiveness to the project. It also means the record will sound like an actual album, not a collection of singles like so many rap albums these days sound like.

  • jesterking
    The album was absolutely terrible. It has about 3 good songs on it total. It is overly produced with too much sampling, and too much cameo appearances by other musicians.

    The thing Eminem does best is keep it simple. He lets his words, obviously speak for themselves. He doesn't need a fancy beat or a catchy hook to get people to like it. You say the beats are "too generic". I say they are over produced. His successful albums have simple beats. The new wave of crap he is putting out, he is trying to be someone he's not. Relying on things such as production to make up for the lack of substance in his songs. He used to be able to tell a great story with his tracks. Now, all he does is bitch and moan. Ok, one or two songs are good for that, but a whole album of 17 songs about it? No one wants to buy a rap album and hear a rich guy complain about how depressed he is, or how his life is going through changes. Shit, we all are! We want to hear stories, on a catchy beat, and that ultra violence, ultra over the top character that is SLIM SHADY! Shady hasn't been around since Encore.

    Marshall, if you read this man. I am glad you are clean(er), and in a better place. But seriously man, bring Shady back! Move on past your whoas me attitude, and get to the great lyricist that you are and tell them stories! I'm a huge fan, and have been for quite a long time... But seriously man, your disappointing me.
  • But I would never ever complain about too much sampling on a rap album - sampling is the very essence of rap IMO. That is just personal preference though.

    I have seen a lot of people complain about him whining too much - but I personally appreciate the honesty. I think he does a good job of sequencing on this album - his emotional/serious songs are usually (not always) followed by a less serious song.

    I agree with you about the hooks - could have simplified those for sure.

    I appreciate your opinion - I am guessing a lot of people are going to weigh in on this good or bad the next little while. I liked the album and people were mad at me for not loving it - they might go crazy when they read your comment LOL
  • jesterking
    Ah, I don't really care about what some butthurt 13 year olds on the interwebz thinks. Personally, I do think this album is one of the best rap albums out in a while. Then again, I don't like the new era of teen rap sensations, and that southern rap crap. I'm more into old school stuff. So when I listen to Em's new album, I can't help but be disappointed. If I were to be a bit less stuck in my ways, I might say this is a great album. But, as I said, the problem with rap these days is the over sampling, and reliance of production value to the songs, rather than a simple, stripped down jam.

    I can appreciate your stance on sampling. I guess it's really an evolution of hiphop. But to say that it is the very essence of rap, idk man. Rap started with simple beats, as a way for people to make an expression. It has morphed into this strange glampop kind of music after about 2002-2003. To me, everything after those years are no longer considered rap. Rather some kind of pop. It no longer serves the point it originally was created for. Though, that is to be expected. Like Marshall, it's going through changes (see what i did there?). But then again, im just a 20 something white guy who used to DJ in college, is stuck in his ways and misses Tupac with every waking breath! lol

    so yeah, I could care less what some kids who likes soulja boy and all that kind of crap. They don't really know music, and what rap/hiphop is, only this neohop garbage. But hey, that's my opinion ;)
  • Theman
    u dont even have subs in your vehicle do you
  • jesterking
    yes i do. 2x10's 1000w amp
  • LOL Good call - yeah you can't worry about what everyone else thinks. People need to realize it is opinion - there isn't a right or wrong.

    I can see your point about Rap these days morphing into more pop music. It seems like all the up and coming rappers also have to sing...weird. I remember RZA predicted this on the Forever album. Luckily I don't mind the new sound (when done right) so it isn't too bad for me. Plus there are a handful of artists out there that are sticking to the boom bap of yesteryear...just gotta look for them these days.
  • MIKE
    WORST REVIEW EVER... THIS GUY CLEARLY DOESNT UNDERSTAND MUSIC LET ALONE HIP HOP
  • Worst comment ever... This guy clearly doesn't understand capitalization let alone creative writing.
  • kaos
    eminem been singing since the start. nothing new there. this record is back to form. buying it tomorrow.
  • I agree this record is back to form. As for the singing - yeah he has sung before - but this album he does it on a lot of the hooks and bridges. More than usual.

    I'm glad you are supporting it - I wonder what this will do sales wise in its first week?
  • jesterking
    The second and third week are more telling of how the general public actually like the album. I say look at the sales trends over the course of the first month to get an idea of how it is received.
  • Yeah true but the first week is usually the biggest (i know not always). I was more wondering how he would do first week compared to other people who have dropped recently. Drake is projected to do like 425K...I guess we will see tomorrow. Will Em top that - he probably should but rap sales are way different now then when Shady was pushing 10 million units :D
  • Gasheadbrfc
    YOU ARE A IDIOT MATE.

    you try making a album lol eminem has been making music proberly befor you was born dont rip him becuase his last two albums listen to all his old shit for fuck sake that was his real highlight of his carrer
  • Well said! Very thoughtful and well written mate.

    Not sure who is "ripping" Eminem though since my review was positive...
  • Jetsrule4life
    lots of them are right, a few are not
  • Jetsrule4life
    AND WHOEVER POSTED PRODUCERS HERE IS WRONG, BETTER DOUBLE CHECK THAT FELLAS LOOKS LIKE YOU JUMPED ON THOSE LEAKS EARLY, BETTER LOOK AGAIN
  • Jetsrule4life
    ***25 to Life - About his relationship with the hip-hop industry, not about relationships with females.*** ----Great record is listened to closely.

    Talking To Myself - About his struggles to be heard, has GOOD hook, and talks about his jelousy of other rappers at the time.

    Cinderalla Man - Great song, long hook - but is a good SONG, very creative and I like the hook. Kills the verses as usual over a hard beat.

    Space Bound - Another GREAT song. Sounds good over a guitar, and kills the last verse, again very creative, something youd here in a rock song, showing again that he is an artist, not a everyday rapper.

    AND YOU MISSED HIDDEN TRACK 17 "HERE WE GO" WHICH EMINEM ALSO KILLS

    P.S. EMINEM PRODUCED 1 BEAT ON THIS ALBUM (ON FIRE) & DRE 2 (1ST AND LAST SONGS)

    LOT OF SONGS ARE DONE BY JUST BLAZE, HAVOC PRODUCES ON THIS AS WELL AS DJ KHALED AND MORE


  • Hidden Track 17 was pretty cool - Havoc production. Reminds me what an Eminem and Alchemist album could be like. I think tht would be Em's best bet - just get Alchemist or a whole album.

    Just Blaze was good on this but not as good as he could be. I think you mean DJ Khalil by the way not Khaled...I could be wrong
  • reedy
    and back to the beats , you just need a decent sound system they sound awesome
  • Yeah a couple of beats sounded better in the car for sure. I will fully admit that.
  • reedy
    man , generic beats? too emo? this man is a lyrical genius and deserves all the fame , love and respect and has again killed it with this album its all awesome although i do agree with your views on W.T.P ha :)
  • Funny enough WTP def grew on me. That is one of the beats that sounded better on a good system. Although I still find the beat a bit old fashioned...I find the lyrics hilarious. Kind of classic MMLP Eminem on it.

    As for the other beats I am a HUGE Just Blaze fan and I expected Just to hit him with better beats. This is one of the better produced Em albums IMO...I guess we have to wait and see if it stands the test of time.
  • Sooboo
    1. Cold Wind Blows (Produced by Just Blaze)
    2. Talkin’ 2 Myself Feat. Kobe (Produced by DJ Khalil)
    3. On Fire (Produced by Mr. Porter)
    4. Won’t Back Down Feat. P!nk (Produced by DJ Khalil)
    5. W.T.P. (Produced by Supa Dups)
    6. Going Through Changes (Produced by Emile Haynie)
    7. Not Afraid (Produced by Boi-1da)
    8. Seduction (Produced by Boi-1da)
    9. No Love Feat. Lil Wayne (Produced by Just Blaze)
    10. Space Bound (Produced by Jim Jonsin)
    11. Cinderella Man (Produced by Script Shepherd)
    12. 25 To Life (Produced by DJ Khalil)
    13. So Bad (Produced by Dr. Dre & Nick Brongers)
    14. Almost Famous (Produced by DJ Khalil)
    15. Love the Way You Lie Feat Rihanna (Produced by Alex Da Kid)
    16. You’re Never Over (Produced by Just Blaze)
    Bonus track: Untitled (Produced by Havoc)
  • Sonic
    1. Cold Wind Blows (Produced by Just Blaze)
    2. Talkin’ 2 Myself Feat. Kobe (Produced by DJ Khalil)
    3. On Fire (Produced by Mr. Porter)
    4. Won’t Back Down Feat. P!nk (Produced by DJ Khalil)
    5. W.T.P. (Produced by Supa Dups)
    6. Going Through Changes (Produced by Emile Haynie)
    7. Not Afraid (Produced by Boi-1da)
    8. Seduction (Produced by Boi-1da)
    9. No Love Feat. Lil Wayne (Produced by Just Blaze)
    10. Space Bound (Produced by Jim Jonsin)
    11. Cinderella Man (Produced by Script Shepherd)
    12. 25 To Life (Produced by DJ Khalil)
    13. So Bad (Produced by Dr. Dre & Nick Brongers)
    14. Almost Famous (Produced by DJ Khalil)
    15. Love the Way You Lie Feat Rihanna (Produced by Alex Da Kid)
    16. You’re Never Over (Produced by Just Blaze)
  • Good looks on the production list
  • John
    Dude, anybody who knows anything about Eminem knows that he is the most talented lyricist out there. Quit payin so much attention to the beats and try to put two and two together to understand the meanings of the songs, i.e. 25 to Life has nothing to do with a chick.

    And on Almost Famous, "If they don’t like they can all get fucked, instead of sucking him off.They can go get a belt or a neck tie, to hang themselves by. Like David Carridine, they can go fuck themselves and just die." Fuckin nuts man!
  • Again - This was after one spin - my initial thoughts. Beat is the first thing that sticks out to me - and I don't always catch on to concepts and deeper meaning in songs until I give it repeated listens.

    I think this album does prove he is definitely in the discussion for best lyricist. I personally need more than just lyrics though - I want the total package. I don't think it is greedy for me to want great lyrics, great beats and great hooks.
  • Sfds
    You don't know the first thing about rap. The consensus among forums circulating the internet is that this is Eminem's best album since the MMLP , and I most definitely cannot dispute that. Lyrically, there is not a person on the planet who can touch him, production-wise there are plenty.

    No one cares about your first listen. Put in on repeat and get some meanings from the songs.
  • I think this is probably his best work since MMLP - and I might end up liking it even more. Not sure what part of my post made yo think otherwise.

    People need to stop getting so upset that I don't love everything the man touches.

    I liked the album...imagine the crying if I hated it?
  • bob
    Calm down mate, most fans will jump to conclusions that this is his best album since MMP, I certainly hope it is but don't go flaming the reviewer, he took out time to write this you know, even if he really should of gave it some more listens.
  • CLOUDS
    "they must be trying to nail that white crowd" ummm thats the majority of his fan base. YOUR REVIEW WAS WEAK
  • That was supposed to read: "white girl"
  • Jojo
    Good article, it's a point of view rather than a critic. Like it.
  • Nicole.
    'Seduction' isnt produced by eminem...its by Boi-1da, the same guy who did 'Not Afraid'
  • Yeah you are right - he is from Toronto right? A lot of these beats have grown on me acutally...some of the beats I thought were generic are quite a bit better on a good stereo system.

    I love the way Seduction moves into No Love. Great sequencing there.
  • Nicole.
    Yup he's a Toronto boy.
    I was the same way, some of the beats had to grow on me. but the whole album flows nicely together.
  • Classic Album!!!
  • Really good article. Keep up the good work
  • jonesy
    I think that all the songs are more than ok. He did a great job. He managed to transmit all the sorrow along with all the joy. He is a great man and a great songwriter.
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