Encore
by Eminem
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 26
  3. Negative: 3 out of 26
  1. The New York Times
    50
    "Encore" is almost willfully uneven: it includes some of the most exhilarating songs Eminem has ever recorded, alongside some of the most inert. [15 Nov 2004]
  2. The Guardian
    50
    Often, he sounds bored, as if he's going through the motions. The flat and repetitive music follows suit - even Dr Dre's production lacks its usual inventive spark.
  3. Billboard
    50
    Here, there are moments when he entertains us and other times when he doesn't.
  5. Austin Chronicle
    40
    The real Slim Shady is officially in real danger of becoming clichéd. His free pass expires here.
  6. Dot Music
    50
    You’d believe this was a “Weird Al” Jankovic record had you tuned in halfway through.
  7. Tiny Mix Tapes
    40
    There is too much focus (or carelessness, perhaps) on his herky-jerky flows that match drum for drum, and the simple rhymes and tired messages are pathetic.
  8. cokemachineglow
    52
    While the best of it is good enough to promise a fruitful and substantive future, the worst of it suggests that in a few years time, Mr. Mathers may be little beyond a slightly intimidating class clown.
  9. Entertainment Weekly
    42
    On an album that sags with filler and trite rehashes, he sacrifices the rich, multi-textured productions of The Marshall Mathers LP and The Eminem Show for thug-life monotony, cultural zingers for petty music-biz score-settling, and probing self-analysis for juvenile humor. [19 Nov 2004, p.80]
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  10. AllMusic
    60
    Encore never resonates the way his first three endlessly fascinating albums do.
  11. Mojo
    60
    An awkward faceoff between Mathers the prankster and Mathers the cultural and would-be political agitator. [Jan 2005, p.96]
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  12. Q Magazine
    60
    So, does it match expectations? No. [Jan 2005, p.122]
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2004
13
#13 Most Shared Album of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 828 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 595 out of 828
  2. Mixed: 139 out of 828
  3. Negative: 94 out of 828
  1. SuchiB14
    Nov 1, 2018
    8
    Although not his greatest album, I find that Encore is severely underrated and overhated. The album has some really trash tracks, but they doAlthough not his greatest album, I find that Encore is severely underrated and overhated. The album has some really trash tracks, but they do not make up the majority of the album and the other tracks make up for them. This record is certainly not a classic, but its material is great, even though it does vary. After all, you are allowed to have fun and serious tracks on a record. **** the 'Just Lose It' video was so funny, and if you were offended, get hard. Em doesn't kill like he did on previous albums, but he set himself a high bar to stay consistent upon; of course, it didn't help that he was on drugs. 8/10… Full Review »
  2. wiggettyw.
    Aug 29, 2007
    10
    Keeps getting better and better. Second only to The Eminem Show.
  3. JimmyB
    Mar 8, 2005
    3
    Wow, what was so good went so wrong. Em, this CD is horrible. Lyrical content and effort sound as if they were written by a 4th grader. The Wow, what was so good went so wrong. Em, this CD is horrible. Lyrical content and effort sound as if they were written by a 4th grader. The beats on this album suck too. Its a shame that one of the best lyricists of our time puts out crap like this and hurts his legacy. I listened to this crap only once and have not listened to it again. Its sad, but I think the 3 bonus tracks are the only good part of this album. All the recent CD's After math has released have been garbage except Game's CD. Don't believe me that Em's lyrics on this album are weak, take a look for yourself: BRAIN DAMAGE (Slim Shady LP) These are the results of a thousand electric volts A neck with bolts, "Nurse we're losin him, check the pulse!" A kid who refused to respect adults Wore spectacles with taped frames and a freckled nose A corny lookin white boy, scrawny and always ornery Cause I was always sick of brawny bullies pickin on me And I might snap, one day just like that I decided to strike back and flatten every tire on the bike rack (Whosssssh) My first day in junior high, this kid said, "It's you and I, three o'clock sharp this afternoon you die" I looked at my watch it was one twenty "I already gave you my lunch money what more do you want from me?!?" He said, "Don't try to run from me, you'll just make it worse..." My palms were sweaty, and I started to shake at first Something told me, "Try to fake a stomach ache it works" I screamed, "Owww! My appendix feels like they could burst! Teacher, teacher, quick I need a naked nurse!" [N] "What's the matter?" [E] "I don't know, my leg, it hurts!" [N] "Leg?!? I thought you said it was your tummy?!?" [E] "Oh, I mean it is, but I also got a bum knee!" [N] "Mr. Mathers, the fun and games are over. And just for that stunt, you're gonna get some extra homework." [E] "But don't you wanna give me after school detention?" [N] "Nah, that bully wants to beat your ass and I'ma let him." BIG WEENIE (Encore) Alright listen, I need you to focus I need you to go dig deep in your mind, this is important We are going to perform an experiment of the sorts I'm going to have to ask you to bear with me for a moment Now I need you to open your mind-your eyes close them You are now about to be placed under my hypnosis For the next four and a half minutes We are going to explore into your mind To find out why you're so fuckin' jealous Now why did they make Yoo-Hoo? Hippity ga-ga boo-boo Psych, I'm kidding I just wanted to see if you're still listenin' Ok, now I need your undivided attention Sir I have a question Why do I always sense this undeniable tension From the moment that I enter into the room It gets all quiet and whispers Whenever theres conversation, why am I always mentioned? I've been dying to ask, it's been itchin' at me Is it just because If you can honestly tell me that the Encore lyrics are as good as the Slim Shady LP lyrics, you do not deserve to listen to hip-hop. Nuff said.… Full Review »
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