Recovery
by Eminem
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 1313 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,099 out of 1313
  2. Mixed: 113 out of 1313
  3. Negative: 101 out of 1313

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  1. PeteR
    Jun 26, 2010
    10
    Great album. His best since The Eminem Show. No other rappers out there today can even compare to the lyrical and mic skills of this guy.
  2. Stefffan
    Aug 8, 2017
    10
    I'm starting to think that this USER SCORE is more accurate than the critic's score. He once again proves that he is the one of the greatest. Love The Way You Lie - eternal song. Not Afraid, Space Bound & No Love are great too.
  3. youlouz
    Jan 27, 2015
    7
    This is one of Eminem's worst albums, but it is still amazing just like Eminem. You will find plenty of great songs on here. .
  4. SuchiB14
    Nov 1, 2018
    10
    People say this is too commercial, too pop oriented etc. but I feel this is **** amazing. I'm not going to list songs, because i like every song on the album. 10/10
  5. Keneilwe
    Mar 5, 2020
    10
    With Wind Blows and Won’t Back Down giving us rock-ish vibes, this album takes us on Eminem’s emotional roller coaster regarding his addiction and personal demons and his effort to conquer them as portrayed in Cinderella Man; Not Afraid and Talking 2 Myself This album isn’t for you if you’re still clinging on to the old drugged up Marshall because I’m this album he’s over that becauseWith Wind Blows and Won’t Back Down giving us rock-ish vibes, this album takes us on Eminem’s emotional roller coaster regarding his addiction and personal demons and his effort to conquer them as portrayed in Cinderella Man; Not Afraid and Talking 2 Myself This album isn’t for you if you’re still clinging on to the old drugged up Marshall because I’m this album he’s over that because this “was his decision to be clean” he didn’t do it for us or to find validation, he DID IT FOR HIMSELF Respect all the way!… Expand
  6. Malakamartinez
    Nov 15, 2022
    10
    My favorite Em album. Period. I'm not saying his best but it's absolutely underrated and it shoud receive much more respect. It contains two of the greatest hits in the history of pop-rap and rap and, in general, every song has a special energy, the same energy that Eminem wasn't able to put in Relapse. "Not Afraid", "Cinderella Man", "Love The Way You Lie", "Cold Wind Blows", "Talkin' 2My favorite Em album. Period. I'm not saying his best but it's absolutely underrated and it shoud receive much more respect. It contains two of the greatest hits in the history of pop-rap and rap and, in general, every song has a special energy, the same energy that Eminem wasn't able to put in Relapse. "Not Afraid", "Cinderella Man", "Love The Way You Lie", "Cold Wind Blows", "Talkin' 2 Myself" the best songs. I consider it a classic and laugh at the critics everytime I read some reviews like the one of Pitchfork ahah. 1 page and a half to say that this album can't give the audience the idea of what Em was going through and that the songs are corny. No motivations, no points of view, no interpretations, no lyrics breakdown, nothing. Just opinions like the ones we are expressing in the comments here, the difference is that they get paid to write things that don't make any sense.… Expand
  7. Harbinger
    Aug 12, 2010
    10
    This is Em's return to form, as 'Recovery' is his strongest album since The Eminem Show. Strong, focused, and truly memorable, 'Recovery' is as moving as any of his previous albums, probalby even more so with the new direction he's taking with this CD. His flow has never been better, and whatever "ring rust" he may have had is now gone, and he is killin' them one by one in 'Recovery'.This is Em's return to form, as 'Recovery' is his strongest album since The Eminem Show. Strong, focused, and truly memorable, 'Recovery' is as moving as any of his previous albums, probalby even more so with the new direction he's taking with this CD. His flow has never been better, and whatever "ring rust" he may have had is now gone, and he is killin' them one by one in 'Recovery'. He won last year for "Best Rap Album" with 'Relapse', so I can only predict that he will undoubtedly win this year as well. Anyways, the album isn't perfect, as some songs such as "Seduction", "W.T.P.", "On Fire", and "So Bad" don't seem to belong in the album. They have a "Relapse" vibe to them, and I think he should have included them in 'Relapse' not here in 'Recovery'. Despite that, the songs are all great, especially "Not Afraid, "Going Through Changes", "Love The Way You Lie", "Talkin' 2 Myself", and "No Love", which really bring this album alive and become instant classics. I really loved this album and I hope Em has something as good as this prepared for the future. Anyways, ignore the pathetic critic score of 62-for they don't know nothing of Rap/Hip-Hop-and buy this CD. This is Rap-and Eminem-at its best.… Expand
  8. idrisa
    Jun 28, 2010
    10
    These critics are insane..how could you like drake cd better than this one....eminem delivered on this record i think it is tied for his second best work the eminem show..now this cd is on track to selling 700,000 in its first week out Go em!
  9. JakeSnake
    Jun 28, 2010
    10
    It's interesting how the average review by critics is 61%, while the average review from fans is 92%. Most of the negative reviews I read hardly focused on the album at all, in fact it was painfully obvious that the writer had a personal hatred for Eminem. They didn't talk about the beats, the lyrics, the concept, all they did was throw personal attacks at Eminem and try to say It's interesting how the average review by critics is 61%, while the average review from fans is 92%. Most of the negative reviews I read hardly focused on the album at all, in fact it was painfully obvious that the writer had a personal hatred for Eminem. They didn't talk about the beats, the lyrics, the concept, all they did was throw personal attacks at Eminem and try to say he's irrelevant, that he's a weak parody of what he was in the early 00's, basically a bunch of hate speech toward him as a person. In reality this album is a lyrical masterpiece. Every single verse is incredible, and his flow is better than ever. He spits intricate rhymes with such speed and precision that most rappers probably couldn't even repeat them. Also, he went in a different direction musically. The beats and hooks on this album sound like nothing Eminem has done before, it's very respectable that he is moving forward with his music and NOT trying to re create what he had going on early last decade. I guess the critics trashed this album so much because if you don't like Eminem, you HATE Eminem. He is so famous, he continues to be the best selling artist in the world 11 years after he came out... I mean, his haters must be getting really really sick of it. Unfortunately, writing horrible reviews and personal attacks about him will not make him stop, and seeing as his fans are loving recovery, there is no end in sight for your frustration, sucks doesn't it?… Expand
  10. AnnaJ
    Aug 21, 2010
    10
    This is one awesome album. And no, it's not good as Marshall Matters or Eminem Show or Encore, but I really, really like it. I would pick out 3 fav songs from this album: Not Afraid, Love The Way You Lie (And it will be a hit ! You' ll see) and W.T.P. Go,Em, go !
  11. Turine
    Nov 6, 2010
    8
    Pretty good and some nice songs in this album. Examples are, ''Not Afraid'', ''Love the way you Lie''.
    Overall, deserves a 8/10 rating for the number of hits it produced and it is one of Em's best albums to date.
  12. NoahD
    Jun 28, 2010
    10
    Eminem has always made it crystal clear that pleasing his critics is the last thing he aims for when applying his trade in the studio. With the majority of the above critiques blasting this album, we begin to understand why he feels this way. It has never been more evident that his fans get what the critics don't. Mike S. said it best: when the critics are left to compare Eminem to Eminem has always made it crystal clear that pleasing his critics is the last thing he aims for when applying his trade in the studio. With the majority of the above critiques blasting this album, we begin to understand why he feels this way. It has never been more evident that his fans get what the critics don't. Mike S. said it best: when the critics are left to compare Eminem to his past self it's obvious he is in another stratosphere altogether. This album cements Em's legacy as the greatest rapper alive. I firmly believe that critics will change their tune years from now and come around to the reality that all of Em's are already aware of.… Expand
  13. MattM
    Jun 25, 2010
    10
    Best album since the Mathers LP and one of the best hip hop albums in recent years. Can't remember when the last time I couldn't stop listening to an album over and over again, Great job EM keep up that killer sh*t!!!
  14. GarryV.
    Jun 27, 2010
    10
    One of his best albums to date, just to name a couple of amazing songs including his colaborations with lil wayne, rhianna and Kobe on 'No Love', 'Love the way you lie' and 'Talking to myself'! I think eaisly the best album of the year and going to easily be one of Eminems best ever.
  15. PeyotrS.
    Jun 26, 2010
    9
    What I love about this album, and Eminem in general; is his self-awareness. He realizes his last two albums were shit; he knows he's white trash, and he's never unnerved to admit it. I love his boldness. Sometimes I do resent the fact that he's almost overly vulgar, but it gives it a raw feeling, and he's unabashed by it. The beats and chorus are very "pop" oriented, What I love about this album, and Eminem in general; is his self-awareness. He realizes his last two albums were shit; he knows he's white trash, and he's never unnerved to admit it. I love his boldness. Sometimes I do resent the fact that he's almost overly vulgar, but it gives it a raw feeling, and he's unabashed by it. The beats and chorus are very "pop" oriented, but it doesn't detract at all from his overwhelming talent as an MC. I previously had no interest in Eminem before I'd listened to this album, but I felt a real genuine sense of sentimentality; that's not too overbearing, and a sense of escape from his floundering career that can be described as nothing but inspiring.… Expand
  16. F.S.
    Jun 25, 2010
    9
    Been a fan for a while, and I have to admit I was really saddened by Encore, and Relapse to some extent, but this sh@t it great! It is about the same as Eminem Show...beats are good to great, but what really stands out are the lyrics...dude is killing it! I remember when I really loved Snoop off of Doggystyle, but then after that he never rapped the same...not Em, this guy is THE best Been a fan for a while, and I have to admit I was really saddened by Encore, and Relapse to some extent, but this sh@t it great! It is about the same as Eminem Show...beats are good to great, but what really stands out are the lyrics...dude is killing it! I remember when I really loved Snoop off of Doggystyle, but then after that he never rapped the same...not Em, this guy is THE best rapper, no iff's and's or buts! Nobody puts words together like this guy. If Em could get better beats, like from say Black Milk, Premier, etc this guy would be unstoppable! Seriously, if you liked Em's earlier stuff, go buy this now.… Expand
  17. MattF.
    Jun 26, 2010
    9
    Critics need to not worry about whether or not it is his best album yet; they need to worry about whether or not it is a good album for the present. I agree with Mike S. they need to stop comparing Eminem to himself and worry about the flow of this album, the beats of this album; not compared to his old flows, beats and lyrics. This critique is of Eminem's new album and only this Critics need to not worry about whether or not it is his best album yet; they need to worry about whether or not it is a good album for the present. I agree with Mike S. they need to stop comparing Eminem to himself and worry about the flow of this album, the beats of this album; not compared to his old flows, beats and lyrics. This critique is of Eminem's new album and only this album and not a review of how well he stacks up against his old flows, beats or lyrics.… Expand
  18. thenewchuchoarc
    Aug 17, 2010
    10
    very good album one of his best along the eminem show and mmlp, i would rank his albums in this order:

    1.The Eminem Show/recovery
    3.The Marshsall Mathers LP
    4.sslp/relapse/encore
  19. mmd0101
    Oct 18, 2010
    10
    After listening to this album i was amazed it had funny sides but also serious.Way better than Relapse:Refill album.I thought he did a amazing job.10 years and hes still making hits!
  20. RobY
    Jun 22, 2010
    9
    I'm a lackluster eminem fan, and I typically tend to agree with Pitchfork, but it would seem PF and some of these other critics. His last two releases have been boring and uninspired. Recovery is his answer to those releases and he answers triumphantly. This album will eventually be regarded as one of the best, if not the best, of his career. Don't buy into the negative hype and I'm a lackluster eminem fan, and I typically tend to agree with Pitchfork, but it would seem PF and some of these other critics. His last two releases have been boring and uninspired. Recovery is his answer to those releases and he answers triumphantly. This album will eventually be regarded as one of the best, if not the best, of his career. Don't buy into the negative hype and hegative critical trends. It's not popular to like Eminem among critical circles right now, but this album may well prove his masterpiece. It's that good!… Expand
  21. TomS.
    Jun 22, 2010
    10
    Truly amazing album. It's his 2nd best behind MMLP for me. There's only one song on this I skip (W.T.P.), the rest are gold. Em is so far ahead of everyone else out there lyrically, it's not even funny. A few guys come close (Black Thought/One Be Lo/Nas), but Em's flow, complex rhyme schemes, and metaphors are second to none.
  22. LollyP
    Jun 22, 2010
    10
    All time classic album. I enjoy listening to this more than even the Marshall Mathers LP.
  23. OvaisM.
    Jun 22, 2010
    10
    An emotional. album with some genious humor.
  24. MikeS.
    Jun 23, 2010
    10
    Absolutely amazing album. What a come back. I want to shake Eminem's hand and congratulate him for all of his hard work and success. Not since The Eminem Show has rap been so well done. You know there's something wrong in the world when Drake's Thank Me Later album scores almost as well as The Marshall Mather's LP. Screw the critics, they don't know anything about Absolutely amazing album. What a come back. I want to shake Eminem's hand and congratulate him for all of his hard work and success. Not since The Eminem Show has rap been so well done. You know there's something wrong in the world when Drake's Thank Me Later album scores almost as well as The Marshall Mather's LP. Screw the critics, they don't know anything about rap. Eminem is still the king of hip hop and the best at what he does. This album will be another classic to add on to his prestigious list of accomplishments. BUY THIS ALBUM AND SUPPORT ARTISTS WHO DESERVE IT.… Expand
  25. MikeG
    Jun 25, 2010
    9
    Sick album. Don't understand what the critics are talking about. He got criticism for shallowness, but he talks about losing his best friend, picking up from his drug struggles, and compares how he felt about hip hop then and now. There is actual meaning behind his lyrics. No clue how drake can get a better rating by complaining about how hard it is to be rich & famous (something Sick album. Don't understand what the critics are talking about. He got criticism for shallowness, but he talks about losing his best friend, picking up from his drug struggles, and compares how he felt about hip hop then and now. There is actual meaning behind his lyrics. No clue how drake can get a better rating by complaining about how hard it is to be rich & famous (something literally none of his listeners can relate to) with mediocre lyrics when eminem actually talks about different authentic problems with incredibly complex rhyme schemes. Excellent album and one of his best.… Expand
  26. travisw
    Jun 28, 2010
    10
    This album showed em's lyrical mastery and word play without all the hate he has had in past albums, which I didn't know he would be able to do and still keep the passion. This album gets you fired up in a much different way then his second CD but it still works. I think it is his second best CD after the 2nd one. That one was a classic album. This one is right up their This album showed em's lyrical mastery and word play without all the hate he has had in past albums, which I didn't know he would be able to do and still keep the passion. This album gets you fired up in a much different way then his second CD but it still works. I think it is his second best CD after the 2nd one. That one was a classic album. This one is right up their lyrically but probably not in terms of passion. Anyone who has something to say negative about this album isn't a hip hop fan. They are a trained hater, or no nothing about the art form. This is a great Hip hop CD. Not for the pop fans of Em, but for the people that appreciate his flow Great CD..and talkin' to myself is an all-time classic.… Expand
  27. BT
    Jun 28, 2010
    9
    I follow the critics alot...but these reviews make no sense. This is Em at his best....we haven't seen him this good since 2002. Nice work.
  28. mattr
    Jun 28, 2010
    10
    Album of the Year no doubt, and any one who gives this album a bad review is either a major hater or fuckin hip-hop / rap musically challenged!
  29. DRomich
    Jun 28, 2010
    10
    Em's most complete album to date. His sound has matured and he spits hard every verse, every song. Sure, there are 2 or 3 songs that on this CD that sound average; but on any other CD out right now would be in the top 3.
  30. Eminem
    Aug 27, 2010
    10
    Eminem keeps improving his skills in the last couple of years. Relapse was good, but this is PERFECT!
    Certainly one of the best hip-hop albums in the last 5 years.
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Most Discussed Album of 2010
2
#2 Most Shared Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 28
  3. Negative: 4 out of 28
  1. Expert Witness (MSN Music)
    Jan 7, 2011
    91
    No matter how cleverly he's rhyming, which varies, he could use subject matter beyond married-to-the-game and his traditional obsessions. But with Shady in the shadows, rarely are these themes lifted by Em's long-recessive sense of play.
    Read full review
  2. Slant Magazine
    30
    Much of Recovery centers around such themes as romantic devotion and anxiety, but the resulting material rings unsurprisingly hollow.
    Read full review
  3. The Guardian
    60
    Sadly, a piecemeal approach to production (Dr Dre has just one credit) leaves the album lacking an abiding mood and drowning in fashionable soft-rock samples.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »