Relapse
by Eminem
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 1078 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 889 out of 1078
  2. Mixed: 114 out of 1078
  3. Negative: 75 out of 1078

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  1. Shady313
    Mar 21, 2015
    9
    9/10 .................................................................................................................................................
  2. Urbanlistener
    Apr 23, 2015
    9
    After the long 5 years wait, surprisingly, it is not Eminem who returns but Slim Shady and his dark themed, violent and sometimes humoristic verses we all originally fell in love with. Also having extremely explosive and bangin beats from our beloved Dre, Relapse is another must have from Eminem.
  3. SuchiB14
    Nov 1, 2018
    9
    The accents work well and the songs are great. Pretty good comeback record.
  4. XknightReaper
    Jan 22, 2020
    9
    This Album is criminally underrated the only song I can see people hating is we made you and even I hate it but the rest range from great to amazing
  5. Rap_Reviews
    Jan 20, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Eminem best album in terms of production & flow. Beautiful & Deja Vu are classic, Must be the ganja is a skip all day but expect that song I enjoy every song on Relapse. Relapse is a horrorcore masterpiece & a big improvement from Encore. After that many years people are knowing it's brilliance & this album will take few more years to consider a classic. Most underrated album of all time… Expand
  6. Klol
    Sep 3, 2020
    9
    It does have its flaws, but overall, I find it a great experience. The production by Dr. Dre is amazing, definitely has some of my favorite beats ever.
  7. EvanKilter
    Aug 2, 2021
    9
    Relapse is catchy. Don't know what y'all on about in all honesty, accents are a little much but theres alot of character on what he was trying to do. Production is flawless for the most part.
  8. Thiago555888
    Dec 6, 2021
    9
    Ótimas músicas e consistência, muito bem apresentado o assuntos que envolveram ele nos anos em que ele ficou em clinica de reabilitação, a lírica feroz do Eminem presente em todo o álbum, e tem ótimos instrumentais.
  9. Slimshade
    Jan 11, 2022
    9
    man this one of my favourite em's album because of the pen used in this one was so high that if eminem wrote a diss whit this style it will destroy that person instantly but also it talks about the dark side of fame and drugs
  10. bjc
    May 20, 2009
    8
    Although its the same old recycled eminem we know and love we have no choice but to continue loving him. There are enough songs on here to like and some even to love, overall its a solid album this late in his career.
  11. JacobD
    May 30, 2009
    8
    Eminem is the one true mainstream hip/hop artist, and even thought he's bin away for almost 5 years, he can still make an album that is, as good as anyones. Dr. Dre made a ton of bad ass beats, so Eminem could focus on the lyrics, and most of the time it works. The first thrid of the album, he is very "funny" songs like Insane, My Mom and Bagpipes from Baghdad are all great but not Eminem is the one true mainstream hip/hop artist, and even thought he's bin away for almost 5 years, he can still make an album that is, as good as anyones. Dr. Dre made a ton of bad ass beats, so Eminem could focus on the lyrics, and most of the time it works. The first thrid of the album, he is very "funny" songs like Insane, My Mom and Bagpipes from Baghdad are all great but not his best, then some of the weaker songs like Hello, We Made you is the middle part, but the album explodes at the end with the best songs like Deja Vu, Beautiful and Underground, Eminem is back! Can't wait for Relapse 2.… Expand
  12. JoeC.
    Jan 1, 2010
    8
    Eminem has been my favorite rapper sice i heard the slim shady lp and this album reminds me exactly of this, yes he may only talk about murdering people and doing drugs, but he does with such lyricism and flow, do NOT underestimate this album trust me.
  13. BlazeM
    May 19, 2009
    8
    Seriously, Eminem is a victim of unreasonable expectations - too many people are unable to take things for what they are. I personally find many aspects of this album very impressive, and to favor one facet over many others is just stupid (especially for a hip hop album). I certainly hope this official "score" rises, considering Encore got something like a 64 and Relapse is vastly Seriously, Eminem is a victim of unreasonable expectations - too many people are unable to take things for what they are. I personally find many aspects of this album very impressive, and to favor one facet over many others is just stupid (especially for a hip hop album). I certainly hope this official "score" rises, considering Encore got something like a 64 and Relapse is vastly superior to it in nearly every way. If Relapse ends up receiving a lower score than Encore on this site, then I most likely will stop visiting it for my information. Allmusic is simply a better judge of music, apparently.… Expand
  14. WillO
    May 19, 2009
    8
    Honestly the album is good. Eminem gave his fans what they wanted, his old self; Slim Shady. And he made it work, his flow/lyrics are still tops in hip hop. It's funny how his album is getting lower reviews than Lil' Wayne. Lil' Wayne is an average rapper which had success on the Carter III which is nowhere even close to how good Relapse is. Either way, sure it isn't Honestly the album is good. Eminem gave his fans what they wanted, his old self; Slim Shady. And he made it work, his flow/lyrics are still tops in hip hop. It's funny how his album is getting lower reviews than Lil' Wayne. Lil' Wayne is an average rapper which had success on the Carter III which is nowhere even close to how good Relapse is. Either way, sure it isn't his best album but it's a lot better than Encore. Some people really know nothing about hip hop, such a shame. I have a funny feeling Relapse 2 will be better.… Expand
  15. RobM
    May 19, 2009
    8
    Relapse is Eminem's first album in nearly 5 years. It's been a long time coming and because I'm such a big fan of his, I'm still going to love his material, even if alot of people hate it. So I'll try and be impartial for this. To start with, the skits on this album are some of Eminem's best yet, as they seem to flow with the song that follows. For example Relapse is Eminem's first album in nearly 5 years. It's been a long time coming and because I'm such a big fan of his, I'm still going to love his material, even if alot of people hate it. So I'll try and be impartial for this. To start with, the skits on this album are some of Eminem's best yet, as they seem to flow with the song that follows. For example Tonya is followed by Same Song & Dance, both of which have the same moody atmosphere and relevence. As for the music, this album has some of Eminem's best material to date. Songs like 'Beautiful', 'Underground' & 'My Mom' are on a par with songs like 'Lose Yourself' & 'Stan'. Tracks like 'Insane', 'Medicine Ball' & '3 AM' are typical Marshall. Gory, Bloody, Disturbing horror songs. It's a shame '3 AM' is just plain bizzare, espescially because of the weird new accent his had taken up. 'We Made You' is pretty good to be honest, but it's actually one of the worst singles he's released. So theres alot to love about Relapse. The majority of the songs are superb, espescially 'Beautiful' & 'Underground' but there are a couple of duds that somehow prevent this from being a classic. Still, if you've enjoyed Eminem's stuff in the past, it'll be worth picking this up.… Expand
  16. VG
    May 20, 2009
    8
    I have listened to this album many times, and I think it is definitely by far better then Encore, but not as good as MMLP, close to The Eminem Show, maybe more on par with the SSLP. I would say it is his best lyrical album he has ever done, and best lyrical album I have ever heard personally. A strong return for Slim Shady, very dark, and violent, what more could you expect from the guy I have listened to this album many times, and I think it is definitely by far better then Encore, but not as good as MMLP, close to The Eminem Show, maybe more on par with the SSLP. I would say it is his best lyrical album he has ever done, and best lyrical album I have ever heard personally. A strong return for Slim Shady, very dark, and violent, what more could you expect from the guy that made "kill you", and "kim", its what you all wanted, yet still, people complain, I willsay the best tracks are the most personable such as "De Javu", "Beautiful", and the two bonus tracks "My Darling", and "Careful what you wish for" I think the best has yet to come with Relapse 2 later this year, I think that will be more Marshall Mathers, while this one bleeds Slim Shady, I hope he sells a million the first week, but he already did that, so half of that would be good in this day and age.… Expand
  17. JosephA
    Jun 5, 2009
    8
    Awesome to hear Eminem again. The album is much better than Encore, if not for the beats alone (Dre), but his flow is really tight as well. As usual he's a ton more creative in terms of content and diversity in terms of delivery styles than 99% of the rappers out there (at least the ones I know). And though his schtick is a bit worn out, it's still a pretty entertaining album Awesome to hear Eminem again. The album is much better than Encore, if not for the beats alone (Dre), but his flow is really tight as well. As usual he's a ton more creative in terms of content and diversity in terms of delivery styles than 99% of the rappers out there (at least the ones I know). And though his schtick is a bit worn out, it's still a pretty entertaining album that transmits a good amount of urgency, schizophrenia and neurosis. It took me a couple of listens to really dig it. Too bad about the cover art, which I think sucks.… Expand
  18. JimboJ
    May 19, 2009
    8
    Well I totally disagree with the critics on this one. I'm not much of an Eminem fan, but it doesn't take a genius to see that this is some of his best work in a long, long time, perhaps ever. It's at the very least a huge improvement over Encore, and in my opinion, better than the Eminem Show. His lyricism and flow on this album is mind-blowing, and the beats for the most Well I totally disagree with the critics on this one. I'm not much of an Eminem fan, but it doesn't take a genius to see that this is some of his best work in a long, long time, perhaps ever. It's at the very least a huge improvement over Encore, and in my opinion, better than the Eminem Show. His lyricism and flow on this album is mind-blowing, and the beats for the most part, well done with an old school flavor. I just can't see what the critics were thinking on this one. There's certianly a lot of Slim Shady persona on this album, but Eminem's talent and lyrical ability is just really stunning. I highly recommend this for any rap music fan out there; it's better than anything your going to hear on the radio today.… Expand
  19. JayO.
    May 21, 2009
    8
    Ten years later, I didn't think Em could come up with anything as shocking as back in the day. And then comes "Insane." It's not one of the better tracks on the album, but it's exactly the kind of material that made him so controversial in the first place. First time through the album, I thought there was only two or three really good songs. After a few listens through, I Ten years later, I didn't think Em could come up with anything as shocking as back in the day. And then comes "Insane." It's not one of the better tracks on the album, but it's exactly the kind of material that made him so controversial in the first place. First time through the album, I thought there was only two or three really good songs. After a few listens through, I have to say at least half the tracks are good. "My Mom, "Crack a Bottle", "Deja Vu", "Same Song and Dance", "Hello", "Bagpipes from Baghdad", "Old Time's Sake", "Must Be the Ganja" and "Beautiful" are all really good songs (the first three the best) that show what makes Mathers one of the best lyricists, and rappers, of all time. Of course, many thanks to the magic-making abilities of Dre. And everyone keep in mind he wasn't just talking bull to Steve Berman. He's got 2 discs worth of material. The Relapse 2 coming to us later this year!… Expand
  20. gaguinen
    Feb 10, 2011
    8
    Recovery Eminemâ
  21. I_Am_F
    May 26, 2011
    8
    Despite what most people and critics think, the album is very good in my opinion. "Beautiful" is one of the best songs he has ever released. Many other tracks are great as well.
  22. alexandergreen
    Sep 5, 2011
    8
    An improvement on the disappointing Encore, but nontheless, Eminem seems to be missing his spark and intensity. It seems like he's reversing, and getting less grumpy with old age. His 'accent' is still heavily present in this record, but I was used to it, and it assisted the flow in this album, unlike on Encore. Tracks such as Beautiful, Deja Vu, Same Song and Dance, Bagpipes From BaghdadAn improvement on the disappointing Encore, but nontheless, Eminem seems to be missing his spark and intensity. It seems like he's reversing, and getting less grumpy with old age. His 'accent' is still heavily present in this record, but I was used to it, and it assisted the flow in this album, unlike on Encore. Tracks such as Beautiful, Deja Vu, Same Song and Dance, Bagpipes From Baghdad and the single We Made You are personal highlights.… Expand
  23. RedAFX
    Apr 11, 2012
    8
    Artistically produced with Eminem's lyrical content in mind, Dr Dre teases listeners with his fidelic beats and goes into the darkness with Mathers to bring some his most disturbing realities and fantasies to life.
    Unfortunately certain singles inserted into the mix of the album which feel out of place with it's concept.
  24. tonto
    Jul 28, 2021
    8
    This was Eminem's comeback album. Creatively, it's much more impressive than Recovery, with songs like Medicine Ball, Hello, Elevator, Stay Wide Awake that are horrorcore or shocking. It's a disturbed album, but there are some radio-friendly tracks like Crack a Bottle and Beautiful. This was an album I listened to all the time in high school.
  25. flametail23
    Jul 14, 2019
    8
    I used to hate this album...Now I love it. The accents no longer bother me and the 29 tracks fly by when ever I take a listen. There are of course a couple of tracks that could definitely be removed especially....'We Made You' but, tracks like 'Same Song and Dance' more than make up for any mediocre moments with its beautifully crafted beat and haunting chorus.
  26. dolphan
    Feb 19, 2015
    8
    Critics were mad at him, resulting in a 59 rating. It's one of my least favorite albums by him, but most of it is pretty good. There are a few hits on here really worth checking out.
  27. Mixotrof
    Feb 12, 2017
    8
    Production on this album is amazing,same goes for Em's rhyme schemes,but i am not a big fan of Em's voice on this album. My favorite songs on this album: 3 a.m, Insane, Stay Wide Awake, Beautiful and Crack a Bottle
  28. ToiletBoy
    Dec 26, 2017
    8
    Off-putting middle eastern accents aside, Relapse has some of Eminem's most impressive flows. It’s almost hard to describe what makes his wonky, murderous, goofy verses so interesting. They just are. The way Same Song And Dance plays like a movie is a definite highlight, and the INSANE rhythm on Stay Wide Awake really blow my mind. Not to mention the amazing, dark production handled by Dr.Off-putting middle eastern accents aside, Relapse has some of Eminem's most impressive flows. It’s almost hard to describe what makes his wonky, murderous, goofy verses so interesting. They just are. The way Same Song And Dance plays like a movie is a definite highlight, and the INSANE rhythm on Stay Wide Awake really blow my mind. Not to mention the amazing, dark production handled by Dr. Dre, This album was weird in a bad way in 2009, in 2017 it's weird in a good way.… Expand
  29. MiguelNunes98
    Nov 20, 2018
    8
    I just love the serial killer vibe, and the accent is just hilarious.
    One of the best eminem's work.
  30. DunceCapn
    Nov 3, 2021
    8
    The man was literally so bored with the English language he wanted to rap with accents to play on words and make them rhyme differently...
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Most Discussed Album of 2009
5
#5 Most Shared Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 27
  3. Negative: 4 out of 27
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Thankfully, producer Dr. Dre is there to temper the lyrical bloodletting, laying heavyweight hooks over even the most scabrous tales of family disturbia, and setting 'Bagpipes From Baghdad,' Em's inspired riff on rumored ex Mariah Carey, to snake-charming woodwind squiggles.
    Read full review
  2. Los Angeles Times
    60
    It's an impressively focused and clever work. But this music is not transcendent. It's still stuck in Marshall Mathers' muck, his fundamental mistrust of pleasure and love.
    Read full review
  3. Rolling Stone
    80
    By letting Dr. Dre take over the low-end-funk production, and rhyming about things he actually cares about, he comes up with a more painful, honest and vital record than anyone could have expected at this late date, up there with "The Eminem Show" or maybe even better.
    Read full review
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