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. Shac
    Jun 9, 2023
    10
    This is his best version. Subject matter particularly the "psychokiller" stuff is great and interesting
  2. Anthony_wx
    Jan 4, 2023
    8
    Good album , the production is **** crazyyy thanks dre , i cant wait for relapse 2.
  3. Absinth
    Dec 21, 2022
    10
    In my opinion this is one of eminems best. I recommend buying the deluxe edition (Refill). It's a great horrorcore album which has moments of beauty & craziness. The production is almost flawless and still holds up all these years later.

    It's 100% worth your time.

    Recommended tracks: Deja vu, Beautiful, Same song & Dance, Insane.
  4. todaywasagooday
    Dec 1, 2022
    10
    Absolute classic by Em. Listening to this in 2022 makes you feel nostalgic but I still hope to see a Relapse 2 one day.
  5. tuxpingviini
    Sep 3, 2022
    10
    This is Eminem's best album. I don't understand how anyone can dislike it. Eminem's delivery is immaculate on every track, accompanied by some Dr. Dre's best production, and the album keeps a cohesive theme from front to back.
  6. Erebus_Bay
    Jul 7, 2022
    8
    THIS ALBUM IS SO GOOD. Okay, compared to Em's top 3 it doesn't hold up as well, however this Album is an incredible good Horrorcore Album. From songs like Same Songs And Dance to Buffalo Bill. In my opinion, this is the most Slim Shady Album ever. The rhyme schemes and wordplay are insane. There are some duds but most of the songs are awesome. HOWEVER, if you are looking for catchy hooks,THIS ALBUM IS SO GOOD. Okay, compared to Em's top 3 it doesn't hold up as well, however this Album is an incredible good Horrorcore Album. From songs like Same Songs And Dance to Buffalo Bill. In my opinion, this is the most Slim Shady Album ever. The rhyme schemes and wordplay are insane. There are some duds but most of the songs are awesome. HOWEVER, if you are looking for catchy hooks, you are looking in wrong place. This album still has some serious bangers from 3 a.m. to Bagpipes From Bagdad all the way to Forever. We also have some Incredible Deep tracks like Deja Vu and My Darling. Beautiful however is incredibly overplayed, sentimental, and corny.… Expand
  7. shady159866
    Mar 30, 2022
    10
    Marshall Mathers god 4ever!,no excuse to say,he's the best rapper,why at least 75 characters?
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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...
  11. WarudoDZ
    Sep 4, 2021
    10
    GREATEST ALBUM OF THE HISTORY WITH 2001, THIS ALBUM IS A MASTERPIECE the beats is incredible , is a horror movie in album of EMINEM AND THIS IS NOT FAIL , GOAT
  12. Codeling
    Aug 7, 2021
    8
    It is a great album. Best Eminem beats and hooks are on this one.
    Best songs: Beautiful, Deja Vu
    Worst songs: -
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. The-X-Territory
    Jan 24, 2021
    8
    Yes, I fall within the category of people who enjoy this album. Whilst I can understand peoples distaste for this album, I personally don't have many problems with the weird accents (at least they're not as bad as they are on Ass Like That... that is obnoxious). Personally I find the accents here entertaining more than anything else, but more importantly, the lyrical ability portrayed hereYes, I fall within the category of people who enjoy this album. Whilst I can understand peoples distaste for this album, I personally don't have many problems with the weird accents (at least they're not as bad as they are on Ass Like That... that is obnoxious). Personally I find the accents here entertaining more than anything else, but more importantly, the lyrical ability portrayed here is phenomenal. Songs such as Beautiful, Crack a Bottle and Underground get played constantly in my headphones and I never get tired of them.… Expand
  16. Whippd
    Dec 17, 2020
    10
    Most creative and technical album. Em goes all out. Incredible rhymes, flows and beats.
  17. i-kill-me
    Sep 10, 2020
    10
    Truly masterpiece.3 am,insane,hello,same song and dance,medicine ball,must be the ganja,old times sake,deja vu,beautiful,crack a bottle and underground are my favorites.This album is definitely much better than Recovery,MMLP2 and Revival.Beat,flow and lyrics this album is criminally underrated.
  18. 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.
  19. Bellator06
    Aug 21, 2020
    10
    the concept and production are just amazing , eminem's best work since MMLP , the accents in some songs can be a little off putting but the lyrical content makes up for it , songs like deja vu and beautiful are his best of all time and probably the best rap songs of all time
  20. STAINKAY
    Aug 14, 2020
    7
    beats are fire flows too but accents shoud go away i like the cover/theme some songs are annoying
    like my mom, must be the ganja but i still like the album.
  21. Emmy
    Apr 5, 2020
    10
    If you love horror movies this album is for you like for real it doesn't get more horror core hip hop than this. Watch out for songs like same song & dance, music box, buffalo bill, stay wide awake just to name a few. The album got a serial killer vibe.
  22. Shenossih
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    This album should already be a classic. It's the last real horrorcore, conceptual, perfect rap album we'll ever hear (since the world turned into PG). Dre's production was increadible, and Eminem was on his best lyrical mind. Never gets old. I hope people will wake up one day.
  23. yoranwillemsen
    Jan 24, 2020
    10
    Goat album. One of his best works. It is pretty underrated and a shame it was trashed when it came out.
  24. Cianlawrence1
    Jan 24, 2020
    10
    This album is so darkly twisted that i think its a masterpiece. Amazing sons throughout the album
  25. ImperialNacho
    Jan 24, 2020
    10
    So much fireeeeeee. lel. Give it a 10 and not a 9 or u have a brain damage.
  26. LaelapsRap
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    Perfect album. The flow is flawless, the ryhme scheme is out of this world. Love it
  27. ArkodeepSen
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    Relapse
  28. SlimGary
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    One of the best album ever made. I listen to it since I'm a kid, and I won't stop to! Eminem is GOAT
  29. ViTRiFY
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    This is my favorite Eminem album out of em all. He bends words well and uses accents which I personally like. Nothing to mention the rhyme schemes are AMAZING!
  30. JustNed
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Underrated underrated underrated underrated underrated underrated underrated underrated underrated underrated underrated underrated underrated underrated underrated underrated underrated underrated… Expand
  31. Ryanscaggs
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Greatest album ever
  32. 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
  33. cgolding
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    This is one of the most underrated Eminem albums out. Just listen to the wordplay and the way he uses that accent to create some of the best rhymes of the decade. Bagpipes from Baghdad is my favourite Eminem song.
  34. slimshady99
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    This album shout every one facking mouth its was pure fire thanks agian em ❤️
  35. Charltonman
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    THE MOST underrated comeback album of all time. Relapse is an absolute masterpiece, and despite a rocky tracklist, it has aged extremely well. The storyline makes this possibly the greatest horrorcore album of all time. The rhyme schemes and flow are unmatched.
  36. alireza0fa
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    On of the most underrated albums of all time...
    Just listen to beautiful, deja vu, insane, my darling, hello, crack a bottle to see the lyrical genius of this man. With great production by Dr Dre.
  37. Jr88
    Jan 19, 2020
    10
    A masterpiece in his classe. Horror,flows,crazy ideas and stuff that's only Eminem can think and said.
  38. Strike9287
    Jan 4, 2020
    10
    This project comes off to me as insanely creative and one of his better works.
    It has aged beautifully and has some of his best wordplay and flows.
    The production is absolutely phenomenal and the whole project is very fluent and fun.
    It sticks to the topic and stays dark consistently throughout.
  39. MX_G
    Aug 1, 2019
    10
    I once was an big Eminem fan (I still have a really corny Eminem shirt lmao) and while this changed over time, because Im not the biggest fan of recovery and mmlp2, I see why people like it, but not me, tho.
    Revival is terrible (besides of Framed, which btw sounds like an throwaway from this project.)
    and Kamikaze is just mediocre and overhyped by sheep like stans. This is just an    I once was an big Eminem fan (I still have a really corny Eminem shirt lmao) and while this changed over time, because Im not the biggest fan of recovery and mmlp2, I see why people like it, but not me, tho.
    Revival is terrible (besides of Framed, which btw sounds like an throwaway from this project.)
    and Kamikaze is just mediocre and overhyped by sheep like stans.
    This is just an Masterpiece, an misunderstood one, even by the artist himself, i cant even describe how I love this gem.T he production is 9/10 - Its just extremely dark Dre beats, which are atmospheric
    and hypnotizing, really dont like the Must be the Ganja snare and some other beats where "just" good )
    the lyrics are 10/10 (probably bis best rhymed Album, just look at stay wide awake)
    It has bangers like Old Time´s Sake, Crack a bottle and Underground
    It has some of his best emotional songs like deja vu and beautiful
    It has some of the best horrorcore songs of all time, not just by Eminem (whilst not being the biggest fan of horrorcore) like 3 a.m., Same Song & Dance and by far the best Stay Wide Awake (every **** syllable rhymes).
    Its merely hated by critics because of its accents, but what most people dont seem to notice, is that its an concept Album about a serial killer version of slim shady, dealing with drug addiction and the accents are part of that weird (Ed Gein like) story.
    It's dark, it's twisted, and it's brilliant. Relapse is one of the smartest things Em's ever done, and no one ever knows it because they focus too much on the accents he pulls.

    Ratings:
    Dr. West - Skit ---/10 (Skits are´nt rated)
    3.a.m 9/10 ( Great Horrorcore with amazing hook)
    My Mom 8/10 (Great Reggea like hook, funny and over the top humor)
    Insane 8/10( The same as I said already on My Mom, btw this track is **** up)
    BFB 10/10( Funny lines bout Mariah, great production)
    Hello 10/10 (Love this Druggy Lifestyle Story)
    Tonya - Skit ---/10 (Skits are´nt rated)
    SS&D 10/10 ( Chilling atmosphere and creepy whilst funny lines, love the creativity here)
    WMD 7/10
    Medicine Ball 8/10 ( Decent IDGAF attitude track)
    Paul - Skit ---/10 (Skits are´nt rated)
    Stay Wide Awake 10/10 (11/10) (Great Rhymes, best hook on the Album, thrilling story)
    Old Time´s Sake 9/10 (My 3rd favorite Dre/Eminem collab)
    Must be the Ganja 5/10 (Em just delivers all lines board, the production isnt great either, its an Emienm Song bout Ganja, do I need to say more?)
    Mr. Mathers - Skit ---/10 (Skits are´nt rated)
    Deja Vu 10/10 (Emotional, Depressing, and cathy hook)
    Beautiful 10/10 ( The Same as Deja VU but with a great sample and alot of rock influenced sound)
    CaB 9/10 ( Great Collab entertaining,but kinda killed the atmosphere of the tracks before.)
    Steve Bergmann - Skit ---/10 (Skits are´nt rated)
    Underground 10/10 ( Wow, what an outro? Best production on the Album, chilling vibes, fast delivered and great lyrics, besides some weird f*ggot lines, not to sure, why Eminem still cant stop, while they dindt bother me on his last Albums, these were just a little bit too far, not quiete sure, if its just to fit, the ken kaniff skit at the end, maybe this parts are from him)

    WOW what an great album that is slept on to often, in my opinion on of the 100 best albums of this milenia so far...
    (maybe top 25)    … Expand
  40. 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.
  41. viettungvuong
    May 20, 2019
    10
    This album is overhated in my opinion. Apart from the accent, the production is excellent, Em's rhyme schemes are really good, his lyrical content is also good
  42. Connorcox1997
    Mar 8, 2019
    10
    When I first listen to Eminem's Relapse, I actually didn't like it the album, however, after a couple more times listening to the album, I actually love the album. It may not be the best album in his career, but Relapse is still entertaining to listen to. I highly recommend it.
  43. 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
  44. Bobtinin
    Jan 17, 2019
    10
    'Relapse' is one of the most underrated albums of not only Eminem's career, but of all time. This album was an amazing example of how great storytelling can help create a cohesive album that stands the test of time. His lyrical ability was arguably at its best, while his rapping ability became a lot better in comparison to his previous album as he was now sober. The highlights from this'Relapse' is one of the most underrated albums of not only Eminem's career, but of all time. This album was an amazing example of how great storytelling can help create a cohesive album that stands the test of time. His lyrical ability was arguably at its best, while his rapping ability became a lot better in comparison to his previous album as he was now sober. The highlights from this album were, "3 a.m.", "My Mom", "Insane", "Hello", "Stay Wide Awake", "Old Time's Sake", "Deja Vu", "Beautiful", "Crack A Bottle", and "Underground". You can find even more highlights on his 'Relapse: Refill' release, with "Forever", "Buffalo Bill", "Elevator", "Music Box", "Drop The Bomb On 'Em", "My Darling", and "Careful What You Wish For". The whole album was bolstered by the excellent production of Dr. Dre who helped the album become the masterpiece it is. The final thing to address is the mixed reception this album received. Many people are annoyed by the accents, but I'm certainly not. I feel like it allowed Eminem to create rhymes that would be impossible with his regular accent. It also allowed for better storytelling as he was able to assume the role of the different serial killers who are showcased throughout the album. As for the critics, they were probably just weirded out about what Eminem was rapping about, choosing to ignore his then peak rapping ability and lyrical prowess. Overall, I'm giving this album a 10/10 as I personally love it, and I believe this album to be a cult classic, so many others will probably agree with my score.… Expand
  45. 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.
  46. MalcolmE
    Nov 4, 2018
    10
    i absolutely love the disturbing and eerie vibe aswell as the serial killer theme. People complain about the accents but i find them hilarious. His flow and wordplay is incredible here. This album feels like it brings me into another world for an hour and 16 minutes. Few album does that to me.

    Favorite Tracks: Stay Wide Awake, 3 A.M., Beautiful, Deja Vu, Bagpipes From Baghdad Least    i absolutely love the disturbing and eerie vibe aswell as the serial killer theme. People complain about the accents but i find them hilarious. His flow and wordplay is incredible here. This album feels like it brings me into another world for an hour and 16 minutes. Few album does that to me.

    Favorite Tracks: Stay Wide Awake, 3 A.M., Beautiful, Deja Vu, Bagpipes From Baghdad

    Least Favorite Tracks: Hello, We Made You (But i dont dislike either of them. I find their hook / chorus to be abit dull tho)

    My Rating: 10/10    … Expand
  47. SuchiB14
    Nov 1, 2018
    9
    The accents work well and the songs are great. Pretty good comeback record.
  48. Omar-010
    Sep 23, 2018
    10
    Hist most underrated work. The lyrics, content and rhyme schemes make it the greatest horrorcore album of all time.
  49. Dragonfly02
    Mar 4, 2018
    7
    It's not his best project, but it's not his worst project. I didn't like the rape jokes.
  50. aftermath96
    Feb 4, 2018
    10
    i still love this album to this date, better than encore, i don't see nothing wrong with the accents, the accents are what made this album so special, hello was my least favorite track here, the rest is great, even the refill album
  51. 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
  52. FruitJuice
    Jul 18, 2017
    7
    good album.....................................................................................................................................................................
  53. Vincent1503
    Jul 5, 2017
    10
    By far his best work to date

    rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrtttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt
  54. 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
  55. JiggaMan
    Feb 5, 2017
    10
    Relapse took me a few years to get used to. I used to think it was way too disturbing and crude, as though Eminem was trying way too hard to return to his prime "public-enemy' days. That was before I realized that on this album, Eminem gives less **** than ever before and raps on topics no one would ever dare even discuss (e.g. incestual rape, serial killer murders, drinking blood). ItRelapse took me a few years to get used to. I used to think it was way too disturbing and crude, as though Eminem was trying way too hard to return to his prime "public-enemy' days. That was before I realized that on this album, Eminem gives less **** than ever before and raps on topics no one would ever dare even discuss (e.g. incestual rape, serial killer murders, drinking blood). It comes off as weird at first. But with enough listens, it provided me with some insight into the mind of someone who literally does not care what anyone thinks of his dumb accents and weird ass murder fantasies, truth be told, I enjoy hearing about them now - in an odd way-. Deja Vu takes a nice turn towards the end with a truthful reiteration of the stress that has pushed Em back into the drug world/… Expand
  56. 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.
  57. Shady313
    Mar 21, 2015
    9
    9/10 .................................................................................................................................................
  58. convalesce
    Mar 19, 2015
    7
    I will start out with everyone else by saying the only reason this album is bad is because of the voice that he somehow pulled out of a hat to reveal to a surprised audience. If you listened to more than couple songs and actually listened to this album front to back you will get where I am coming from. Listening to this album front to back reveals the insane production along with theI will start out with everyone else by saying the only reason this album is bad is because of the voice that he somehow pulled out of a hat to reveal to a surprised audience. If you listened to more than couple songs and actually listened to this album front to back you will get where I am coming from. Listening to this album front to back reveals the insane production along with the blood-curdling subject matter like "3 a.m." and "Insane". I will admit, songs like, "Bagpipes from Baghdad" are impossible to listen to. Yet, it has songs like "Beautiful" and even though it has "the voice", "Stay Wide Awake" has one of the most impressive rhyme pattern I have ever seen in a rap song. Listen to this album looking for rhyme patterns. While yes, his voice is annoying and not fun to listen to; but he does that so he can rhyme more vocabulary that he could not do before. "My Darling" is one of his best songs out there.… Expand
  59. Holocene
    Feb 26, 2015
    7
    I think that this album, 'Relapse' is far better than 'Recovery', 'Marshall Mathers LP 2' and 'SHADY XV'

    Eminem is becoming worse.

    Although it isn't a masterpiece and Eminem himself disliked this album, this was quite good.
  60. 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.
  61. YessirKilla
    Jan 23, 2015
    10
    I'm going to be humming Beautiful and Crack A Bottle for the rest of my life. Thank Eminem for making an album that, in my opinion, is about as good as The Eminem Show.
  62. CFP2016
    Apr 2, 2014
    10
    What is everyone's problem with Relapse. My first preview of the album didn't settle with me well but then I heard the albums singles and immediately went onto iTunes and purchased Relapse: Refill (I buy special editions of most albums cause I like the extra content. Songs like We Made You, 3 A.M., Crack a Bottle, Beautiful and Deja Vu really stand out. Basically what I think is if its soWhat is everyone's problem with Relapse. My first preview of the album didn't settle with me well but then I heard the albums singles and immediately went onto iTunes and purchased Relapse: Refill (I buy special editions of most albums cause I like the extra content. Songs like We Made You, 3 A.M., Crack a Bottle, Beautiful and Deja Vu really stand out. Basically what I think is if its so bad than why did it win a grammy for best rap album while encore didn't.… Expand
  63. relaspe666
    Jan 12, 2014
    10
    My favorite album of all time , I for one actually like the accent's as he's rhyme scheme's are amazing , the darkest album of all time , and went threw hell and back, standout tracks are ... ALL OF THEM !!! A MUST HAVE, a classic, ive been listeing to the album nonstop for almost a year staight now and still not tired of it love it
  64. Hypocritics
    Dec 15, 2013
    10
    Im going to go ahead and EXPOSE METACRITIC AS GARBAGE real quick, if anyone wants to stick around...

    Eminem goes unforgiving hard-as-nails in-your-face and mad-as-hell on MMLP1, and Metacritic slams him for being over the top. They claim the classic was a 78, and Yeezus, the ten song experimental embarrassment that Kanye can't get over 3.2 stars on Itunes, is an 85. Ok, fine. He    Im going to go ahead and EXPOSE METACRITIC AS GARBAGE real quick, if anyone wants to stick around...

    Eminem goes unforgiving hard-as-nails in-your-face and mad-as-hell on MMLP1, and Metacritic slams him for being over the top. They claim the classic was a 78, and Yeezus, the ten song experimental embarrassment that Kanye can't get over 3.2 stars on Itunes, is an 85. Ok, fine.

    He lightens up on The Eminem Show, and Metacritic says it's too soft and they've heard it all before. 75.

    He mixes in other artists and dumbs down the "Slim Shady" persona on The Reup, and they absolutely trash it and say he's lost his voice. 50. A 50, supposedly a worse album than IANAHB 2.
    Do You Sense the Bullsh.it Yet.....

    He brings back Slim Shady as violent yet comedic as ever on Relapse, and they say he's forcing the issue. 59.

    He changes his content for the more mature, stays witty, address' his past demons and shows immense growth as an artist on Recovery, and they say he's boring. 63.

    THEN, on MMLP2, he combines Recovery, MMLP, and the Eminem Show in an experimental, mature, hard-as-nails, yet emotional reflection on his career, and they give it a 73. Thats 7 points worse than Teflon Don, by Rick Ross.

    METACRITIC: WHAT THE ACTUAL ARE YOU DOING.    … Expand
  65. joshootMi
    Nov 5, 2013
    10
    Bottom line it's underrated. Who cares about the accents when the lyrics are so good!? Overall it's a great album with awesome rhymes, memorable beats, and funny skits. Good stuff...
  66. viJilance
    Nov 4, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Relapse is a sinister lyrical masterpiece. The delivery and flow Eminem gives is somewhat odd, people often refer to his "accent" as annoying. The fact is- Eminem has always used accents, Eminem has always used tone and delivery, and this album may seem a bit like swimming upstream at first, but I assure the content of this album is comical and fairly humorous. As an artist, and a human... this is when Marshall Mathers was in his darkest days. To Marshall's dismay, his best friend and hype man Proof (RIP DeShaun Dupree Holton (October 2, 1973 April 11, 2006) passed away. They were friends in their adolescence, Marshall was distraught, he was lost, he was a confused soul.

    This dark twisted picture that Eminem paints almost seems like a drawing of his alter-ego Slim Shady. But even Slim Shady seems at his lowest, he sounds like he doesn't want to rap anymore, and just zones out on the mic while going auto pilot and just unleash all the that comes to his mind. Serial killing, rape, incest, these are the prevalent themes at the beginning. Eventually it takes a dive into the mainstream, the middle of the album sounds somewhat upbeat and foolish, and as the album comes to a close, you can see a ray of light.

    This album was actually a very essential step in the career of Eminem, and people don't give enough credit where credit is due. Personally I think this album was a masterpiece in a sense that, being a true Eminem fan you really got the jokes about Christopher Reeves sinking in quicksand, and penetrating vagina's with either balloons and popping them, or umbrella's and then opening them.    … Expand
  67. EMINEMFAN11
    Oct 2, 2013
    10
    Oh my gosh! What more is there to say. It's fabulous!!!!! Great songs, great singing, great acting! Loveable to the core! When I first heard this album, I must say, GOOSEBUMPS galore! I was like a walking talking Taylor Abraham.
  68. hiphop97
    May 27, 2013
    7
    This album is no where near Marshalls as the accents can be annoying to some but I thought the lyricism that encore lacked was made up for in this album. This album deals with sensitive themes so do not listen to it if you are easily offended.
  69. axelkoch
    Nov 16, 2012
    7
    So the beginning is awesome, but tracks 3 to 8 are poor. But after that, there's no bad song left and the album gives you entertaining songs. It's not his best album, but what are critics complaining? His rap skills are still great and he also got a couple of good wordplays in here. So what? I had a good time with Relapse, it's a good CD. Deep, sad and also the other side, which I wouldn'tSo the beginning is awesome, but tracks 3 to 8 are poor. But after that, there's no bad song left and the album gives you entertaining songs. It's not his best album, but what are critics complaining? His rap skills are still great and he also got a couple of good wordplays in here. So what? I had a good time with Relapse, it's a good CD. Deep, sad and also the other side, which I wouldn't describe as funny, let's rather say entertaining. PS: In 'Stay Wide Awake' he's rapping the whole second verse ending on -me - This is just fantastic!… Expand
  70. 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.
  71. RonaldOVOXO
    Feb 4, 2012
    9
    I love this CD only song i didnt like Was "Same Song & Dance" Other than that it was the best album of 2009. I dont understand why people didnt like this album it's a classic hopefully eminem will make a Relapse 2 in 2012 or the near future
  72. snowcold
    Oct 5, 2011
    7
    I mean, we can be unrealistic and give it a 10, but no.. I like the album as a whole, but listening only one song ruins it. ''Beautiful'' is definitely the best song on the album, and it's long version is even better. Listening to singles, I like them, but ''3 a.m.'' is as dark as a song can be, so it kind of reveals how hard the whole album is right on the start. I didn't like the accentI mean, we can be unrealistic and give it a 10, but no.. I like the album as a whole, but listening only one song ruins it. ''Beautiful'' is definitely the best song on the album, and it's long version is even better. Listening to singles, I like them, but ''3 a.m.'' is as dark as a song can be, so it kind of reveals how hard the whole album is right on the start. I didn't like the accent on some song, but on some of them it is really perfect, like on ''Stay Wide Awake''. Once again, Em' did a good job, but not as good as The Eminem Show and The Marshall Mathers LP.… Expand
  73. 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
  74. wazzy
    Aug 25, 2011
    10
    I don't see what all the hate is, people are just assuming because there are a few bad songs on the album he deserves a crappy rate. You may think this album is crap, but I think at this time he is still the Genius he ever was. You've been taking advantage of his music, and of his talent and as his last albums may have shined the brightest you seem to have been blinded.
    I have every eminem    I don't see what all the hate is, people are just assuming because there are a few bad songs on the album he deserves a crappy rate. You may think this album is crap, but I think at this time he is still the Genius he ever was. You've been taking advantage of his music, and of his talent and as his last albums may have shined the brightest you seem to have been blinded.
    I have every eminem album and the songs in relapse have more plays than any other on my ITunes. So before you come on here, spilling your hate on a few songs go back replay an amazing song like Beautiful and you'll be reminded the true talent of the artist.    … Expand
  75. Binki
    Jun 12, 2011
    9
    Stunning album, so underrated. Eminem is still the best after more than ten years. Contains masterpieces such as "Same song and dance", "Deja vu" or "Beautiful".
  76. 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.
  77. HeyImBenMiles
    Mar 2, 2011
    7
    "And eight years later, I'm still at it/Divorced, re-married, a felon, a father, sleeping pill addict" If you skip the first, say, nine tracks, it's actually quite listenable, which is remarkable when you consider the aforementioned quote.
  78. gaguinen
    Feb 10, 2011
    8
    Recovery Eminemâ
  79. melovesem
    Jan 28, 2011
    10
    IMO This album is Amazing and it is very underrated by fans and critics alike. sure, he used that accent, but his rhymes are dope and he has some good songs.
  80. ghostfacekillah
    Dec 3, 2010
    9
    It was a great album, hands down. I really don't understand why so many people hate it. It's a creepy, tingling, funny and horror filled album. Some songs ought to be omitted, but the album in general is just great.
  81. phillipchew
    Sep 16, 2010
    10
    I was so surprised at how much I ended up enjoying this album. The first two singles he released gave me doubt as to how good the album would be, but I was pleasantly surprised when I got the album simply because I was a fan of Eminem since I was in grade school and it ended up only having two songs that sucked. It is his darkest album by far, but it only makes it more exciting. It is theI was so surprised at how much I ended up enjoying this album. The first two singles he released gave me doubt as to how good the album would be, but I was pleasantly surprised when I got the album simply because I was a fan of Eminem since I was in grade school and it ended up only having two songs that sucked. It is his darkest album by far, but it only makes it more exciting. It is the kind of CD that you turn on while you are in the car with loud speakers simply because of the energy it gives you. If you are looking for some fun rap, then you should probably skip this CD, but if you are a die hard Eminem fan, then you will see that this is his greatest work.… Expand
  82. 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.
  83. DemoineO
    Nov 25, 2009
    10
    This album is lyrical genius.He is still the greatest rapper alive.The way he puts the rhymes together is genius.I spit so I know how difficult it could be there has not been any album that came out in 2009 that has outsold this album.I can wait until relapse 2 come out next year and I am going to buy relapse refill this December.
  84. nandishh
    Sep 7, 2009
    9
    Relapse may not be Shady's best album, but by far definitely in his Top 3. All songs except Hello, Must Be The Ganja, Underground, Insane were awesome (my personal opinion). Same Song & Dance & Beautiful & Bagpipes From Baghdad were probably the Top 3 songs off the album. Relapse was kinda way too much on the "Relapse" side, Em should have had a majority of non-relapse/medical issue Relapse may not be Shady's best album, but by far definitely in his Top 3. All songs except Hello, Must Be The Ganja, Underground, Insane were awesome (my personal opinion). Same Song & Dance & Beautiful & Bagpipes From Baghdad were probably the Top 3 songs off the album. Relapse was kinda way too much on the "Relapse" side, Em should have had a majority of non-relapse/medical issue related songs. However the album, in my view deserves a 8.7/10 rating. Em might have been trying to save the best songs for "Relapse 2" - hope R2's a double-album. Relapse did not showcase Eminem's lyrical talent to the fullest. But no doubt, its one of the albums of the year. Metacritic was harsh on Em, but in rating of music albums - with its variety of genres- it is unfair to have a record rated by a single person. The rating committee should comprise of a majority of music critics of the genre of the album and maybe 30% of people form other closely related genres. This will achieve a more accurate and just rating.… Expand
  85. JamesV
    Aug 30, 2009
    7
    With Eminem gone from the game for 5 years, and with all the personal events that have happened in his life, I expected a more personal album addressing more serious issues. Instead, there are only 2 serious songs on this record. 'Beatiful" and 'De Ja Vu' are the only meaningful songs, and they are both great tunes. The rest of the album is filled with jokes and sick humor. With Eminem gone from the game for 5 years, and with all the personal events that have happened in his life, I expected a more personal album addressing more serious issues. Instead, there are only 2 serious songs on this record. 'Beatiful" and 'De Ja Vu' are the only meaningful songs, and they are both great tunes. The rest of the album is filled with jokes and sick humor. The accent he uses on every song except 3 is terrible, bringing songs like 'Bagpipes' from possibly enjoyable tunes, to barely listenable. From a hip hop perspective, Em still has it. His rhymes are very well crafted, he has good wordplay and some good lines on this album. But the retarded voice he chooses to use wrecks the record. There are a few really good songs, a few boring ones, and a few unlistenable ones. Maybe Relapse 2 will have more serious songs, and that's his idea, but if not I would've put at least a few more meaningful tunes on #1. Eminem still has it, but he didn't bring it on this album. At least he didn't bring everything we know he is capable of bringing.… Expand
  86. Chris
    Aug 24, 2009
    10
    Eminem comes in 2009 to make things better in hip hop and he's coming with a great album.he begins with his bloody "3 a.m." and continues with the songs "My Mom" and "Insane" which he blames his mothers for for his recent drug abuse and tells us in a genius way about his problems with his stepfather.The lbums has a lot of songs that he explains us what he went through during his Eminem comes in 2009 to make things better in hip hop and he's coming with a great album.he begins with his bloody "3 a.m." and continues with the songs "My Mom" and "Insane" which he blames his mothers for for his recent drug abuse and tells us in a genius way about his problems with his stepfather.The lbums has a lot of songs that he explains us what he went through during his addiction with drugs.He is more honest that anyone would expected.The songs "Deja Vu", "Beautiful" and "Underground" are (for me) masterpieces!!His intelligence and his skills can be seen in these songs.Surely better than Encore, Relapse is an awesome work from Eminem and is sure that fans are going to love it!… Expand
  87. KgosiP.
    Aug 19, 2009
    9
    Eminem,the rhyme king of all time.big up to that flow you produced in this album!
  88. D.Tail
    Aug 13, 2009
    10
    F*cking brilliant album and a serious comeback...Next one lose the accent tho slim.
  89. JordanA
    Jul 27, 2009
    10
    Ok, any rating below an 8 is absolutely ridiculous. The album is great! Very creative. The lyrics are amazing. Every song has a meaning and tells a story. The album puts you in the shoes of the one and only Marshall Mathers. We get his point of view of what he was going through over the past couple of years. The critics need to stop expecting him to put out the "Greatest Album of Ok, any rating below an 8 is absolutely ridiculous. The album is great! Very creative. The lyrics are amazing. Every song has a meaning and tells a story. The album puts you in the shoes of the one and only Marshall Mathers. We get his point of view of what he was going through over the past couple of years. The critics need to stop expecting him to put out the "Greatest Album of All-Time". Lower your expectations for goodness sake. He's not Einstien. What he is though, is the Greatest Rapper of all-time and he is back and will be at the top of hip-hop once again.… Expand
  90. JoshF
    Jul 13, 2009
    10
    As an album its an awesome piece of work, tells a real deep story... lookin' forward to the next album!
  91. ShaneD
    Jul 11, 2009
    9
    Relapse has Eminem hitting on all cyllinders dishing out the witty wordplay and complex rhyme schemes over generally exceptional Dr. Dre beats. One can only wish there were a few more serious songs. If the album had a couple more personal recaords it may have been a classic. The general syle seems like a combanation of the MMLP and The Eminem Show.
  92. tacobell
    Jul 2, 2009
    10
    This new album shows his most effort for being sober, return to the music scene and make good music. The songs are the mixing of razor sharp lyrics, vivid humors, haunted nightmares, honest tales and deep emotions. Unlike other artist's music, I found that different people have their own personal favorite Relapse track, not only the one that's been released for a single (which This new album shows his most effort for being sober, return to the music scene and make good music. The songs are the mixing of razor sharp lyrics, vivid humors, haunted nightmares, honest tales and deep emotions. Unlike other artist's music, I found that different people have their own personal favorite Relapse track, not only the one that's been released for a single (which is the best part in my eyes). Dr. Dre's beats are surprisingly catchy and have good replay value, especially when you listened to them with subwoofer. In my opinion, it is one of his best record Eminem should be proud of.… Expand
  93. ZackL
    Jun 29, 2009
    9
    Good, but not his best, and I'm not happy that he's titling his next album Relapse 2.
  94. SuleimanM.
    Jun 26, 2009
    7
    Relapse isn't the come back we were all hoping for, but it does more than enough to satisfy our Slim Shady needs. Excluding a few shallow tracks, Relapse is on the right track for what we hope will be an exceptional double album.
  95. MarekW
    Jun 23, 2009
    10
    This CD is crazy! Lyrics and flow are world class. Definitely the best Eminem album ever, in my opinion.
  96. RyanG
    Jun 22, 2009
    10
    This is is great album, I don't know what the hell is wrong with the critics. They must of been listening of too much of those crappy rappers like Souljaboytellem and Lil Wayne.
  97. MMe
    Jun 18, 2009
    9
    As with most recent Eminem albums there's certain songs that should be taken in context, and not literally or seriously. The tunes are excellent, love it.
  98. VinceG
    Jun 15, 2009
    10
    I love what Dr. Dre did with the beats. He mixed in some new things we're just not used to listening, which I found very interesting. Eminem did his half by creating flows that just couldn't go any better with the music. 10 hands down.
  99. dant
    Jun 12, 2009
    10
    Fantastic, lyrically at his best with sick beats to back them up..eminem is finally back.
  100. blasblas
    Jun 7, 2009
    10
    Album is great, kinda on the trippy side, but damn he is one of the greatest. "Em" if you read this We all love your music we dont want you to stop but"Family" comes first. so we understand :)
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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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