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. 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
  2. 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
  3. FruitJuice
    Jul 18, 2017
    7
    good album.....................................................................................................................................................................
  4. BIGMAN22
    Jan 21, 2016
    6
    as a fan of him and his past work. there's only few songs on this album that are catchy while others fall short. while Eminem shows he still has the ability to deliver incredible rhyme schemes and vivid storytelling the album doesn't quite add up to what brought him to stardom. nevertheless it shows that he attempted a comeback after a long period of time of being absent.
  5. ChiIIaoi
    Jul 19, 2023
    5
    Review só pra lembrar a nota que eu dei pro album:
    album ok, agora só escrever pra passar dos 75 caracteres.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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: -
  9. Shady313
    Mar 21, 2015
    9
    9/10 .................................................................................................................................................
  10. cameronmorewood
    Nov 9, 2012
    5
    Excluding the song "Beautiful," and maybe a few others, Eminem is just fooling around on this album. He's better than this, and I know he knows it.
  11. blogfirstlast
    Apr 14, 2013
    5
    Pretty bad album! Most of Eminem's fans from 99-03 know that he can do a lot better than this.

    Not much to say about this album.... it felt like a joke! It felt like he was purposely sucking because he knew people would still buy it, sort of like what Odd Future can do at times. A legend like Eminem should never be compared to a new and coming group.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. Macrofficial
    Mar 25, 2020
    6
    The first half of the album feels kind of filler. there are only 1 or 2 tracks in the the first half that aren't average. But then there is the second half. where there are multiple good songs. My Favourite songs on the album would be Same Song & Dance, Stay Wide Awake, and Beautiful. This Album had great potential, it just didn't work out in the first half
  15. SuchiB14
    Nov 1, 2018
    9
    The accents work well and the songs are great. Pretty good comeback record.
  16. drongodan
    Jan 20, 2020
    6
    Probably my least favourite Em album. Even at his worst this beats other rappers. Fave tracks ; Stay Wide Awake, Deja Vu, Beautiful
  17. 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
  18. hiphopplatinum
    Oct 2, 2022
    5
    ust to really love this album but growing up a bit more I realize its a messy piss poor attempt at rebranding slim shady and just shows his poor way on rebranding himself after an almost 5 year retirement
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. spadenx
    Jan 13, 2012
    2
    Both lyrically and vocally, This is Eminem at his worst. IMO its easily his worst album. The only good song on the album was Underground (it was only good because it was Eminem in his old style). Truely one trashy album.
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. ArkodeepSen
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    Relapse
  25. Kaztaj
    Nov 16, 2010
    6
    Slim Shady is dead. Relapse is Eminems try to bring back slim shady, unfortanetley, Dr.Dre wasnt able to bring him back to life. Fortunatley, Eminems still alive. Relapse wasnt as good as it could have been.
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  29. 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".
  30. 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.
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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
  35. BlueLotusPoet
    Oct 13, 2010
    5
    Relapse was an attempted step back into the shoes of the sinister Slim Shady. Apparently when Eminem stepped in those shoes, they felt snug and uncomfortable. The album starts off with a creative and slightly seat-edging intro skit which is one another favorite element of Eminem albums (the skits are usually highly entertaining). 3am is a decent step into Slim Shady but its surprisinglyRelapse was an attempted step back into the shoes of the sinister Slim Shady. Apparently when Eminem stepped in those shoes, they felt snug and uncomfortable. The album starts off with a creative and slightly seat-edging intro skit which is one another favorite element of Eminem albums (the skits are usually highly entertaining). 3am is a decent step into Slim Shady but its surprisingly almost indecipherable. Eminem raps with an accent (perhaps a "Detroit accent") which is sometimes unbearable. It works for a select few songs. 3am isnt one of them. My Mom utilizes the weird accent, but to a lesser extent. Eminem performs decently, delivering a shocking and humorous song in which the accent could be taken as an extra tool of comical elements. Eminem doesnt twist his tounge in Insane for the accent. The song is pretty much a chronicle throwing shocker line after shocker line. Rather than a constant barrage of hitters, lines are hit or miss. Eminem does more hits than misses but the misses mess up the consistency of the song. Its lukewarm at best. Bagpipes From Baghdad is a plucky and witty song. Sure the accent is thrown around, but still proves to be a decent song. He goes from throwing a few teasers at Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon which show the return of Eminem's taunting and satire of pop culture figures (they actually took offense). Hello is rather dry and while Em's lyrics are above average, he sounds roughly monotone which supresses the effect of them. The accent returns yet again in Same Song & Dance, which is humorous and a tad bloody but Eminem is quite simplistic throughout most of the song. We Made You is yet another comedic song off the album, which is a bit swiveled by the accented delievry but still serves as comic relief to the point if you dont laugh at one of Em's jokes you'll just laugh at his voice instead. Medicine Ball is another accented-dark-comedy which brings back the pluckyness seen on Bagpipes From Baghdad. The songs Stay Wide Awake, For Old Times Sake, Must Be The Ganja, Deja Vu arent really anything special and are lukewarm to ok tops. Beautiful is the albums highlight which Em's speaks of his struggles accent-less and shows an exceptional amount of consistency. Its pretty odd that in the midst of all the dark humor, the conscious song is the best song. Crack A Bottle makes you wish Dr. Dre just stuck to producing and 50 Cent would just stop it. Its not even clear if the song wouldve been good with just Em. The final track Underground, is another highlight track and is right up with Beautiful. The track is meant to set the stage for the follow up Recovery album (at one time called Relapse 2) which is set to be forceful and more emotionally driven. The use of Undergound as teaser for the follow up album was an excellent choice. Relapse is practically a lightweight version of the Slim Shady & Marshall Mathers LPs. Its not right up beside either album, but is a decent attempt at going back in time.… Expand
  36. 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
  37. 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.
  38. slimshady99
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    This album shout every one facking mouth its was pure fire thanks agian em ❤️
  39. sanddude
    Jan 11, 2011
    4
    Now I know that Em isn't perfect (every one of his albums had at least one song I didn't like), but that doesn't excuse this album. It consists of one great track ("Beautiful"), one OK track ("Deja Vu") and everything else horrible.
  40. TounVic
    Aug 1, 2013
    4
    What happened here? This has nothing to do with the previous albums! The beat and the lyrics on songs like 3 a.m are an insult to the Slim Shady ego, Old Time's Sake, We Made You and Beautiful are the only good songs from this album. Only three songs, the rest of the songs were terrible. As an Eminem fan, I have to say that this is awful...
  41. 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
  42. Jr88
    Jan 19, 2020
    10
    A masterpiece in his classe. Horror,flows,crazy ideas and stuff that's only Eminem can think and said.
  43. Anthony_wx
    Jan 4, 2023
    8
    Good album , the production is **** crazyyy thanks dre , i cant wait for relapse 2.
  44. TuomasLouhisalo
    Jul 25, 2023
    6
    Relapse is an overall mixed bag, but it does have it's moments and i respect Eminem for going a slightly different route.

    Best track: Beautiful
    Worst track: Hello
    Best feature: Dr. Dre
  45. 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!
  46. 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...
  47. Ryanscaggs
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Greatest album ever
  48. 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.
  49. 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
  50. 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
  51. 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.
  52. Baron6489
    Jun 23, 2011
    6
    I don't know why this has a lower metascore than "Encore." It's a crying shame because it's easily 10 times better than that pile of **** This is undoubtably Eminem's return to form. Old Time's Sake, Same Song & Dance and Deja Vu are my favorite songs.
  53. 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
  54. 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.
  55. 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.
  56. 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.
  57. 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.
  58. 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.
  59. 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.
  60. 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
  61. frankbilders
    Feb 12, 2013
    5
    A disappointment, this album like Encore is mediocre. Some tracks are enjoyable with great chorus's, but his rapping style is kind of obnoxious. It seems like every other track was about him being a serial killer. It's a poor album with some great chorus's.
  62. 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.
  63. 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
  64. 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
  65. 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.
  66. Cianlawrence1
    Jan 24, 2020
    10
    This album is so darkly twisted that i think its a masterpiece. Amazing sons throughout the album
  67. 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.
  68. 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
  69. jetboy
    Aug 21, 2010
    2
    i've tried to listen to eminem's albums, because everyone says he's so good. so i gave relapse a try. after listening i can't see what everyone was talking about . i did not enjoy it. with that in mind i relize that most rappers are at their best at the beginning of their careers, so i listened to his earlier albums. i still do not see what people are talking about. to wrap it up i thinki've tried to listen to eminem's albums, because everyone says he's so good. so i gave relapse a try. after listening i can't see what everyone was talking about . i did not enjoy it. with that in mind i relize that most rappers are at their best at the beginning of their careers, so i listened to his earlier albums. i still do not see what people are talking about. to wrap it up i think he has weak flow, poor metaphors, and poor shallow lyrical content. but i might be the only person who thinks that… Expand
  70. 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.
  71. 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.
  72. 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
  73. 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
  74. Shac
    Jun 9, 2023
    10
    This is his best version. Subject matter particularly the "psychokiller" stuff is great and interesting
  75. 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.
  76. 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.
  77. 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.
  78. 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.
  79. 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
  80. 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.
  81. ImperialNacho
    Jan 24, 2020
    10
    So much fireeeeeee. lel. Give it a 10 and not a 9 or u have a brain damage.
  82. LaelapsRap
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    Perfect album. The flow is flawless, the ryhme scheme is out of this world. Love it
  83. 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.
  84. joeg.
    May 20, 2009
    10
    The best rapper in the world is back! to me the album is everything i hoped it would be and is amongst his greatest!
  85. KevinL
    May 24, 2009
    10
    I say this is a 8 or 9. I just did 10 to counter all those people rating who have never heard this album and rate it a 1 or 0 because they hate Eminem.
  86. 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.
  87. CD
    Jun 10, 2009
    4
    I like Eminem, but to be honest this wasn't as great as all his "Stans" claim it to be. We are ALL happy to have him back but this album was less than average. It'd been a 7 or 8 maybe 4 years ago. But basically all he did was kinda rip off of Brotha Lynch on this one at times. I expect Relapse 2, due later this year, to be a lot better. C'mon suburbians, quit giving it I like Eminem, but to be honest this wasn't as great as all his "Stans" claim it to be. We are ALL happy to have him back but this album was less than average. It'd been a 7 or 8 maybe 4 years ago. But basically all he did was kinda rip off of Brotha Lynch on this one at times. I expect Relapse 2, due later this year, to be a lot better. C'mon suburbians, quit giving it 10's!! That's soooooo fake! REAL hip hop fans know what this album grades out at. Some of you frat boys need to listen to DOOM if you really want to hear word play! However, this IS bettter than Encore.… Expand
  88. HesamS
    May 20, 2009
    10
    The awesome great album ! its perfect as previous em albums and have a lost half thats relapse 2 i cant wait for it. anyway relapse was a best album after MMLP and TES... very nice!
  89. BradR
    May 20, 2009
    10
    Best hip hop album in a long time. Em is back and I love it, this album is pretty dark but it also packs a lot of comedy. Everyone should but this.
  90. BrianD
    May 20, 2009
    10
    I love the new CD, I don't know why so many people don't the accent is okay on most songs so yeah.
  91. GrantB
    May 20, 2009
    9
    A great album for core fans - a couple of throw away tracks but majority is wonderful. 75% classics. Bagpipes from Baghdad s infectious.
  92. MikeD
    May 20, 2009
    10
    Absolute Platinum, Great album, one of the darker ones he's had to date.
  93. RafikY
    May 20, 2009
    10
    Slim Shady is at his best right after being at rock bottom... Each song seems to have been written in one year, it's amazing! Dr Dre has produced some great titles such as Deja Vu, Bagpipes for Baghdad or My Mom. After 4 years waiting, I'm totally satisfied !!!
  94. 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
  95. 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
  96. 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
  97. 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.
  98. DylanR
    May 19, 2009
    9
    Great album. about 3 filler tracks but a solid return. cant wait till relapse 2.
  99. 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
  100. 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
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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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