User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 1078 Ratings

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  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. Jun 9, 2023
    10
    This is his best version. Subject matter particularly the "psychokiller" stuff is great and interesting
  4. Jan 4, 2023
    8
    Good album , the production is **** crazyyy thanks dre , i cant wait for relapse 2.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. Mar 30, 2022
    10
    Marshall Mathers god 4ever!,no excuse to say,he's the best rapper,why at least 75 characters?
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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...
  14. 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
  15. 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: -
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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
  19. Dec 17, 2020
    10
    Most creative and technical album. Em goes all out. Incredible rhymes, flows and beats.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. 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.
  28. Jan 24, 2020
    10
    This album is so darkly twisted that i think its a masterpiece. Amazing sons throughout the album
  29. Jan 24, 2020
    10
    So much fireeeeeee. lel. Give it a 10 and not a 9 or u have a brain damage.
  30. Jan 23, 2020
    10
    Perfect album. The flow is flawless, the ryhme scheme is out of this world. Love it
  31. 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
  32. 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!
  33. 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
  34. 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
  35. 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.
  36. Jan 22, 2020
    10
    This album shout every one facking mouth its was pure fire thanks agian em ❤️
  37. 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.
  38. 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.
  39. 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
  40. Jan 19, 2020
    10
    A masterpiece in his classe. Horror,flows,crazy ideas and stuff that's only Eminem can think and said.
  41. 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.
  42. 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
  43. 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.
  44. 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
  45. 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.
  46. 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
  47. 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
  48. Nov 20, 2018
    8
    I just love the serial killer vibe, and the accent is just hilarious.
    One of the best eminem's work.
  49. 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
  50. Nov 1, 2018
    9
    The accents work well and the songs are great. Pretty good comeback record.
  51. Sep 23, 2018
    10
    Hist most underrated work. The lyrics, content and rhyme schemes make it the greatest horrorcore album of all time.
  52. Mar 4, 2018
    7
    It's not his best project, but it's not his worst project. I didn't like the rape jokes.
  53. 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
  54. 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
  55. Jul 18, 2017
    7
    good album.....................................................................................................................................................................
  56. Jul 5, 2017
    10
    By far his best work to date

    rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrtttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt
  57. 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
  58. 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
  59. 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.
  60. 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.
  61. Mar 21, 2015
    9
    9/10 .................................................................................................................................................
  62. 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
  63. 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.
  64. 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.
  65. 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.
  66. 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
  67. 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
  68. 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
  69. 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...
  70. 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
  71. 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.
  72. 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...
  73. 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.
  74. 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.
  75. 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.
  76. 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
  77. 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.
  78. 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.
  79. 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
  80. 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.
  81. 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. Collapse
  82. 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
  83. 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
  84. 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.
  85. 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".
  86. 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.
  87. 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.
  88. 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.
  89. 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.
  90. 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.
  91. 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.
  92. 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
  93. 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
  94. 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
  95. 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.
  96. JasonD.
    Dec 16, 2009
    0
    This ALBUM is the WORST album Eminem has EVER made. Eminems first 3 albums + 8 mile soundtrack made him a legend, Encore was bad because of songs like puke but it had great songs like mosh, like toy soldiers, mockingbird, 1 shot 2 shot. Relapse is far worse than encore. Back when eminem did sslp you he had clever lines that made you say wow. He tries to recreate these on this CD but it is This ALBUM is the WORST album Eminem has EVER made. Eminems first 3 albums + 8 mile soundtrack made him a legend, Encore was bad because of songs like puke but it had great songs like mosh, like toy soldiers, mockingbird, 1 shot 2 shot. Relapse is far worse than encore. Back when eminem did sslp you he had clever lines that made you say wow. He tries to recreate these on this CD but it is a dizaster. It sounds like he is trying 2 hard, and the dreaded accent that he started using on encore is on over half of the songs. Fans want eminem back but they want the eminem that was on the eminem show back. Realistically, the guy is 36 years old he should be progressing as an artist rather than being a parody of his old shyt. Jay-Z said "people want my old shyt, but my old album" Eminem needs to follow that and progess from the level he was at during the eminem show. HOPEFULLY Relapse 2 will be better, But RELAPSE 1 is TRASH. Expand
  97. 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.
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 27
  2. Negative: 4 out of 27
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.