The Eminem Show
by Eminem
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. Uncut
    60
    Behind the hype and the swagger, he's still baring enough of his soul for The Eminem Show to be compelling theatre. [Aug 2002, p.118]
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  2. Q Magazine
    60
    The only problem is Slim Shady. As Eminem outgrows his old alter-id, so the obligatory pantomime villainy, skits and crass cameos by Shady Records signings become a hindrance. [July 2002, p.109]
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  3. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    50
    The Eminem Show has pretensions toward real life, but it possesses all the resonance and revelation of a sitcom.
  5. PopMatters
    50
    A disappointing combination of promising musical experimentation and uninspired lyrics.

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2002
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 1850 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,699 out of 1850
  2. Mixed: 39 out of 1850
  3. Negative: 112 out of 1850
  1. JoshuaStDenis
    Jun 5, 2012
    10
    This album makes it Eminem's third classic consecutive album, proving to everyone what a rap sensation he really is, destroying hisThis album makes it Eminem's third classic consecutive album, proving to everyone what a rap sensation he really is, destroying his competition lyrically as well as commercially.… Full Review »
  2. rollingstone82
    Aug 13, 2010
    9
    Solid third album.

    Slim Shady LP introduced the world to Eminem, a crude, white maniac with exceptional rhyming skills. Marshall Mathers LP    Solid third album.

    Slim Shady LP introduced the world to Eminem, a crude, white maniac with exceptional rhyming skills. Marshall Mathers LP gave the world Em's personal side while mixed with comic and satirical content. The Eminem Show is the retrospect of his career. After selling millions and millions of records, everyone wondered whether Eminem Show lived up to expectations. Yes it did.

    Taking more control over the production (Dre produced only 3 tracks), Eminem makes lyrical assaults on many including George Bush, rap critics, pop stars, Kim, and his mother. He goes from criticizing the common views against white rappers and to his success making keen observations that his color helped him gain fame. He criticizes the Bush administration in Square Dance for its decision to send soldiers to Iraq. He recalls his assault on a bouncer after he allegedly saw him kiss his wife. In Soldier, he recalls the violent rage in him before and during the attack but in Say Goodbye Hollywood, he regrets doing that saying that his wife would have cared less and that he could be imprisoned thus stalling his career and affecting his relationship with his daughter. In Sing For The Moment, he discusses how music has suddenly become an influence on kids because they can relate and how one should not take things so seriously. In Say What U Say, he and Dre declare war on Jermaine Dupri and Canibus.

    A couple of minor complaints are the repetition of content, namely rants against his mother and the whole Slim Shady antic on My Dads Gone Crazy. The songs Drips and Superman are unnecessary misogynistic rants against whores and should not have been included.

    Yet The Eminem Show succeeds because Eminem keeps it interesting. After all, he can't leave rap alone. The game needs him.    … Full Review »
  3. SuchiB14
    Nov 1, 2018
    10
    This **** is dope as **** one of the best rap albums ever. The lyricism is brilliant and the beats are phenomenal and (as always) Em soundsThis **** is dope as **** one of the best rap albums ever. The lyricism is brilliant and the beats are phenomenal and (as always) Em sounds great. 10/10… Full Review »
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