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. EvgenyV
    Jun 6, 2009
    10
    This is the ultimate Eminem album, which pleases all the real Eminem supporters. His rhymes are on point and his flow is incredible, the wordplay is fantastic. I love it.
  2. JosephA
    Jun 5, 2009
    8
    Awesome to hear Eminem again. The album is much better than Encore, if not for the beats alone (Dre), but his flow is really tight as well. As usual he's a ton more creative in terms of content and diversity in terms of delivery styles than 99% of the rappers out there (at least the ones I know). And though his schtick is a bit worn out, it's still a pretty entertaining album Awesome to hear Eminem again. The album is much better than Encore, if not for the beats alone (Dre), but his flow is really tight as well. As usual he's a ton more creative in terms of content and diversity in terms of delivery styles than 99% of the rappers out there (at least the ones I know). And though his schtick is a bit worn out, it's still a pretty entertaining album that transmits a good amount of urgency, schizophrenia and neurosis. It took me a couple of listens to really dig it. Too bad about the cover art, which I think sucks.… Expand
  3. ariang
    Jun 5, 2009
    9
    Very good album. razor sharp intelligent lyrics and fun to listen to. Dr.Dre's involvement very valuable and helps Eminem to concentrate on what he does best.
  4. AntonN
    Jun 2, 2009
    9
    This is exactly what HipHop needed! Back to the unique storytelling, the catchy hooks, banging beats and, head scratching wordplay! Eminem came with exactly with what I expected! Definately the best album of the year and one of my top three favorite Eminem albums no doubt!
  5. LanceU
    Jun 2, 2009
    9
    I can't stand critics sometimes. Most of them either hate Eminem's guts or hip hop in general. If he would have made a real mature album crying and lamenting about his drug addiction and best friend dying or about KIm they would be saying he's whiny. Can't take the music for what it is, just a raw lyricist that hasn't gotten soft or lost a step. They want him to I can't stand critics sometimes. Most of them either hate Eminem's guts or hip hop in general. If he would have made a real mature album crying and lamenting about his drug addiction and best friend dying or about KIm they would be saying he's whiny. Can't take the music for what it is, just a raw lyricist that hasn't gotten soft or lost a step. They want him to go away but he keeps coming back. I love it. The fly that you can't swat. The biggest artist of this decade. Make a whole page of bad reviews and he still wins. That must really piss people off.… Expand
  6. 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
  7. JonesMan
    May 27, 2009
    10
    I think this is one of the greatest comebacks , i have ever seen, relapse has the first songs that he has written for like 4 songs on it, yeah of course he has written other songs but then he was a junkie and just had wrote bullshit. But relapse is GOOD , and i like it, and then sales prove it.
  8. ChuckN
    May 26, 2009
    10
    Eminem back to business! Incredibly deep and thought provoking lyrics. He makes good sounding music have real meaning to it.
  9. RonK.
    May 25, 2009
    9
    Dre's beats gave Em a chance to concentrate on his lyrics and he is tight on the mic... the content is dark but think what place youd be in after dealing w/ addiction, rehab and the murder of your best friend. This will be an underrated record, stronger then Encore and up there with the 1st 3 in truth but it will be sometime til many see it!
  10. GregHundley
    May 25, 2009
    10
    I think this album is breathe of fresh air. Eminem is still the best album and I love who he makes fun of. Eminem raps about drugs, bad parents, and doesn't have to feature T-pain and Akon. Still the best rapper alive.
  11. 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.
  12. JosueR
    May 23, 2009
    9
    Awesome album. The return of Eminem is powerful and he's back to reclaim his title. Everyone support him and buy the album. Let's try to get him to 1 million copies sold the first week. This album is way better than Encore. Awesome Em thanks for coming back.
  13. jamesb
    May 23, 2009
    7
    If you like Eminem, you'll like Relapse. It's maybe not his best work - much of the middle of the album is amongst his weakest to date - but there's certainly enough to please his loyal followers.
  14. NavdeepS
    May 22, 2009
    10
    Eminem is back with a serious album about drugs,dope and telling about why he was in hiatus.But this is the best since marshall mathers.
  15. MaxS
    May 22, 2009
    10
    I love this album. This is why: First, considering all of his prior albums, The Slim Shady LP, Marshall Mathers LP, Eminem Show, and Encore, with out a doubt, the first three were great, critically praised. The second LP is a already a classic hip-hop album. On the other hand, his fourth release, Encore was just good. It did not stand up to his first three. Now, come back five years I love this album. This is why: First, considering all of his prior albums, The Slim Shady LP, Marshall Mathers LP, Eminem Show, and Encore, with out a doubt, the first three were great, critically praised. The second LP is a already a classic hip-hop album. On the other hand, his fourth release, Encore was just good. It did not stand up to his first three. Now, come back five years later, and drop Relapse: an album / horror film / Steven King novel--whatever you call it--filled with mesmerizing, disturbing imagery, foul wordplay, and more drug use than ever. His lyrics and flow tell us his story of drug addiction, and in multiple aspects, how his world, his foundation was crumbling. This calls for some pretty personal story telling. Then, completely off on another tangent (kind of), he weaves murderous, infectious rhymes in and out of songs like "3am," and the skit "Tonya" leading into the awesome "Same Song & Dance." These few of the numerous "darker" songs portrays his darker half, known as the infamous Slim Shady. I'm excited he's back. And what's even more fascinating is the fact that Em's drug addiction affected Slim Shady too! Will he kill at will?..… Expand
  16. MaxS
    May 22, 2009
    10
    I love this album. This is why: First, considering all of his prior albums, The Slim Shady LP, Marshall Mathers LP, Eminem Show, and Encore, with out a doubt, the first three were great, critically praised. The second LP is a already a classic hip-hop album. On the other hand, his fourth release, Encore was just good. It did not stand up to his first three. Now, come back five years I love this album. This is why: First, considering all of his prior albums, The Slim Shady LP, Marshall Mathers LP, Eminem Show, and Encore, with out a doubt, the first three were great, critically praised. The second LP is a already a classic hip-hop album. On the other hand, his fourth release, Encore was just good. It did not stand up to his first three. Now, come back five years later, and drop Relapse: an album / horror film / Steven King novel--whatever you call it--filled with mesmerizing, disturbing imagery, foul wordplay, and more drug use than ever. His lyrics and flow tell us his story of drug addiction, and in multiple aspects, how his world, his foundation was crumbling. This calls for some pretty personal story telling. Then, completely off on another tangent (kind of), he weaves murderous, infectious rhymes in and out of songs like "3am," and the skit "Tonya" leading into the awesome "Same Song & Dance." These few of the numerous "darker" songs portrays his darker half, known as the infamous Slim Shady. I'm excited he's back. And what's even more fascinating is the fact that Em's drug addiction affected Slim Shady too! Will he kill at will?..… Expand
  17. ArshdeepS
    May 22, 2009
    9
    Slim shady back to the old tactics,but except for a few songs the album is good.
  18. AlexT
    May 21, 2009
    9
    While Relapse might not be as cunning and catchy as his previous works (minus Encore), Eminem proves that he's still up to the challenge of creating a tight, focused album that delivers great production and talent.
  19. JayO.
    May 21, 2009
    8
    Ten years later, I didn't think Em could come up with anything as shocking as back in the day. And then comes "Insane." It's not one of the better tracks on the album, but it's exactly the kind of material that made him so controversial in the first place. First time through the album, I thought there was only two or three really good songs. After a few listens through, I Ten years later, I didn't think Em could come up with anything as shocking as back in the day. And then comes "Insane." It's not one of the better tracks on the album, but it's exactly the kind of material that made him so controversial in the first place. First time through the album, I thought there was only two or three really good songs. After a few listens through, I have to say at least half the tracks are good. "My Mom, "Crack a Bottle", "Deja Vu", "Same Song and Dance", "Hello", "Bagpipes from Baghdad", "Old Time's Sake", "Must Be the Ganja" and "Beautiful" are all really good songs (the first three the best) that show what makes Mathers one of the best lyricists, and rappers, of all time. Of course, many thanks to the magic-making abilities of Dre. And everyone keep in mind he wasn't just talking bull to Steve Berman. He's got 2 discs worth of material. The Relapse 2 coming to us later this year!… Expand
  20. Vincentg
    May 21, 2009
    10
    Quality album. The construction of the lyrics and word play unsurpassed by anything else. Subject matter wont be to everyones taste, but to give it bad marks for that is the height of pretension.
  21. BenjaminL
    May 21, 2009
    9
    A reintroduction of Slim Shady in 2009 couldn't be any sweeter. Although I really think the album was more of a 8.6, the song Beautiful and Bagpipes from Baghdad is enough to round up. Em's wordplay and lyricism are crazy; however, the content went a bit too non-sequitor sometimes--all in all, still hilarious.
  22. JaffarR
    May 21, 2009
    10
    How can metacritic give it a sleazy 54?? they clearly have something against the artist as 54 is nowhere near how great this album is. its probably the best album of the year. THANKS EM!
  23. ZurraizK
    May 20, 2009
    9
    Great concept album unparalled wordplay by one of the greatest mc's to ever hold the mic kinda pissed that it has a 57 on here though wheres the review by stuff magazine or some of the other european ones???
  24. 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.
  25. VG
    May 20, 2009
    8
    I have listened to this album many times, and I think it is definitely by far better then Encore, but not as good as MMLP, close to The Eminem Show, maybe more on par with the SSLP. I would say it is his best lyrical album he has ever done, and best lyrical album I have ever heard personally. A strong return for Slim Shady, very dark, and violent, what more could you expect from the guy I have listened to this album many times, and I think it is definitely by far better then Encore, but not as good as MMLP, close to The Eminem Show, maybe more on par with the SSLP. I would say it is his best lyrical album he has ever done, and best lyrical album I have ever heard personally. A strong return for Slim Shady, very dark, and violent, what more could you expect from the guy that made "kill you", and "kim", its what you all wanted, yet still, people complain, I willsay the best tracks are the most personable such as "De Javu", "Beautiful", and the two bonus tracks "My Darling", and "Careful what you wish for" I think the best has yet to come with Relapse 2 later this year, I think that will be more Marshall Mathers, while this one bleeds Slim Shady, I hope he sells a million the first week, but he already did that, so half of that would be good in this day and age.… Expand
  26. BhaveshM
    May 20, 2009
    10
    This album is great, classic slim, sweet beats, insane lyrics and polished production quality! Slim is back with the vengeance! Not sure what some of these "critics" are talking about, but if you didn't like slim before you still won't like him now. Album has at least eight quality tracks, and plenty of humor for those who can appreciate it.
  27. StevenGn
    May 20, 2009
    9
    I love the album. Em destroys dres beats and its great to see rap revive with ems new album.
  28. 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!
  29. 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 !!!
  30. WesC
    May 20, 2009
    10
    Track to track, it's almost like you're living in the mind of Slim. While the subject matter is definitely not something you are used to listening to, his flow, wordplay and story telling are superb. He is, without a doubt, the best hip hop artist out right now. I can't wait for Relapse 2 to drop here near the end of the year, which I expect will be more like the closing Track to track, it's almost like you're living in the mind of Slim. While the subject matter is definitely not something you are used to listening to, his flow, wordplay and story telling are superb. He is, without a doubt, the best hip hop artist out right now. I can't wait for Relapse 2 to drop here near the end of the year, which I expect will be more like the closing track "Underground."… Expand
  31. 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.
  32. MikeD
    May 20, 2009
    10
    Absolute Platinum, Great album, one of the darker ones he's had to date.
  33. 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.
  34. 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.
  35. 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!
  36. ChavoG
    May 19, 2009
    10
    Great album, instant classic.
  37. ChrisB
    May 19, 2009
    7
    Better than Encore, not as good as his first 3 albums. Old Time's Sake, Underground, Beautiful, and Same Song rate up there with his best. All three of his current singles are horrible though.
  38. JeffR
    May 19, 2009
    10
    Great album; his flow, rhymes, and delivery are on another level. Lyrically, it's a really good record too. Production is just top-notch.. Overall, an amazing record.
  39. 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
  40. 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
  41. EdwardP
    May 19, 2009
    10
    I don't care what the critics say, this is one of the best albums I've heard in a while. Hopefully, some more positive reviews come in. This is much more than an average album. I mean, people accuse Eminem for being something he isn't anymore, but that didn't stop Rick Ross from getting positive reviews (he wears fake jewelry).
  42. LucasG
    May 19, 2009
    10
    I really enjoyed the songs are creative and it is equal to before, I like it that way.
  43. NejcK
    May 19, 2009
    10
    It is very sad some critics are saying that album has no lyrical substance an b.s. like that. It is obvious they didn't really listen to the album... and why do critics write rap album reviews if they don't even like rap. I am a big fan of Eminem and I must admit I didn't really like Relapse the first time I heard it but now after few hearings I am just addicted to this album.
  44. JimboJ
    May 19, 2009
    8
    Well I totally disagree with the critics on this one. I'm not much of an Eminem fan, but it doesn't take a genius to see that this is some of his best work in a long, long time, perhaps ever. It's at the very least a huge improvement over Encore, and in my opinion, better than the Eminem Show. His lyricism and flow on this album is mind-blowing, and the beats for the most Well I totally disagree with the critics on this one. I'm not much of an Eminem fan, but it doesn't take a genius to see that this is some of his best work in a long, long time, perhaps ever. It's at the very least a huge improvement over Encore, and in my opinion, better than the Eminem Show. His lyricism and flow on this album is mind-blowing, and the beats for the most part, well done with an old school flavor. I just can't see what the critics were thinking on this one. There's certianly a lot of Slim Shady persona on this album, but Eminem's talent and lyrical ability is just really stunning. I highly recommend this for any rap music fan out there; it's better than anything your going to hear on the radio today.… Expand
  45. ShannonN
    May 19, 2009
    9
    The album is sweet thank god for em's original flow it was so needed!!
  46. DylanR
    May 19, 2009
    9
    Great album. about 3 filler tracks but a solid return. cant wait till relapse 2.
  47. RobM
    May 19, 2009
    8
    Relapse is Eminem's first album in nearly 5 years. It's been a long time coming and because I'm such a big fan of his, I'm still going to love his material, even if alot of people hate it. So I'll try and be impartial for this. To start with, the skits on this album are some of Eminem's best yet, as they seem to flow with the song that follows. For example Relapse is Eminem's first album in nearly 5 years. It's been a long time coming and because I'm such a big fan of his, I'm still going to love his material, even if alot of people hate it. So I'll try and be impartial for this. To start with, the skits on this album are some of Eminem's best yet, as they seem to flow with the song that follows. For example Tonya is followed by Same Song & Dance, both of which have the same moody atmosphere and relevence. As for the music, this album has some of Eminem's best material to date. Songs like 'Beautiful', 'Underground' & 'My Mom' are on a par with songs like 'Lose Yourself' & 'Stan'. Tracks like 'Insane', 'Medicine Ball' & '3 AM' are typical Marshall. Gory, Bloody, Disturbing horror songs. It's a shame '3 AM' is just plain bizzare, espescially because of the weird new accent his had taken up. 'We Made You' is pretty good to be honest, but it's actually one of the worst singles he's released. So theres alot to love about Relapse. The majority of the songs are superb, espescially 'Beautiful' & 'Underground' but there are a couple of duds that somehow prevent this from being a classic. Still, if you've enjoyed Eminem's stuff in the past, it'll be worth picking this up.… Expand
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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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