Revival
by Eminem
User Score
6.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1269 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 690 out of 1269
  2. Mixed: 207 out of 1269
  3. Negative: 372 out of 1269
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  1. emeraldstorm
    Dec 20, 2017
    3
    What do you get when you take the most skilled rapper of all time and have him rap over beats and songs that are mediocre and just not very good? You get something like this album. He needs better songs, it's that simple. The skill and lyricism and all of that are A-1 as always.. but the songs aren't anything I'd like to listen to. With the exception of Framed.
  2. flametail23
    Jul 13, 2019
    3
    A very disappointing album with only a few genuinely good tracks. These being 'Castle' 'Framed' and 'Offended'. A bland beat selection and too many damn pop features are two of this album's most glaring problems.
  3. KoopaTroopa
    Dec 28, 2017
    3
    Revival. Not a revival at all for Eminem. This album is straight up pointless.
  4. antpaca
    Dec 15, 2017
    3
    Sure, he acrobats around lyrically in a way that's technically impressive, but no satisfying flow ever emerges. The uptempo tracks retread the same old ground (with the exception of the occasional political commentary), and the more introspective tracks do the same but with bland, drawn out, forgettable pop choruses. If your wish in 2017 was "Recovery, but worse", you got it. Even nods toSure, he acrobats around lyrically in a way that's technically impressive, but no satisfying flow ever emerges. The uptempo tracks retread the same old ground (with the exception of the occasional political commentary), and the more introspective tracks do the same but with bland, drawn out, forgettable pop choruses. If your wish in 2017 was "Recovery, but worse", you got it. Even nods to MMLP2, Encore, and Relapse seem out of place and half-baked. It's just a mess.… Expand
  5. Jarody
    Feb 18, 2018
    3
    This Album just proves that Eminem has lost his touch as a rapper. It is clear that he still has talent, but the underlying truth is that almost every track on this album sounds the same, none of these tracks have anything that would make them memorable.
    Favourite Tracks: Walk on Water, Bad Husband
    Least Favourite Tracks: Untouchable, Remind Me, Framed, Heat, Offended, Need Me, Castle
  6. MrMemeister
    Dec 16, 2017
    3
    Being impressed by the first single "Walk On Water", I had decent expectations for Eminem's anticipated new album, "Revival", and I have to say I'm surprised. Instead of the pop-infused, polished beats on "Recovery", "Revival" mostly features badly mixed rap-rock, felling like lesser versions of a few cuts from "The Eminem Show". The production ranges from acceptable to downright horribleBeing impressed by the first single "Walk On Water", I had decent expectations for Eminem's anticipated new album, "Revival", and I have to say I'm surprised. Instead of the pop-infused, polished beats on "Recovery", "Revival" mostly features badly mixed rap-rock, felling like lesser versions of a few cuts from "The Eminem Show". The production ranges from acceptable to downright horrible (tracks like "Remind Me" and "Offended" come to mind). Even seasoned producers like Just Blaze ("Like Home") and DJ Khalil ("Castle") give some of their blandest beats in a while, with others like Rick Rubin and Alex da Kid being way off their game. 'Em himself doesn't help much either. While at times sounding emotional and invested in his lines, the actual lines and his flow leave a LOT to be desired ("Believe" and "Chloraseptic"). The topics he covers are the same as before too, making his performances feel tiring. The guests (mostly pop artists) often don't offer anything notable, and while some 'Em fans might enjoy this (80 minute!) project, I highly suggest skipping it.
    Favorites: "Walk On Water", "Like Home", "Arose"
    Least Favorites: "Believe", "Chloraseptic", "Remind Me", "Bad Husband", "Framed", "Heat", "Offended", "Need Me", "In Your Head"    … Expand
  7. upmysleeves
    Dec 21, 2017
    3
    Eminem hugely disappoints with his new release, but what else was anticipated? Firstly, with 2 leading singles, "Untouchable" and "Walk On Water" that have Eminem trying to be conscious and political but coming of as corny and way too pop-y. Secondly, seeing the tracklist and Eminem's features was worrying, to say the least. We have artists like Ed Sheeran and Pink coming on a supposedlyEminem hugely disappoints with his new release, but what else was anticipated? Firstly, with 2 leading singles, "Untouchable" and "Walk On Water" that have Eminem trying to be conscious and political but coming of as corny and way too pop-y. Secondly, seeing the tracklist and Eminem's features was worrying, to say the least. We have artists like Ed Sheeran and Pink coming on a supposedly conscious hip hop album. Then there's Eminem's obsession with female singers singing his hooks, a "gimmick" he hasn't given up on in years. Then we have this album's production. Honestly, Eminem should have went with Dr Dre like the old days, Rubin's production style is kind of dated and doesn't work with the mindset that Eminem had coming into this album. With a few actually good tracks here and there and some vintage Eminem lyrics, that actually prevent me from giving this album a lower score.… Expand
  8. King-Leonidas
    Dec 16, 2017
    3
    I was in utter shock at how horrible this album was. Wtf happened to the eminem that we all knew and loved? I just still can't process the atrocity that this trash was. Eminem pandering? What the hell has the world come to...
  9. JakeJakobson
    Dec 16, 2017
    3
    Eminem used to be a great rapper and he still is but his time is over. I do not see a way how he could influence the scene like he used to in his 30's and I do not think it is his approach anymore. He is rapping for fun not because he want to achieve anything. Sadly, you can hear that.
  10. Magicn
    Jan 5, 2018
    3
    I don't like it is one of his worst albums, I can not believe he was all these years doing nothing to throw this s**t now!
  11. Nick_Mad
    Jan 8, 2018
    3
    I'm not a big fan of Eminem,but I bought all his albums and Revival is the worst album. Bad rhymes,bad text. Everything is bad in this album.
  12. DABBINGBOI
    May 12, 2021
    3
    Honestly, there were some great songs (Walk on Water, Arose, Framed) but overall its Eminem's worst album. His Delivery is poor, and songwriting his ok (for his standards) it's messy, recovery was better, even though i would say Recovery was less emotional. If Eminem made an album with the emotional power of Revival and the delivery, beats (even the tone) of MTBMB SIDE A and B, it could beHonestly, there were some great songs (Walk on Water, Arose, Framed) but overall its Eminem's worst album. His Delivery is poor, and songwriting his ok (for his standards) it's messy, recovery was better, even though i would say Recovery was less emotional. If Eminem made an album with the emotional power of Revival and the delivery, beats (even the tone) of MTBMB SIDE A and B, it could be his greatest album… Expand
  13. Waalpapers
    Aug 24, 2020
    3
    Easily his worst project to date. Awful production, corny lines and mostly poor subject matter. Poorly executed and bad features. 2/3 good songs and overall one of the worst projects I’ve ever listened to
  14. i-kill-me
    Sep 11, 2020
    3
    Worst Eminem album ever.Also the worst collaborates.Please dont listen to the stupid stans who praise this album is nothing but a corny Recovery clone.It hurts to say but this album is a waste of time.
  15. Jsunfun
    Dec 20, 2017
    2
    He needs to either hang it up or stop with the corny, corny, corny jokes, metaphors and wordplay. He started doing these dumb lines in 2009 with Recovery and it's made every album borderline unlistenable since then. I used to be a big Em fan, but he can't make it through an entire verse without at least one cringey line. He's not the GOAT because he's writing some of the worst lyrics ever.He needs to either hang it up or stop with the corny, corny, corny jokes, metaphors and wordplay. He started doing these dumb lines in 2009 with Recovery and it's made every album borderline unlistenable since then. I used to be a big Em fan, but he can't make it through an entire verse without at least one cringey line. He's not the GOAT because he's writing some of the worst lyrics ever.

    He also needs to remember how to ride a beat again. He has his moments on this record, but it's still nothing compared to Till I Collapse, Rain Man, The Way I Am, Lose Yourself, etc.

    On top of those two fatal flaws, the rock hooks on here are atrocious and his pathetic attempts to shock are just sad. Maybe those Cosby jokes and lines about poop would have offended people in 1999 or whatever, but it's 2017 and he's almost 50. It's just sad now.

    The worst part of it is you can tell he still has the ability to be great, but he won't be again unless he makes some serious pivots from the tired crap he's been releasing for the past seven years.    … Expand
  16. piguyerrific
    Dec 15, 2017
    2
    Man, this album is a mess from start to finish. It's an unorganized mess backed by awful Rick Rubin/Alex Da Kid production and cringey, stupid lyrics. So many indefensible lines:

    "'Cause you got an ass that won't quit/So, get on the horn, my saxophone/Grab hold of my instrument, get a grasp, and blow!" "Grab you by the (meow!), hope it's not a problem, in fact/About the only thing I    Man, this album is a mess from start to finish. It's an unorganized mess backed by awful Rick Rubin/Alex Da Kid production and cringey, stupid lyrics. So many indefensible lines:

    "'Cause you got an ass that won't quit/So, get on the horn, my saxophone/Grab hold of my instrument, get a grasp, and blow!"

    "Grab you by the (meow!), hope it's not a problem, in fact/About the only thing I agree on with Donald is that"

    There are countless more examples. What even is is this? Does Eminem think anyone wants to listen to a 45 year old rap about "turd eating" and "asscheek implants?" This is just as cringey as Encore, if not more so. The only part of this album remotely up to par is the last two tracks. Don't bother listening to the rest. It's a slugfest that will only make you miss early 2000's Eminem.    … Expand
  17. LinttaFlamingo
    Dec 22, 2017
    2
    What a rubbish album. Almost all the beats and melodies were boring or annoying, the lyrics were constantly underwhelming despite Eminem's flow and some of the sampling choices are absolutely atrocious and used in a weird way, especially in the song "Remind Me" which was absolute ****.
    The obvious hit song of the album "River" felt way too familiar to his other hit songs especially when    What a rubbish album. Almost all the beats and melodies were boring or annoying, the lyrics were constantly underwhelming despite Eminem's flow and some of the sampling choices are absolutely atrocious and used in a weird way, especially in the song "Remind Me" which was absolute ****.
    The obvious hit song of the album "River" felt way too familiar to his other hit songs especially when it comes to song structure and it was very forgettable. There's also the song "Tragic Endings" which was straight up demo material and felt very out of place, probably a last minute add. There were two songs that were much better, "Nowhere Fast" and "Offended" but they were also very mediocre at best and "Offended" is absolutely ruined by a chorus that's just tosh.

    What a shame.    … Expand
  18. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    2
    A painful listen with unbearable performances from Eminem. He's a corny, watered down, and overall horrendous version of himself on this record. The reason it isn't a 0 or 1 is because of a couple passable verses and a couple really good features (Beyonce and Ed Sheeran).
  19. Iskorka
    Jan 7, 2018
    2
    I can say "It's not hip-hop, it's pop" about Recovery, which is awful, but Revival isn't like this, it's just a piece of garbage. There's a lot of awful mainstream trap-like **** and when the song is not an awful mainstream trap-like **** it's a freaking audio book. There's a few "not this bad" songs and one OK song (Castle), all the others are just a purification of ****
  20. MusicalButter
    Dec 24, 2017
    2
    The album was released with such hype. The sequel to his two other average albums, Relapse and Recovery see Eminem approaching a clear tumble down the ranks. Despite still being one of the most recognised figures in music it doesn't seem to be his prime in this day and age.
  21. CORNROWKENNY
    May 13, 2018
    2
    This is probably Eminems worst album, which is saying a lot. There is no coherence in terms of lyrical content or production except for both being mostly awful.
    The Rick Rubin rock tracks are terrible, the samples are lazy and many beats sound like demos. There are desperate attempts to make a hit, but they sound like pop songs from around 2010. It's like Recovery, but even lazier.    This is probably Eminems worst album, which is saying a lot. There is no coherence in terms of lyrical content or production except for both being mostly awful.
    The Rick Rubin rock tracks are terrible, the samples are lazy and many beats sound like demos. There are desperate attempts to make a hit, but they sound like pop songs from around 2010. It's like Recovery, but even lazier. There's a lot of terrible Eminem singing too.
    The lyrics are often cringeworthy (there are so many terrible punchlines), and there is almost nothing new thematically. Eminem raps about failed relationships, his past drug abuse, being a serial killer, how great he is and occasionally about politics (there isn't nearly as much political stuff on this album as some people claim). Been there, done that. His anti trump hymn is well intentioned, but it brings nothing new to the table and fails to be as biting as his BET freestyle. It's to concerned with being a radio pop hit (which it failed to become).
    The only highiights are the lead single and opening track "Walk on Water", which finds Eminem struggling with his own expectations and those of fans and critics. To bad this humble stance he takes is pointless, since there is so much "I'm the best"-talk on the rest of the album. The other tracks worth listening to close the album out. "Castle" and "Arose" are about Eminems near fatal overdose, and even though we've heard him tell this story a lot by now, the tracks are well crafted and quite touching. They also sound like they belong on the same album, unlike the majority of the songs on here.
    The Rest of "Revival" is just unfocused, badly written and badly produced. One can only wonder why Eminem, on of the best MC's ever, insists on making these poppy albums that sound like they were recorded a decade ago. Without being mastered. It's not like he needs the money or anything, and album sales show that this isn't even what the people want.
    "Revival" sounds like Eminem didn't even really try, and if he did, he's really out of touch with his audience and hip hop in general.    … Expand
  22. freshie
    Jan 9, 2018
    2
    This album was very difficult to listen from beginning to end and give a chance to grow on me. The beats and most melodies are absolutely dismal and often cringe worthy. While I can't fault Eminem's message and lyrical ability that has deservedly granted Em a legendary status; it's hard to hear the messages he's trying to present over such horrid instrumentals and hooks. His new jitterThis album was very difficult to listen from beginning to end and give a chance to grow on me. The beats and most melodies are absolutely dismal and often cringe worthy. While I can't fault Eminem's message and lyrical ability that has deservedly granted Em a legendary status; it's hard to hear the messages he's trying to present over such horrid instrumentals and hooks. His new jitter flow just doesn't work.… Expand
  23. ChrisSoTru
    Feb 26, 2018
    2
    First and foremost, if you're looking for an authentic rap album, get ready to be disappointed.

    Eminem, obviously, is one of the highest ranked rappers of all-time, surpassing those in the rap game with powerful, yet casually controversial lyrics. Post-Encore Eminem had changed up his style to a more serious and concrete tone, and left many rap fans in awe from his last project, TMMLP    First and foremost, if you're looking for an authentic rap album, get ready to be disappointed.

    Eminem, obviously, is one of the highest ranked rappers of all-time, surpassing those in the rap game with powerful, yet casually controversial lyrics. Post-Encore Eminem had changed up his style to a more serious and concrete tone, and left many rap fans in awe from his last project, TMMLP 2. In his album, Eminem gets personal and talks more in-depth with his drug abuse and the impact it left upon Marshall himself, and his family, while taking some personal shots at the POTUS Donald Trump, and sneaking in some tracks that were very "Shady-like" , much to the contradiction of literally everything that Eminem tried to somewhat show us.

    Overall, this album is a mess. A bunch of collaborations featuring a variety of soft-core pop stars to make rather tired out music. It is unsure what purpose this album holds. Judging from the cover, it's supposed to be a political album? A political album that has Em convert back to Slim Shady and tries to cover his other dirty laundry? The album is equivalent to hearing your grandfather ramble on one subject, and inconsistently switching back and forth with the unexpected.

    It is odd seeing Eminem desperately adapt the triple-flow that is dominating the rap game to this date. We've known him for being a creator in the rap game, whether it'd be his hard-hitting sound or his pace on the mic skills. This album is effortless, and tries too hard to get along with the recent demographic of the new generation. It does not help that Dr. Dre has only done around 30 seconds of production on the final product. To have Rick Rubin continue sampling rock into a rap track on a confusing album like this is bound for disaster.

    The light I see upon this album is the vocals from the talents addressed earlier. They are without a doubt efficient when it comes to singing, but I just do not like the oversaturation of them in this tougher genre. You can make a great Eminem album with Skylar Grey, but do not force-feed us with Ed Sheeran and more P!nk. I also found interest on the honest discussions towards Eminems family and his struggle to recuperate after his drug abuse The seriousness of Eminem's personal life is a serious factor that made him so renowned, and that is what carried the second half of this project.

    Sadly, there was too much going on, and too much contradiction against what a real Eminem album should be. As bad as this album was, Eminem should not be doubted if he dares try again in the near future.    … Expand
  24. C_dot
    May 22, 2019
    2
    Eminem becomes everything he hates on this album. He is washed up, making nothing but poor pop tracks and rapping about Trump on the whole album. He shoots for To Pimp A Butterfly, but instead creates a heaping pile of garbage.
  25. SKSK
    Aug 8, 2018
    2
    The album sounds like a demo, a really bad one. I wonder who actually wrote the album, eminem or a 13-year-old. The answer may be both, eminem's immaturity is unquestionable.
  26. rextree
    Feb 24, 2019
    2
    This album, aside from the last two songs, gives me a headache. They relied too much on "Walk on Water" to become the next Bohemian Rhapsody and it didn't work. Will go down as a weak comeback album.
  27. TheHound1
    Mar 14, 2021
    2
    This album is an absolute piece of **** except for like a couple of songs. Too much pop, too much singing, not enough Slim Shady.
  28. Kyle_Peake
    Jan 28, 2020
    2
    A lot of unfitting production and cheesy lyrics, though "River" is a standout track. Outside of that, "Castle" and "Like Home" are the only average songs. As a fan it's disappointing.
  29. Zlatan47
    Jan 17, 2020
    2
    Easily Eminem’s worst album. Three years later, only a handful of songs are worth revisiting, and those aren’t exactly career highs, framed being the stand out
  30. drepoo
    Feb 23, 2020
    2
    It hurts to give Eminem this score... Pop features, bad hooks, weak lyrics spoil the entire album. There are acceptable songs like Bad Husband and Offended if you remove the hooks. But it is unbearable how many annoying features this album has
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Most Discussed Album of 2017
6
#6 Most Shared Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
50

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 24
  3. Negative: 6 out of 24
  1. The Wire
    Feb 23, 2018
    40
    Chosen topics prove less crucial than his relentlessly tedious delivery. [Feb 2018, p.51]
  2. Q Magazine
    Jan 30, 2018
    40
    Eminem has never sounded more like a man out of time. [Mar 2018, p.107]
  3. RapReviews.com
    Jan 18, 2018
    75
    At least a third of the tracks are songs I could do without. The other two-thirds show that whether you love or hate the modern day Marshall Mathers, he's still as relevant as he ever was.
    Read full review
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