So, I decided to come back today to the latest Em release. I'm doing this for a couple reasons - 1) I'm even on all my genre reviews 2) I've been listening to this a lot over the last couple weeks and 3) I feel like some of my New Music Tuesday releases are too open ended. I didn't even give my Top 3 on this one last time, and I feel like some of you enjoy comparing Top 3's and reviews - so why not? I won't fully retort my feelings at first impression - you can look that up if you'd like. But I feel like my initial response was spot on. This album isn't amazing, but it's really good. It's better than Relapse - mostly because of no voice, but Em is back spitting hard on the mic. Now, some songs the lyrics are actually pretty sloppy. Even the popular 'Not Afraid' has some spots where you listen and think, "Really? That's the best rhyme you could come up with?" Example 'F**k the world feed it beans, it's gased up, if it think's it's stopping me.' Come on. I mean, it works and it flows - but listening to that it makes you wonder for a song that's obviously very intense, and you can tell has meaning to Em and his struggle to get free from drugs and get straight with his family - why put lyrics in there that are almost comical? I don't really get it. I also wish he'd have collaborated with more people on this album. I love the Rihanna and Lil Wayne ones, and I feel like Em always sets a standard when coming on other peoples tracks. The BoB 'Airplanes 2' and Drake's 'Forever' are prime examples. It's like when he has another hot rapper to compete against, it brings out the fire that Em needs. Having said that, none of the songs are bad - but some are too plain for the standards he's set. But the songs that kill it, really kill it. 25 To Life is almost Pac like with 'Me And My Girlfriend'. He goes through talking about what seems like his wife and all the problems and issues they have - but then BAM! He's talking about the rap game. And it takes it up a notch. The songs where he's not trying to sell records and be poppy, make me melt inside with desire to listen to more, and more. I can't even imagine a cd full of just those types of tracks. It would be amazing. Maybe one day. Until then, this is more than worth listening to. You'll find at least 6 tracks you'll love. I promise.
TRACK LISTING:
1. Cold Wind Blows
2. Talkin' to Myself
3. On Fire
4. Won't Back Down
5. W.T.P.
6. Going Through Changes
7. Not Afraid
8. Seduction
9. No Love
10. Space Bound
11. Cinderella Man
12. 25 to Life
13. So Bad
14. Almost Famous
15. Love the Way You Lie
16. You're Never Over
17. Untitled
Listen To Samples
Top 3 Tracks:
1. Space Bound
2. 25 To Life
3. Love The Way You Lie OR No Love
FINAL RATING:
4.25 out of 5 stars
Okay, so I *slightly* disagree. I would call this album "Great" as I can listen the whole way through, I pretty much only don't enjoy 2 tracks on the whole thing. I think Eminem living up to expectations makes a great album, and he definitely does on this one. I would give it 4.9/5 stars :) I am just so happy he is back with an album I love, it's been a while!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment Angie!
ReplyDeleteI know we've discussed at length, but to reiterate my feelings for others, I LOVE 6 tracks on this and like all but 2. I think it's getting there. He's really close to releasing his first non-killing people, weird lyrics album that's 5 stars.
It's a great start, and I look forward to the next one. Still a great record.