Eminem - Recovery

Well; I’m not really sure where to start with this one. Just over 10 years ago from now, I heard an album called the Marshall Mathers LP by a rapper named Eminem. It changed my life, my outlook on Hip-Hop as a genre and the way I listen to Music as a whole. Ever since that moment; me, along with millions of other people my age, have followed this man’s career religiously - it’s been a roller coaster ride; however it seems as though he has finally got everything back on track again in 2010.

Throughout the process of making this album there have been pieces of information which made me question where he was going with this project and how much of an improvement we were going to see from his previous effort, Relapse. Only 1 production from Dre and features from Rihanna, Pink & Wayne weren’t the most promising signs for me personally. However; last night I learned one thing - never doubt one of your favourite artists of all time and one of the most talented men to ever pick up a pen & mic. From start to finish this album just, works.

I see Recovery as a collection of everything I’ve loved about Em for the past 10 years, coming together and finally creating the type of Music we all knew was possible for a man with so much talent. I think the main aspect behind this, which makes the album stand out from all his others, is the maturity of themes and content he uses throughout each and every single track. On Relapse and Encore it was impossible to question his flow or the level of lyricism, but what he was talking about didn’t have any passion, thought or meaning. Tracks such as ‘Talkin’ 2 Myself’ and ‘You’re Never Over’ have all of these - they are deep, heartfelt songs that I have been waiting to hear Em do for years and years. It’s been a long time since his guy’s lyrics put a smile on my face, but it’s definitely been worth the wait.

Production wise; this was uncharted territory for Em. Who’d have thought you would ever hear him rapping over Ozzy Osbourne and Haddaway samples? I didn’t - but, it’s all part of what makes this album so very special to listen to. I also never thought I would say this; but, maybe it was a good idea to not rely on Dre so much this time round. We have heard so much of their work together, that it was  a breath of fresh air to hear him over some different/innovative beats. Like most people, I hate making early calls with new albums; however I would go as far in saying that this could be Eminem’s best work to date. Of course the Marshall Mathers LP is the most important piece of music in my life, but this album has everything I love about Em in 17 tracks. He has grown up incredible amounts, and it shows - this album is on another level.

Instant Classic? Yes
Best Album of 2010? Maybe
Best Eminem Album? Maybe
Best Rap Album of All Time? Only time will tell

Recovery is out 22nd June: Pre-order

“F**k my last CD, that shit is in the trash”

Welcome back Marshall.