Eminem's 'Recovery' deserves four stars
Eminem's new album, "Recovery," shows its face June 22. Some may wonder if the songs will live up to the album's name, but I'm sure that fans won't be disappointed. If anything, they'll wonder if other rap artists will bring the same heat.
Eminem's new song "Not Afraid" is continuously playing on the radio, but it's safe to say that "Love the Way You Lie" feating Rihanna will be the mainstream pick of the summer. Not everyone has heard of this song, but once they do, they will soon get sick of hearing it on all the radio stations.
PHOTOS: Eminem's performances
Eminem has come a long way since his Slim Shady alter-ego. His last album, "Relapse," was released in 2009 after a five-year absence due to his addiction to sleeping pills. Dr. Dre and 50 Cent joined Eminem in performing the hit song "Crack a Bottle,'' which won best rap performance by a duo or group at the 52nd Grammy Awards last January.
After his good friend and fellow rapper DeShaun "Proof" Holton was fatally shot during a confrontation outside a nightclub in Detroit, Eminem turned to prescription drugs. The song "You're Never Over" is placed toward the end of the album and is dedicated to his deceased friend. The lyrics say, "And instead of mourning your death, I'd rather celebrate your life, elevate to new height, step on the gas and accelerate, I'm a need two mics."
Eminem is brutally honest in this album. He lets his fans understand what he has been thinking, feeling and going through during the past five years. He raps about not being afraid to rise to the top and to be a better father for his daughter, Haley.
Each song is just as different as the last. Some, like "Going Through Changes," are deeply depressing; and others, like "Cinderella Man" and "Won't Back Down," have a solid beat and are just right for dancing.
This album is about his recovery from relapse. He has matured as an artist by carefully choosing artists like Rihanna, Lil' Wayne, Pink and Kobe to perfectly blend two sides of a story. In "Love the Way you Lie" (Feat. Rihanna), it seems that Eminem has taken on the role of Rihanna's last boyfriend and they both seem to be telling their sides of an abusive relationship. Most of the songs on this album should be easy for fans to relate to. Eminem has a gift for storytelling and tying it all together.
Album Track List:
Talkin' 2 Myself (featuring Kobe)
On Fire
Won't Back Down (featuring Pink)
W.T.P.
Going Through Changes
Not Afraid
Seduction
No Love (featuring Lil' Wayne)
Space Bound
Cinderella Man
25 To Life
So Bad
Almost Famous
Love the Way You Lie (featuring Rihanna)
You're Never Over
Untitled
