Welcome to the first installment of the Skip/Pause column. I'm here to let you know what music is worth pausing to listen to and what you can skip out on. This summer, the music industry has been reeling from lower-than-ever sales and some are wondering if it's possible to even recover from these dark times. One man was looked to, on merits of his past accomplishments. Could Eminem be the man to inspire hope once again? Last year's Relapse was the second best-selling album of the year, bested only by Susan Boyle's debut. Could Marshall Mathers work his magic again and turn things around? Is Recovery worth a spin?
I found myself questioning "Not Afraid" as a lead single, as I made my way through the album. "Not Afraid" is a good comeback single, no doubts there. However, while it deals in themes similar to Recovery as a whole, it might lure fans into a sense that Marshall has calmed down and is now relatively happy. That notion is quickly punted through a window and left to fall into the trash. I'd compare this to The Marshall Mathers LP for overall feel and style. There are a few guest appearances, but mostly it's a strong effort from the maniacal MC. His rap style returns to "warped".
Most of Eminem's discography has an "Introudction" track, wether it be the "Public Service Announcement" skits of the first two albums or the "Dr. West" skit from last album. Recovery kicks off with "Cold Wind Blows", which lets you know that Marshall has not calmed down. While Relapse felt a bit like The Slim Shady LP (raps about drugs, depression, and murder), this one is definitely more akin to the uncaged rage found on The Marshall Mathers LP. In fact, I found myself questioning the decision to have "Not Afraid" as the lead single, since it has a calm, triumphant feel to it. While Em just got sober and seems to have found a new lease on life and rapping, he's still got a couple of screws up in his head loose. The hook explains, "I'm as cold as the cold wind blows/ when it snows and it's twenty below/ Ask me why man I just don't know..." It's an inherent trait of Slim Shady, it seems.
The second track, "Talking 2 Myself", has single potential. It features the heartfelt vocals of Kobe (not believed to be Bryant) in between introspective verses. Whereas "Cold Wind Blows" assaulted the listener with deranged raps, it's clear that Eminem was in a dark place with this one. "Is anybody out there/ It feels like I'm talking to myself/ No one seems to know my struggle..." the hook cries out. Egomaniacal delusions and feelings of isolation are at the heart of this 5-minute track and are aimed right at the listener's heart. There's definitely a sense of desperation here and the track is that much better for its raw emotional take. One of the memorable parts on the whole album comes in this one: "It's different, the last 2 albums didn't count/ Encore, I was
on drugs/ Relapse I was flushing 'em out/ I've come to make it up to you, no more f***ing around/ I got something to prove to fans 'cause I feel like I let 'em down...". This one is a must-hear, if only for its raw honesty
alone.
Another similar trait to Marshall Mathers LP is the rock-influenced beats with savage delivery. "Won't Back Down" (featuring a guest appearance from P!nk) is definitely workout material. It's not hard to imagine a band like The Roots backing Marshall with his relentless delivery. Even if you don't like the lyrics, it's hard to deny the flow on this one. If you ever thought that he'd lost a step, listen to this one.
"Not Afraid" features Em's impassioned/borderline-upset tone, that is a staple of Recovery. It is truly an empowering song, and almost everyone I know likes this song for one reason or another. Even non-fans are listening to it, singing along to the catchy, upbeat hook. The video:
"Seduction" is a different flavor, positing Marshall as a mack. The beat is atmospheric and I like it. It's kind of a haunting beat, really, almost as chilling as the idea that Eminem is going to come along and steal your girlfriend.
"25 To Life" features more top-notch storytelling from double-M. This one is definitely must-hear, if only for the end reveal. Another empowering, "rise up" track, this one is a scorned lover going off on the other party. One would assume it's Ki- wait, Em said he still loves Kim earlier (hear: "Going Through Changes"). The other quick assumption is drugs and you'll have to listen to find out the truth. The final reveal
commands another listen.
"Almost Famous" has a... unique beat. Words like "sadistic" and "sneering" come to mind when I try to think of adjectives to describe it. It's made more creepy but Em's looney-bin lyrics. The whole thing is creepy to the max, but still fun and will have you bobbing your head. It also features some of Em's crazier rhymes. "I stuck my d*** in this game like a rapist/ call me Slim Roethlisberger... Beat his a** naked, pee'd in his corner like Verne Troyer/ Y'all are Eminem backwards, you're meni-me... They don't like they can all get f***ed, instead of sucking him off/ They can go get a belt or a neck tie, to hang themselves by/ Like David Carridine, they can go f*** themselves and just die!..." "Almost Famous" has some of the best wordplay on the whole album, though there are gems throughout.
The guest appearances run the gamut of quality. P!nk has a bit of a rough voice, but it works in the context of a song called "Won't Back Down". Ozzy Osbourne is sampled, his trademark voice declaring, in an almost haunting tone, "I'm going through changes". Lil Wayne is featured on "No Love" and in my opinion, brings the track down. From his lighter being flicked at the beginning, his reminder of "Young Money", his annoying voice, lazy delivery, and the fact that he over-enunciates as if he was John Malkovich.
The shining guest appearance, and already a top download, is Rihanna on "Love The Way You Lie". A soft-rock guitar backs Em's tale of torn lovers and Rihanna's impassioned crooning. This one is going to be a big hit, matching the storytelling of "Stan". On paper, this one is a "So epic I couldn't even think of it" match-up. It's even more crazy when you hear the lyrics and try to imagine the pitch to Rihanna. The track features a relationship gone abusive and the aftermath of it.... Something Rihanna knows a little bit about. But Recovery features a lot of cathartic release, and I'm sure Rihanna got some of her own.
The album closes down with "You're Never Over", an ode to Proof. I'm not a huge fan of the song, but I can respect the idea of honoring his fallen best friend. It's a suitable enough way to leave things, especially with the theme from 'The Lost Boys' sampled.
Well, there's an unlisted track, aptly titled "Untitled". It's got a Tim-Burton-esque beat. I've yet to make it all the way through the track, truth be told.
Overall, I'd give it an 8/10. This one is worth a
PAUSE While not every track is an A+, there are more hits than misses. There's a lot to like on this album, even if you don't like everything. If you had any doubt before, Eminem
is back.
Rihanna prowled around the pool at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas wearing an extremely low-cut leopard-print swimsuit.
