Eminem Knows Every Rehab has a 13th Step: Relapse

I’m coming late to the Relapse review party, but I’m here nonetheless, and my thoughts are below.

Meh.

Just kidding, that’s not all I have to say. But seriously. Meh. It’s all right. When most artists disappear for four years and go into such high-profile periods of solitude, their comeback album tends to pack a little more punch.On Relapse, Eminem seems to turn most of the punch on himself, moreso than in past efforts. Quite simply, Relapse is about Eminem, his descent into addiction and where the hell he’s been since we saw him on the public stage last. Songs like “Deja Vu” are dark, compelling accounts of Slim Shady’s personal struggles, and make for a powerful, gut-wrenching anti-drug campaign. Meanwhile “Medicine Ball” explains Em’s motives for returning, essentially saying that coming before an audience and letting himself be torn to shreds by fans and critics alike is part of his therapy. Heavy stuff, even for the guy who spat out “The Way I Am” a decade ago. Amidst those tracks are “Insane”, which follows the theme of Eminem’s screwed-up life but dramatizes it and blows to what would be an offensive proportion if anyone other than Em was saying it. Out of Eminem’s mouth it just sounds like a guy reminiscing on the days of old when every word he said was projected, distorted and used against him by an apprehensive public. Then of course there’s an ode to Eminem’s favorite topic on “My Mom”. Suffice it to say, there’s no lack of thematic substance on Relapse.

Where Relapse suffers is in the music itself. First and foremost, the album is long. At 76 minutes, Eminem’s theatricized self-deconstruction and abuse tries listeners’ patience at best, and flat out bores at worst. The album could easily stand to shave 3 or 4 songs (among them the accidental single “Crack A Bottle”) without losing its core purpose. That aside, Relapse is a mixed bag. Certain moments really work both in terms of the theme of the record and as standalone tracks. The introductory “Dr. West” (Played by Dominic West, aka Jimmy McNulty from The Wire) leading into the twisted, horrific single “3 A.M.” are both incredibly well done. Likewise “Old Time’s Sake” sounds for a few moments like Eminem actually enjoys making this record, like it isn’t a torturous chore or part of his recovery. It’s a terrific track. And even some of the songs detailing Em’s recovery are standouts, like the aforementioned “Deja Vu”. The lesser moments come when Eminem is trying to fulfill what he thinks fans expect from him, that is, when he’s taking potshots at celebrities, as he does on “Bagpipes from Baghdad” and “Same Song & Dance”. The fact is that’s not really what fans want. At least from this fan’s perspective, fans want Eminem to make a record he enjoys from start to finish. If he sounds pained, we’re going to sound pained. And that’s where Relapse starts to fall apart.

However, I take comfort in the fact that Shady makes it perfectly clear there’s a second installment on the way. Hopefully Slim Shady strikes back with a healthy dose of fury and brimstone on the next album.

Final Score: 5.3/10
Eminem – Old Time’s Sake (Feat. Dr. Dre) [iTunes] (YSI)

==TJ==