Eminem is a bit like marmite. You either love him or you hate him. When I was young and snobbish about music I used to dislike the man, thinking him crude, crass and unnecessarily vulgar. However, I have come round to the idea of Slim Shady and his 'unique' way of articulating his criticisms of the world.
First let me start by saying 'Recovery' is an amazing album, solid throughout and particularly poignant in places. This is not the usual Eminem you might be used to, y'know, being overly opprobrious and not giving a fuck who he offends in the process. Eminem explained that this album was more "emotionally driven" compared to his previous record, 'Relapse', which was just "rap records". This shines through as anger and regret in particular seem to be heavy themes within the context of his past relationships. If you know anything about the man it doesn't take a genius to guess who these lyrics might be aimed at. However, it is the venomous tone with which they are delivered which might throw some people off, or even his return to old conflicts which might seem a little tried and monotonous.
'Recovery' is Eminem's way of apology for previous album, which was panned by critics. This is clearly stated on one track, 'Talkin' 2 Myself', in which he raps "I just want to thank everybody for being so patient/And baring with me over these last couple of years/While I figure this shit out" indicating the personal problems he was going through when writing 'Relapse'. Clearly he comes across as a hurt man in many of his songs, and this album is the medium through which he is exorcising his demons. My personal favourite is the duet with Rihanna, 'Love The Way You Lie', the tale of a couple in a self destructive relationship who would be better off without but are together for the simple reason that they love each other. Who hasn't been there?
What I like about this album is its honesty, and in particular with regards to the way in which he gives you a glimpse into his mind, as if opening up to the audience. In this regard I think he succeeds as an artist. Criticisms of whining and going over the same shit as before aside, this is a solid and enjoyable album, for me at least. Like the man himself, you'll probably either love it or hate it, with not much room left to hold an opinion in between.
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