Recovery
by Eminem
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 1313 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,099 out of 1313
  2. Mixed: 113 out of 1313
  3. Negative: 101 out of 1313

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  1. Muhammadomer
    Aug 18, 2011
    10
    this album is the best album ever. love the way you lie is the best track ever. this is eminem coming back to form. much more serious and emotional album. eminem proves that he is the king of hip hop after releasing this album. just love it.
  2. jakerthetaker
    Jun 22, 2011
    10
    The best eminem album yet. Tons of classic beats and lyrics. Also, many people featured in his songs are perfectly integrated to keep the eminem feel, while still giving their own individual touch.
  3. Terexin
    Nov 12, 2011
    10
    One of my favorite albums to date, it was a much better follow up album after Relapse. I still listen to this album frequently even a year after its release.
  4. iAGR
    Nov 16, 2011
    10
    I really like Eminem's new songs, I don't understand why anyone would hate this album. All I see is people saying "What is this? I want the old Em back!". Listen, there never was old or new Eminem, there is only Eminem and his decisions. Every song on this album is worth listening, although there are a couple songs that get tiring already after listened to 5 times or so.
  5. TrayBlaze
    Nov 24, 2011
    10
    Great album, haters cant hate that this dude is beyond anyones level. his lyrics are too good and just cuz he doesnt talk about beating women/drugs/homos doesnt mean he doesnt have talent, those who want to listen to that. which i still do, go listen to slim shady lp, marshall mathers lp (which is my fav album). recovery is still better than ENCORE...which was his worst.
  6. JoshuaStDenis
    Jun 5, 2012
    10
    After his relatively weak "Relapse" album, and after the short break from the music scene, Eminem comes back with a solid return to form with his best album since "The Eminem Show".
  7. Brad7991
    Jul 21, 2012
    10
    My personal favourite from the best rapper that ever lived. low points WTP, Almost Famous and Untitled (I still like the songs but there not as good as the others.) Best songs are On Fire, Not Afraid, Seduction, No Love (my favourite), Space Bound, Cinderella Man, 25 To Life and Love The Way You Lie.
  8. cameronmorewood
    Nov 9, 2012
    10
    Dark and twisted, yet heartfelt and passionate, this is Eminem's best release. It burns with emotion, and really cuts to your core.
  9. MrThehammer171
    May 16, 2013
    10
    his best ablum ever that will never beat ever
  10. Pranay6
    Mar 16, 2014
    10
    With Recovery Eminem recovers after giving Encore and Relapse.
    Not Afraid is a courage giving Anthem.
    Love the way you lie tells about complex love-hate relationship.
  11. DessieDeratta
    Nov 14, 2013
    10
    Stunning...the best album since maybe The Eminem show. And I'm not just talking Eminem.....

    Can't match the IMPACT of MMLP1 (you can't be the first man on the moon ever since Neil Armstrong went there) but in terms of this man's genius this could be #1.
  12. Hypocritics
    Dec 15, 2013
    10
    Im going to go ahead and EXPOSE METACRITIC AS GARBAGE real quick, if anyone wants to stick around...

    Eminem goes unforgiving hard-as-nails in-your-face and mad-as-hell on MMLP1, and Metacritic slams him for being over the top. They claim the classic was a 78, and Yeezus, the ten song experimental embarrassment that Kanye can't get over 3.2 stars on Itunes, is an 85. Ok, fine. He    Im going to go ahead and EXPOSE METACRITIC AS GARBAGE real quick, if anyone wants to stick around...

    Eminem goes unforgiving hard-as-nails in-your-face and mad-as-hell on MMLP1, and Metacritic slams him for being over the top. They claim the classic was a 78, and Yeezus, the ten song experimental embarrassment that Kanye can't get over 3.2 stars on Itunes, is an 85. Ok, fine.

    He lightens up on The Eminem Show, and Metacritic says it's too soft and they've heard it all before. 75.

    He mixes in other artists and dumbs down the "Slim Shady" persona on The Reup, and they absolutely trash it and say he's lost his voice. 50. A 50, supposedly a worse album than IANAHB 2.
    Do You Sense the Bullsh.it Yet.....

    He brings back Slim Shady as violent yet comedic as ever on Relapse, and they say he's forcing the issue. 59.

    He changes his content for the more mature, stays witty, address' his past demons and shows immense growth as an artist on Recovery, and they say he's boring. 63.

    THEN, on MMLP2, he combines Recovery, MMLP, and the Eminem Show in an experimental, mature, hard-as-nails, yet emotional reflection on his career, and they give it a 73. Thats 7 points worse than Teflon Don, by Rick Ross.

    METACRITIC: WHAT THE ACTUAL F*CK ARE YOU DOING.    … Expand
  13. Emmy
    Apr 5, 2020
    10
    This album reminded me of eminem show when it was released, not one track i could skip from start to finish. It was a real come back record.
  14. Shady313
    Mar 22, 2015
    10
    10/10 ................................................................................................................................................
  15. aftermath96
    Feb 4, 2018
    10
    the first listen to this album i wasn't feeling it, but then it grow up on me and really well, the best project from 2010 definitely
  16. Stefffan
    Aug 8, 2017
    10
    I'm starting to think that this USER SCORE is more accurate than the critic's score. He once again proves that he is the one of the greatest. Love The Way You Lie - eternal song. Not Afraid, Space Bound & No Love are great too.
  17. Dragonfly02
    Mar 4, 2018
    10
    In this album, he was more honest and apologetic than his other projects. I love this side of Eminem. I don't like Slim Shady at all.
  18. SuchiB14
    Nov 1, 2018
    10
    People say this is too commercial, too pop oriented etc. but I feel this is **** amazing. I'm not going to list songs, because i like every song on the album. 10/10
  19. Connorcox1997
    Feb 13, 2019
    10
    Eminem still proves that he's one of the best Rappers in the game and his best album since the Eminem Show. Definley love this album. I highly recommended it.
  20. ArkodeepSen
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    Insant classic. This is the best album of all time. Nothing can be better than this. This is the greatest piece of music.
  21. Jr88
    Jan 19, 2020
    10
    Better album than most of some pop albums. This is the truly comeback for Eminem.
  22. JrsMwn
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    The emotion and heart put on this album and great lyrical display by Eminem makes the album one of the classics in hip hop
  23. Grrrsta
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Classic ..............................................................................
    ..............................................................................
  24. slimshady99
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    This album shout every one facking mouth its was pure fire thanks agian em ❤️
  25. Ryanscaggs
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
  26. JustNed
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good… Expand
  27. nikola97
    Jan 25, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A beautiful album, you feel his regrets and all his emotions as he struggles through recovering from being an addict. He truly pulled himself out of hell, a very special album to me, as I was also struggling during this time, was good knowing I wasn’t the only one… Expand
  28. Keneilwe
    Mar 5, 2020
    10
    With Wind Blows and Won’t Back Down giving us rock-ish vibes, this album takes us on Eminem’s emotional roller coaster regarding his addiction and personal demons and his effort to conquer them as portrayed in Cinderella Man; Not Afraid and Talking 2 Myself This album isn’t for you if you’re still clinging on to the old drugged up Marshall because I’m this album he’s over that becauseWith Wind Blows and Won’t Back Down giving us rock-ish vibes, this album takes us on Eminem’s emotional roller coaster regarding his addiction and personal demons and his effort to conquer them as portrayed in Cinderella Man; Not Afraid and Talking 2 Myself This album isn’t for you if you’re still clinging on to the old drugged up Marshall because I’m this album he’s over that because this “was his decision to be clean” he didn’t do it for us or to find validation, he DID IT FOR HIMSELF Respect all the way!… Expand
  29. Shenossih
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    Although it's a great project, I hate to think about it cuz this was the seed to turn pop. And I blame all those who praised it 'because it was a little poppy-flavored.' It made him continue that until forever. It changed him forever ffs. Relapse >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Recovery
  30. Goorman1996
    Jun 21, 2020
    10
    In my opinion - his best album. I good remember those times when i was a teenager, hanging out in the streets with my friends and don't care about nothing, just enjoying life at it's fullest sense of a word. I guess that was the only album where Eminem was speaking from his heart, without using any alter-egos, that's one of the main thing that make this album so unique, still to this day.
  31. PureWheel9
    Jul 8, 2020
    10
    This is a great cd. Eminem rocks and for all of you people who do not like him, then there is something wrong with you in the head.
  32. LogosKal
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    This **** is the greatest album of the 2010s that why it is the best selling rap album of the 2010s
  33. Malakamartinez
    Nov 15, 2022
    10
    My favorite Em album. Period. I'm not saying his best but it's absolutely underrated and it shoud receive much more respect. It contains two of the greatest hits in the history of pop-rap and rap and, in general, every song has a special energy, the same energy that Eminem wasn't able to put in Relapse. "Not Afraid", "Cinderella Man", "Love The Way You Lie", "Cold Wind Blows", "Talkin' 2My favorite Em album. Period. I'm not saying his best but it's absolutely underrated and it shoud receive much more respect. It contains two of the greatest hits in the history of pop-rap and rap and, in general, every song has a special energy, the same energy that Eminem wasn't able to put in Relapse. "Not Afraid", "Cinderella Man", "Love The Way You Lie", "Cold Wind Blows", "Talkin' 2 Myself" the best songs. I consider it a classic and laugh at the critics everytime I read some reviews like the one of Pitchfork ahah. 1 page and a half to say that this album can't give the audience the idea of what Em was going through and that the songs are corny. No motivations, no points of view, no interpretations, no lyrics breakdown, nothing. Just opinions like the ones we are expressing in the comments here, the difference is that they get paid to write things that don't make any sense.… Expand
  34. mckenniegoat
    Nov 22, 2022
    10
    one of the best rappers to ever entered the game. thanks Em,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
  35. todaywasagooday
    Dec 1, 2022
    10
    One of the best albums of 2010. Period. The perfect mix between pop and rap. Production is good but the best part are Em's lyrics. A lot of americans say that this album is mid but you don't realize that US are not the only country in the world and this album absolutely ruled every chart in Europe. When we speak about Eminem we speak about a music type made for everyone, something thatOne of the best albums of 2010. Period. The perfect mix between pop and rap. Production is good but the best part are Em's lyrics. A lot of americans say that this album is mid but you don't realize that US are not the only country in the world and this album absolutely ruled every chart in Europe. When we speak about Eminem we speak about a music type made for everyone, something that Kendrick and Kanye can't match and their sales in Europe and other countries outside the US tell you why.… Expand
  36. JohnJ.
    Jun 22, 2010
    9
    Em has matured, I really enjoyed his old stuff, and I believe this album shows that he still has it, and his new style still has mainstream appeal. I believe the next album will be even closer to MMLP/SSLP style work. This album accurately reflected his experiences over the past few years, and critics don't seem to appreciate it. Most believe 25 to life is about Kim LOL. Great album, Em has matured, I really enjoyed his old stuff, and I believe this album shows that he still has it, and his new style still has mainstream appeal. I believe the next album will be even closer to MMLP/SSLP style work. This album accurately reflected his experiences over the past few years, and critics don't seem to appreciate it. Most believe 25 to life is about Kim LOL. Great album, his third best in my opinion, maybe fourth. The next one will be even better I hope. Production seems a bit loose, but lyrics are tight as ever, 9.… Expand
  37. RobY
    Jun 22, 2010
    9
    I'm a lackluster eminem fan, and I typically tend to agree with Pitchfork, but it would seem PF and some of these other critics. His last two releases have been boring and uninspired. Recovery is his answer to those releases and he answers triumphantly. This album will eventually be regarded as one of the best, if not the best, of his career. Don't buy into the negative hype and I'm a lackluster eminem fan, and I typically tend to agree with Pitchfork, but it would seem PF and some of these other critics. His last two releases have been boring and uninspired. Recovery is his answer to those releases and he answers triumphantly. This album will eventually be regarded as one of the best, if not the best, of his career. Don't buy into the negative hype and hegative critical trends. It's not popular to like Eminem among critical circles right now, but this album may well prove his masterpiece. It's that good!… Expand
  38. MichaelB
    Jun 23, 2010
    9
    Don't listen to the critics, especially not jayson greene at pitchfork, this album is one of the better albums I've heard in the past couple years, certainly eminem's best since the eminem show.
  39. AJ
    Jun 23, 2010
    9
    A near perfect album, his best in years. At first I wasn't impressed, but now I love it more every time I listen to it.
  40. gurjb
    Jun 23, 2010
    9
    Not the biggest eminem fan but i can fully understand why this is being labelled a classic. His lyrical ability can stimulate the imagination and one song to the next on this recovery album sees the listener indulge in a vast array of emotions and the music also allows relation to eminems music especially 'Love the way you lie' its a great album but one downpoint is instead of Not the biggest eminem fan but i can fully understand why this is being labelled a classic. His lyrical ability can stimulate the imagination and one song to the next on this recovery album sees the listener indulge in a vast array of emotions and the music also allows relation to eminems music especially 'Love the way you lie' its a great album but one downpoint is instead of passion on many tracks of the album it tilts to aggression which deters its effect,but never the less a great rap album for 2010 and with eminems and drakes albums both getting great approval it shows how much hip hop has grown with two completely different albums but both great and both hip hop.… Expand
  41. kb9h2opolo
    Jun 24, 2010
    9
    Awesome except for a few tracks "meh" songs --> no love, your never over, seduction, wtp and talkin to myself... Awesome tracks--> love the way you lie, almost famous, cinderella man, space bound, cold wind blows, 25 to life, wont back down Good not great--> not afraid, going through changes, so bad, the bonus track and on fire.
  42. JDDubbleya
    Jun 26, 2010
    9
    Great album. Wordplay and lyricism is by far at the top of the game, and possibly top of his game. The content vaires from what were used to from Em, but he has been through a lot and he has matured and come out on the other side. Generally good production but not great. The production of the album is in my mind what makes it a 9 and not a 10.
  43. AndrewS
    Jun 22, 2010
    9
    Near perfection, return to the top, modern, great beats and samples, new producers, current flavour, a true classic.
  44. GreggK.
    Jun 22, 2010
    9
    Much better than last CD. Tight rhymes and hooks. Nice flowin Em.
  45. JakeA.
    Jun 22, 2010
    9
    The majority of negative reviews for this album seem to be production based. I like that the lyrics seem to be the central thesis on this album. I guess if kanye produced this people would have been freaking out. much better than his last two.
  46. DavidM.
    Jun 22, 2010
    9
    All in all lives up to the hype, now with the bonus tracks (actually very very dope indeed and not just fillers) it's a pretty amazing album!
  47. BlazeM.
    Jun 22, 2010
    9
    Very good album. It's not often that 8 or so songs off one album make it to my ipod. There are some songs that don't capture my attention quite as well, but the overall experience is fairly strong due to: Going Through Changes, Seduction, Space Bound, Cinderella Man, 25 to Life, Almost Famous, Love the Way You Lie, and Untitled.
  48. AndrewH
    Jun 22, 2010
    9
    I don't understand some of these reviews so far. I have listened to the Album twice. the guy from the Guardian couldnt even get the lyrics right ffs!. I feel as though the genre of Hip-Hop, should be reviewed by actual Hip-Hop enthusiasts, because the reviewers so far, seem to be confused to what Hip-Hop and this Album actually represents. 'Recovery' The songs, for most I don't understand some of these reviews so far. I have listened to the Album twice. the guy from the Guardian couldnt even get the lyrics right ffs!. I feel as though the genre of Hip-Hop, should be reviewed by actual Hip-Hop enthusiasts, because the reviewers so far, seem to be confused to what Hip-Hop and this Album actually represents. 'Recovery' The songs, for most parts definately fall into place with the Album Title. And lyrically, Eminem strikes as desperate to get the fans back on his side, after at least 4 years living in his own little world. And even though there is something like an unwritten Law into a Rapper to NEVER show his weakness, This Album tells a story of his 'Recovery' and also His struggles. Songs like 'Not Afraid', 'Love the way you lie', FT Rihanna, 'Talkin to myself', ft Kobe, '25 to life' , 'space bound' and … Expand
  49. chada.
    Jun 22, 2010
    9
    Great album Better hooks and more polished production and it would be a classic! A must have for any true Eminem fan Skillful metaphors and fierce wordplay culminate Eminem's best effort since 2002 A Must-buy.
  50. JusL
    Jun 22, 2010
    9
    Best Rap Album in Years, How is Drakes and BOB's piece of a shit albums rated better than eminem's latest recovery album on this web site. All i have to do is laugh. He is 100 bars above any one else in the game. Just imagine if dre produced this whole album it would have been one of the greatest of the last two decades. too bad he didnt and that is the only downfall of this Best Rap Album in Years, How is Drakes and BOB's piece of a shit albums rated better than eminem's latest recovery album on this web site. All i have to do is laugh. He is 100 bars above any one else in the game. Just imagine if dre produced this whole album it would have been one of the greatest of the last two decades. too bad he didnt and that is the only downfall of this album it doesn't have dre's prefection.… Expand
  51. Jeff
    Jun 23, 2010
    9
    This is one of Eminems best albums vy far, his intensity, and lyrics are reminiscent of the MMLP, his metaphors on this album are ridiculous, noone evern close to his level of wordplay, its one if not his most honest personal album, I actually thought Relapse was one of his best albums, lyrically it was amazing, but when you hear Recovery, he elevates to a whole new level. These so called This is one of Eminems best albums vy far, his intensity, and lyrics are reminiscent of the MMLP, his metaphors on this album are ridiculous, noone evern close to his level of wordplay, its one if not his most honest personal album, I actually thought Relapse was one of his best albums, lyrically it was amazing, but when you hear Recovery, he elevates to a whole new level. These so called critics don't know shit when it comes to lyrics, Its true, no matter how awesome an album is, he still will never ever get the props he deserves, "On Fire" he talks about that to some degree. Overall a fantastic album that any hip hop fan should buy, cuz like he has said so many times before, he's back!!… Expand
  52. JamesS.
    Jun 25, 2010
    9
    Great album...I'm sick of the funny, joking, waste of time Eminem has filled some albums with. This is real from top to bottom.
  53. MikeG
    Jun 25, 2010
    9
    Sick album. Don't understand what the critics are talking about. He got criticism for shallowness, but he talks about losing his best friend, picking up from his drug struggles, and compares how he felt about hip hop then and now. There is actual meaning behind his lyrics. No clue how drake can get a better rating by complaining about how hard it is to be rich & famous (something Sick album. Don't understand what the critics are talking about. He got criticism for shallowness, but he talks about losing his best friend, picking up from his drug struggles, and compares how he felt about hip hop then and now. There is actual meaning behind his lyrics. No clue how drake can get a better rating by complaining about how hard it is to be rich & famous (something literally none of his listeners can relate to) with mediocre lyrics when eminem actually talks about different authentic problems with incredibly complex rhyme schemes. Excellent album and one of his best.… Expand
  54. TommyK
    Jun 25, 2010
    9
    This album has shown why Eminem is on the level of the all time greats. His records evoke different emotions and with great variety. Unlike his last album "Relapse" this album isn't in a accent. This complements the subject matter of the raps. He mainly raps about his deceased best friend Proof from D12, his struggle with drugs, and his comeback to rap.
  55. Noirling
    Jun 25, 2010
    9
    I don't understand music critics, I suppose, because this album is excellent. There were at least 5 songs on it that I would deem hit worthy. The rest were 4 and 3 star quality. It's time to get off the HATE EMINEM bus, people. This stuff is touching and tight. Peep it.
  56. PeyotrS.
    Jun 26, 2010
    9
    What I love about this album, and Eminem in general; is his self-awareness. He realizes his last two albums were shit; he knows he's white trash, and he's never unnerved to admit it. I love his boldness. Sometimes I do resent the fact that he's almost overly vulgar, but it gives it a raw feeling, and he's unabashed by it. The beats and chorus are very "pop" oriented, What I love about this album, and Eminem in general; is his self-awareness. He realizes his last two albums were shit; he knows he's white trash, and he's never unnerved to admit it. I love his boldness. Sometimes I do resent the fact that he's almost overly vulgar, but it gives it a raw feeling, and he's unabashed by it. The beats and chorus are very "pop" oriented, but it doesn't detract at all from his overwhelming talent as an MC. I previously had no interest in Eminem before I'd listened to this album, but I felt a real genuine sense of sentimentality; that's not too overbearing, and a sense of escape from his floundering career that can be described as nothing but inspiring.… Expand
  57. ChaseB
    Jun 22, 2010
    9
    This is definitely a great album. Yes, it's true that his lyrics seem to stumble about in some places, but on the whole, it is a great record, and a grand return to form by THE master rapper.
  58. robert
    Jun 22, 2010
    9
    Eminems best since TES. The best hip hop record of the year. Seduction, Cinderella Man, 25 to life, and Talkin to Myself rank among Eminems best. Flow is insane, Beats (especially DJ KHalils and Just Blaze) are hot. Once again you get to hear Eminem outrap Lil Wayne. The Proof tribute You're never over is long overdue, but worth the wait. The secret track is produced by Havoc, and is Eminems best since TES. The best hip hop record of the year. Seduction, Cinderella Man, 25 to life, and Talkin to Myself rank among Eminems best. Flow is insane, Beats (especially DJ KHalils and Just Blaze) are hot. Once again you get to hear Eminem outrap Lil Wayne. The Proof tribute You're never over is long overdue, but worth the wait. The secret track is produced by Havoc, and is a good sign of things to come. Another classic, by one of the best.… Expand
  59. Alex
    Jun 22, 2010
    9
    I really am surprisd at the response of some 'critics'. This album is up their with 'The Eminem Show' his skill as a emcee is second to none. Yes, there are times when his flow doesnt link but when he does it such a complex way it is bound to happen, it is not perfect but deserves a much better response. His metaphors and lyrical word play are superb. the humour is I really am surprisd at the response of some 'critics'. This album is up their with 'The Eminem Show' his skill as a emcee is second to none. Yes, there are times when his flow doesnt link but when he does it such a complex way it is bound to happen, it is not perfect but deserves a much better response. His metaphors and lyrical word play are superb. the humour is still there but this time were getting a more real eminem. Ive been a fan since the slim shady lp and its good that eminem has matured because his fan base has matured aswell. the thing that disappointed me about relapse was taht it was to much like the slim shady lp. Hes bigger than that now, he doesnt need to shock and be as crude as possible (which he does anyway), we wanna hear the truth and thats just what we get, its the perfect combination. The only weak track on this album is W.T.P, every other track from production to performance is amazing and it really is a shame he is not getting this credability. good thing the user score is high to show the fans who really know what there talking about other than these bullshit journalist who give bad reviews just to seem smarter than they acctually are when they dont even know what theyre talking about. As Marshal says himself 'next time you blog try and spit a flow.… Expand
  60. mysteriousfields
    Jun 22, 2010
    9
    The critics score for this album is far too low. I think this is a very strong album the only reason I didn't give it a 10 is because there is no real hip hop hooks like in his early days. I don't mind that fact that most of the hooks are more pop orientated but sometimes it doesn't work like eminem singing the hook on your never over, that track has stellar verses but the The critics score for this album is far too low. I think this is a very strong album the only reason I didn't give it a 10 is because there is no real hip hop hooks like in his early days. I don't mind that fact that most of the hooks are more pop orientated but sometimes it doesn't work like eminem singing the hook on your never over, that track has stellar verses but the hook doesn't sound very good. All in all though I wrote this because i think the score for this album is faaaar too low.… Expand
  61. ZakeryL.
    Jun 23, 2010
    9
    Possibly the best album yet... sure it has its flaws but he's back back again shadys back... best song on the album is either your never over or not afraid hands down
  62. YasserR
    Jun 23, 2010
    9
    I really like this album. Its really more then what i could have hoped. An truly fantastic album and a must buy for any Eminem fan.
  63. RobM
    Jun 24, 2010
    9
    Recovery is Eminem's best album since The Eminem Show and is, in my opinion, his third best album so far (behind the Marshall Mathers LP and The Eminem Show respectfully). 90% of the material on this CD is absolutely brilliant and getting rid of the pointless skits was an inspired decision. Theres no more Steve Burman or Ken Keneff... thank god. An amazing album.
  64. Anon
    Jun 25, 2010
    9
    This is his best effort since The Eminem Show. The tracks "On Fire, WTP, Seduction, Untitled" leave something to be desired, but at a total of 17 tracks strong, there is a ton of quality music. Space Bound, Cinderella Man, Love the Way You Lie, You're Never Over are all pleasant surprises. The album lacks a goofy MTV hit song, which may hurt it
  65. OkotieO
    Jun 25, 2010
    9
    He expressed his felt feelings, i particularly love No love, the way to lie, crazy about space bound.... the melancholic reality of talking 2 myself... its a pass 4 me.
  66. KennyJ.
    Jun 25, 2010
    9
    The album proves Eminem's back for real and registers as his third best album only behind "The Marshall Mathers LP" and "The Eminem Show".Screw the critics on this one,they definitely too deaf and can't tell how good the record is.
  67. F.S.
    Jun 25, 2010
    9
    Been a fan for a while, and I have to admit I was really saddened by Encore, and Relapse to some extent, but this sh@t it great! It is about the same as Eminem Show...beats are good to great, but what really stands out are the lyrics...dude is killing it! I remember when I really loved Snoop off of Doggystyle, but then after that he never rapped the same...not Em, this guy is THE best Been a fan for a while, and I have to admit I was really saddened by Encore, and Relapse to some extent, but this sh@t it great! It is about the same as Eminem Show...beats are good to great, but what really stands out are the lyrics...dude is killing it! I remember when I really loved Snoop off of Doggystyle, but then after that he never rapped the same...not Em, this guy is THE best rapper, no iff's and's or buts! Nobody puts words together like this guy. If Em could get better beats, like from say Black Milk, Premier, etc this guy would be unstoppable! Seriously, if you liked Em's earlier stuff, go buy this now.… Expand
  68. MattF.
    Jun 26, 2010
    9
    Critics need to not worry about whether or not it is his best album yet; they need to worry about whether or not it is a good album for the present. I agree with Mike S. they need to stop comparing Eminem to himself and worry about the flow of this album, the beats of this album; not compared to his old flows, beats and lyrics. This critique is of Eminem's new album and only this Critics need to not worry about whether or not it is his best album yet; they need to worry about whether or not it is a good album for the present. I agree with Mike S. they need to stop comparing Eminem to himself and worry about the flow of this album, the beats of this album; not compared to his old flows, beats and lyrics. This critique is of Eminem's new album and only this album and not a review of how well he stacks up against his old flows, beats or lyrics.… Expand
  69. SoulBadass
    Jun 26, 2010
    9
    new em album is amazing but at times he seems that he is still recovering but much better than relapse. great how he mentions alot of prior experiences. SLIM SHADY IS BACK!!!!!!!!
  70. BT
    Jun 28, 2010
    9
    I follow the critics alot...but these reviews make no sense. This is Em at his best....we haven't seen him this good since 2002. Nice work.
  71. oddozz62
    Sep 7, 2010
    9
    This album says only one thing Eminem is back alive and kicking. Em's return has made a big impact on the charts with 2 singles already reaching the top 10 in the UK charts with Love the Way You Lie reaching number 1 for 1 week, this album is the best Eminem album ive ever listened to by far. Good work Marshall.
  72. ovais
    Jan 2, 2011
    9
    Ive noticed somtimes critics don't appreciate great ablums untill a few years pass by. The Marshall Mathers LP got an okay pretty good 79 when it came out but now its considered a classic! Recovery is his best album since The Eminem Show. Relapse was much too silly but now Eminems serious he is spitting more impressive rhymes. There are onlly a few weak tracks (only for Eminem'sIve noticed somtimes critics don't appreciate great ablums untill a few years pass by. The Marshall Mathers LP got an okay pretty good 79 when it came out but now its considered a classic! Recovery is his best album since The Eminem Show. Relapse was much too silly but now Eminems serious he is spitting more impressive rhymes. There are onlly a few weak tracks (only for Eminem's standard) that aren't that bad they are pretty ok but the better tracks are amzing lyricaly and they cover about 90 percent of the whole album. Even the mainstream songls like love the way you lie are impressive… Expand
  73. MichaelD
    Feb 9, 2011
    9
    Well what an album! It's not as good as Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy but his darkness and his ability to rap will blow you away.
  74. L0stR3negade
    Jan 22, 2011
    9
    Eminem is back and with noo surprize Kicking *** with his new album. Yes its not the same as his old stuff but still just as good. Eminem never fails to impress
  75. JawsPapi87
    Aug 31, 2011
    9
    This album was an unspeakably huge improvement over Relapse with some of his deepest emotional moments and some tracks that I can't stop listening to (Space Bound & You're Never Over).
  76. infinityqs
    Oct 22, 2011
    9
    His best album since The Eminem Show and The Slim Shady LP. The album contains 17 tracks. But this album contains too much musical gore and too little common sense or meaning in his songs. Instead he focuses on getting angry and saying bad stuff to people. But it's not all like that there's 2 songs about his best friend Proof which everyone will really like. And for the 1st time You canHis best album since The Eminem Show and The Slim Shady LP. The album contains 17 tracks. But this album contains too much musical gore and too little common sense or meaning in his songs. Instead he focuses on getting angry and saying bad stuff to people. But it's not all like that there's 2 songs about his best friend Proof which everyone will really like. And for the 1st time You can hear Eminem singing. This isn't his worst album but it's a lot better than Relapse and The Re-Up. Anyway it's good if you're a fan then buy the album now.… Expand
  77. oscarr
    Dec 10, 2011
    9
    Why so bad reviews. Eminem brings a new and fresh really good taste to his rap music. Loved it. No Love, Not Afraid, Cinderalla Man, and Love the way you Lie are the highlights.
  78. edbezant
    Dec 23, 2012
    9
    eminem doesn't fail to impress with his latest studio album, recovery. im thinking of seeing him at the reading festival next year. and as i always like to say, **** nicki minaj and other mainstream rappers like drake, this is REAL rap!
  79. pkstarstorm823
    Jul 21, 2013
    9
    Eminem comes back with a very meaningful album. After his failed "Relapse" album, he redeemed himself with "Recovery". It features strong songs about dark places and trying to get out (Not Afraid and Going Through Changes), coming back with a strong attitude (No Love and Cinderella Man), and the songs about stopping hatred you started (Talkin' 2 Myself and Love the Way You Lie). It's anEminem comes back with a very meaningful album. After his failed "Relapse" album, he redeemed himself with "Recovery". It features strong songs about dark places and trying to get out (Not Afraid and Going Through Changes), coming back with a strong attitude (No Love and Cinderella Man), and the songs about stopping hatred you started (Talkin' 2 Myself and Love the Way You Lie). It's an excellent album and I highly recommend it.… Expand
  80. spearspitter65
    Aug 3, 2013
    9
    this is the best Eminem album next to the Eminem show and the lab ep EMINEM 4 LYFE
    EMINEM 4 LYFE EMINEM IS THE BEST RAPPER 3V3R $HADY 4 3V3R
  81. Urbanlistener
    Apr 23, 2015
    9
    After a brief return to his roots as Slim Shady, the Eminem side of Marshall returns on this album with force! He seems happy, reborn and passionate on every single song and his rhymes are as sharp as ever.
  82. RobVanHars
    Dec 11, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The album is great, no offensive lyrics, great flow on some of the songs but some of them are sick but still worth your money. The singles, Love the Way You Lie, Not Afraid, Space Bound and No Love are sublime.… Expand
  83. MalcolmE
    Nov 7, 2018
    9
    Em’s flow is amazing here. Sure the punchline might be dad jokes-ish but i find them both charming and funny. His energy is also on top. Sure it’s abit poppy but i honestly dont think that hurts the album. Criminally overhated. Helped me through some hard times aswell

    My Rating: 9/10 Favorite Tracks: Space Bound, Going Through Changes, Not Afraid, Love the Way You Lie Least    Em’s flow is amazing here. Sure the punchline might be dad jokes-ish but i find them both charming and funny. His energy is also on top. Sure it’s abit poppy but i honestly dont think that hurts the album. Criminally overhated. Helped me through some hard times aswell

    My Rating: 9/10

    Favorite Tracks: Space Bound, Going Through Changes, Not Afraid, Love the Way You Lie

    Least Favorite Tracks: Cinderella Man, W.T.P, Untitled    … Expand
  84. MiguelNunes98
    Nov 20, 2018
    9
    Recovery is in my personal opinion the only eminem album that I LOVE all of the songs, I just feel is energy passing trough me when is rapping, and honestly is one of few rappers that does that to me.
  85. Rap_Reviews
    Jan 20, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Not better than Relapse but still a great album. Best selling rap album of the decade, 2 diamonds selling single shows how legendary this album is. Recovery starts with cold wind blows & ends with an underrated song untitled with few iconic songs in middle. Features did good job especially Lil Wayne. Rihanna did a great job. A great album with a different flow.… Expand
  86. Macrofficial
    Mar 25, 2020
    9
    Loved this album. Emotionally Impactful it was. Best Songs on the album would be Going Through Changes, Seduction, and Love The Way You Lie
  87. The-X-Territory
    Jan 24, 2021
    9
    A near perfect Album, some of Em's best lyrical displays and some of the best songs he's ever made. No Love is without a doubt one of Eminems greatest verses of all time, Not Afraid is a brilliant single, Love the Way You Lie is addictive as all hell, Cold Wind Blows is a perfect Intro, Won't Back Down goes hard as all Hell, Session One was guaranteed masterpiece (like any song containingA near perfect Album, some of Em's best lyrical displays and some of the best songs he's ever made. No Love is without a doubt one of Eminems greatest verses of all time, Not Afraid is a brilliant single, Love the Way You Lie is addictive as all hell, Cold Wind Blows is a perfect Intro, Won't Back Down goes hard as all Hell, Session One was guaranteed masterpiece (like any song containing Em and any member of Slaughterhouse), Cinderella Man was the song that earned Marshall a place back in the rap game again after previously leaving (and its evident why), Space bound is one Eminem's best songs ever, and 25 to life is one the most underrated songs in hip hops history. Every song on this album is awesome, with the exception of W.T.P which is okay.… Expand
  88. Anthony_wx
    Jan 4, 2023
    9
    Great great album , Eminem is totally back from drugs , just fire , i love it.
  89. MarkK.
    Jun 22, 2010
    8
    Despite the criticism above, I was actually really surprised by the album. Definitely better than the 'Relapse' album released in 2009. Whilst 'Relapse' contained only 1 or 2 songs I liked (mainly because of the resemblence with older songs), 'Recovery' brought me 6 to 7 songs that got me back into the old-school Eminem-vibe. I understand that he barely says Despite the criticism above, I was actually really surprised by the album. Definitely better than the 'Relapse' album released in 2009. Whilst 'Relapse' contained only 1 or 2 songs I liked (mainly because of the resemblence with older songs), 'Recovery' brought me 6 to 7 songs that got me back into the old-school Eminem-vibe. I understand that he barely says anything he hasn't said already on his previous albums, but that's honestly the only lyrics I want to hear coming from his mouth. It's a shame that the beats on some of the tracks are a bit messy. Overall though, an awesome follow-up to Eminem's older work with the same amount of energy and lyrical wordplay.… Expand
  90. WillO
    Jun 22, 2010
    8
    Great album, much better than Relapse and Encore. That's one thing that automatically turns me away from the critics. On metacritic, both Encore and Relapse have higher ratings than Recovery somehow. Encore was his worst album by far and it got a 64? Really. Well this album has Eminem showing the skill he has. No one can match him lyrically. His flow, metaphors, everything is miles Great album, much better than Relapse and Encore. That's one thing that automatically turns me away from the critics. On metacritic, both Encore and Relapse have higher ratings than Recovery somehow. Encore was his worst album by far and it got a 64? Really. Well this album has Eminem showing the skill he has. No one can match him lyrically. His flow, metaphors, everything is miles ahead of most artists. G.O.A.T.… Expand
  91. ChrisD.
    Jun 22, 2010
    8
    Not quite up there with the Eminem show, his best album, but much closer than his last two albums.
  92. JacobD
    Jun 22, 2010
    8
    Eminem is back! After the two disappointments in Encore and Relapse, I'm glad to say that Eminem is back, although he has changed a lot. It seems Slim Shady has disappeared (at least for now) which will without a doubt turn of a lot of fans, this is not another Slim Shady LP or Marshal Mathers LP. Style-wise it's more like The Eminem Show, but not really AS good. The album has a Eminem is back! After the two disappointments in Encore and Relapse, I'm glad to say that Eminem is back, although he has changed a lot. It seems Slim Shady has disappeared (at least for now) which will without a doubt turn of a lot of fans, this is not another Slim Shady LP or Marshal Mathers LP. Style-wise it's more like The Eminem Show, but not really AS good. The album has a couple of themes, Eminem's love life, his relationship to Hip/hop and apologies to fans. His rhymes and flow is almost back to the class of the old Eminem, which is good. Overall I really really like the album, but there are a few bad things about it. Eminem sings on a lot of the choruses, and it's painfully bad, his rapping is good, singing horrible. The tracks themselves are not perfect either, tracks like Talkin' 2 myself, Not Afraid, Space Bound, 25 to life and surprisingly Love The Way You Lie (featuring Rihanna) are in my opinion the best, while Won't Back Down (where P!nk does the chorus) and W.T.P are the worst, and they are really bad. The rest of the songs are a mix of average and above average to good. It's a very honest Eminem, and I think his new style suits him, although it's bound to turn a lot of people, his older fans, off. I hope we will see more of the vintage Eminem in the future, but I'm glad to say that Eminem has recovered!… Expand
  93. Lukasz
    Jun 23, 2010
    8
    Better than Relapse and Encore but TSSLP, TMMLP, TES are still the best.
  94. AlexP.
    Jun 23, 2010
    8
    Not his best album, but considerably better than relaspe. His flows back, and beats are different but refreshing. Keep it up eminem.
  95. DanielO
    Jun 24, 2010
    8
    Good album, bit too apolegetic.
  96. MarcusE
    Jun 22, 2010
    8
    Solid album - far superior to relapse. Honest, introspective, creative, catchy and just plain fun.
  97. Turine
    Nov 6, 2010
    8
    Pretty good and some nice songs in this album. Examples are, ''Not Afraid'', ''Love the way you Lie''.
    Overall, deserves a 8/10 rating for the number of hits it produced and it is one of Em's best albums to date.
  98. fedelmason
    Nov 25, 2010
    8
    One of the greatest albums of 2010. This album is very good but it can't beat The Slim Shady LP or The Marshall Mathers LP and The Eminem Show. Great!
  99. pavlo79
    Apr 2, 2011
    8
    While this album does not have the variety and ground breaking songs and lyrics of old Eminem classics such as The Slim Shady LP (1999), The Marshall Mathers LP (2000), and The Eminem Show (2002), it is a big improvement on Encore (2004) and Relapse (2009). The only things that keep this album from being a classic are the lack of funny Slim Shady songs, no extremely homophobic or sexistWhile this album does not have the variety and ground breaking songs and lyrics of old Eminem classics such as The Slim Shady LP (1999), The Marshall Mathers LP (2000), and The Eminem Show (2002), it is a big improvement on Encore (2004) and Relapse (2009). The only things that keep this album from being a classic are the lack of funny Slim Shady songs, no extremely homophobic or sexist punchlines, terrible chorus, and terrible collaborations. This album however has some solid lyrics, and Eminem's skill of rapping is at an all time high.… Expand
  100. lovemusic
    May 12, 2011
    8
    eminem was more calm on this album. it was a good album. it deserved recognition at the grammys. it was decent. eminem proves he can sing and rap.
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Most Discussed Album of 2010
2
#2 Most Shared Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 28
  3. Negative: 4 out of 28
  1. Expert Witness (MSN Music)
    Jan 7, 2011
    91
    No matter how cleverly he's rhyming, which varies, he could use subject matter beyond married-to-the-game and his traditional obsessions. But with Shady in the shadows, rarely are these themes lifted by Em's long-recessive sense of play.
    Read full review
  2. Slant Magazine
    30
    Much of Recovery centers around such themes as romantic devotion and anxiety, but the resulting material rings unsurprisingly hollow.
    Read full review
  3. The Guardian
    60
    Sadly, a piecemeal approach to production (Dr Dre has just one credit) leaves the album lacking an abiding mood and drowning in fashionable soft-rock samples.
    Read full review
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