Eminem launches Shady 3.0

Eminem is popular for the same reason entertainment like the “Saw” series is: The works are completely inhospitable but somehow provide grotesque intrigue.

Ever since the beginning of his music career, Eminem has claimed the title of “most controversial rapper.” His lines are so notorious that most can’t be reprinted in publications or even repeated in most social contexts, covering the whole gamut of violence, crime and drug use.

The imagery masquerading in such spectacular flow begs the question of whether or not content even matters in today’s music — but most people don’t listen to the lyrics, anyway.

“Recovery” is the much-anticipated follow-up to the rapper’s last release, “Relapse.”
Oddly enough, Eminem hails the old album as a failed attempt despite its popularity — so it’s no surprise Shady brought a few changes to “Recovery.”

For one, the crazy accents are gone. Shady is rapping how we are used to hearing him: loud and sometimes whiny, but intimidating. The album’s direction is also different. “Recovery” is much more radio-friendly than “Relapse”; Rihanna and Pink even show up to sing a few hooks.

Though Rihanna’s voice is gorgeous, it isn’t enough to salvage “Love the Way You Lie” from being one of the album’s worst tracks. It’s great that Rihanna chose to work on a song spotlighting domestic abuse, but isn’t Eminem the same artist that came out with “Kim,” a graphic story about killing his wife?

Regardless, the album is on par with previous records but perhaps too oriented toward the billboards. Whatever the true diagnosis, Eminem’s flow stays intact, and his wit, however crude, demands attention like a horrible train wreck.

Disregard the hooks and songs about relationships and pick this album up for the shock value of Eminem’s verses in songs like “Won’t Back Down” and the absorbing self-analysis of songs like “Talkin’ 2 Myself.” They are where he is most effective.
And when you do get this album, don’t tell your friends you secretly enjoy most of it, even though you can’t relate to any of the material.