Eminem – Encore

Artist: Eminem

Title: Encore

Label: Interscope

Rating: 8/10

THE LINE: Guess who’s back—back again.

THE GREAT:
“Evil Deeds” – Eminem gets into some politics and of course is still angry as hell—at everyone and everything.
“Like Toy Soldiers” – Certain to buzz radio and MTV—too bad its ripped from Jay-Z–funny thing is, Eminem isn’t trying to hide that he bummed it from Jay-Z. It’s a very rare moment of seeming sincerity by a man who always seems to be so insincere.
“Mosh” – Not only timely—but perhaps one of the most important songs Eminem has ever released. Eminem takes on something that is bigger than himself—which has never happened before. He takes on the fight of the people and shows that he has more on his mind than Em.
“Rain Man” – The song is sure to piss people off since the lyrics are funny and occasionally offensive—although we weren’t offended. But you have to wonder when he is being Eminem the rapper or Eminem the comedian. If he was a comedian would we be pissed or just laugh? Speaking of insensitive or funny—“Just Lose It” takes shots at Jacko and honestly it’s about time someone gives him a beating. It drives us crazy that everyone else is willing to ignore it. I can’t lie—we laughed outloud.
“Ass Like That” – A riot—Is it bad to want to shag everyone.

THE AVERAGE:
“Never Enough” – Again Eminem takes shots at his mom for raising him in a poor neighborhood otherwise he wouldn’t have been beat up and ended up being himself. Isn’t that touching? The chorus is weak, but surprisingly 50 Cent steals the song.
“Yellow Brick Road” – Eminem goes on and on at a monotonous rate that doesn’t move you at all.
“Mockingbird” – Em again sings to his daughter—but it’s messed up how he takes shots at his ex.

THE BAD:
“Puke” – Plain bad. The lyrics are weak and the whole thing is cheesy. Do we have to keep hearing about his two favorite subjects his ex and his mom? Get over it Em.

FRANKLY: One can never be sure what to expect from Eminem. He takes on his mother and ex-wife, again. He sings a lovely song dedicated to his daughter, again. And he makes fun of everyone, but me, again. Eminem has the skills and proves he is the best rapper today, again.

+ Charlie Craine