by EminemBase » May 6th, '10, 15:16
I never thought it was that bad. Definitely a massive over reaction due to the expectations following The Eminem Show.
I actually think the right move was to make a more relaxed album, tying up the loose ends. As TES was so adrenaline pumped that I think it'd be foolish to try and seriously make something even louder and harder. Would have to go fucking metal. Songs like "We As Americans", had a very distinct feel to it and if he could of made an album of that 'feel' I think Encore could of been a worthy sequel. Not better obviously but very fitting.
As it stands, the album is just good. It's definitely not a terrible album in my eyes, dunno how anybody can say it's actually a terrible album, although they do. It's just lazy for an Em album. It's the stupid songs which fuck it up. I actually like "Rain Man" and "Big Weenie" - They both have some innovative lyricism on them but with the rest of the album it just feels totally out of place. Like a fucking mixtape.
Only songs I really dislike from it are...
Like Toy Soldiers - Some people's favourite and I know why but it's boring as fuck.
Ass Like That - Just too annoying.
Just Lose It - His worst song.
Other than that I like it all. "Evil Deeds" is a great opener / song, "Yellow Brick Roads" is actually a needed truthful / introspective track for once and great storytelling, "Mosh" is a superb, brash song. "Puke" is just... Over the top catchy and repulsive, it's reminiscent of his earlier work like "Kim" in the sense that he's just going balls-out, disregarding the rules and any sense of taste and letting his vulgarness seep through.
Then you got "My 1st Single" which whilst not great, has some of his best flow-work period, the delivery and rhythm of the thing is insane. For once I hate his fucking production on it though. "Rain Man" is a nice little idea, him only being good at one thing, autistic, that whole Superman shit, I like it. "Big Weenie", I actually love this track. Again, just totally over the top ridiculous but he keeps it in a serious note in a sense of his actual tone throughout the song, it's stern and silly.
"Just Lose It" is possibly my least favourite Eminem track of all time. It's pure self-parody and annoying as fuck. "Ass Like That", maybe my 2nd least favourite Em track ever although if you actually listen to the accapella... Still incredibly professional the way he's layered and constructed it despite its stupidity. "Spend Some Time" - Great Em verse, great chorus, horrible guests. "Mockingbird"... It's a good song for what it is but not essential. "Crazy In Love" is easily one of the best songs on the album, some of his most mature lyricism to date.
"One Shot 2 Shot" - Nice idea with the killing of the audience to carry the theme right to the end but they could of pulled this off better. "Encore" and finally, we end with a superb track. (Except for 50, of course). FFS did it again. Didn't even intend on writing a fucking review of the thing. Just sort of happened. Anyway, I'd give the album 6.5/10.
If he had left the original tracks, it'd go from a 'good' to a 'great' album and be more like a 7.5 out of 10 for me.
