Eminem is back with latest album ‘Recovery’

Recovery CD cover image released by Interscope Records.

Eminem is back in the limelight after the release of his second album, since returning from a three-year hiatus, Recovery, on Monday.

In the album, Slim Shady practically purges himself emotionally. Recovery delves deeply into his psyche, but rather than giving into his demons like the way he did on last year’s Relapse, the focus here is on conquering them.

Throughout the album, Eminem promises to listeners that he won’t let them down again as he feels he did so with his Relapse and Encore (2004), which were well-received by fans and critics alike, on the contrary. He says in the liner notes: “This album is dedicated 2 anyone who’s in a dark place tryin’ 2 get out. Keep your head up … It does get better!”

In Not Afraid, the inspirational lead single, Eminem portrays himself as someone who’s been to hell and back and is now reaching out to help others through their personal struggles.

“He’s rapping again, he’s a beast again. It may not be the hottest album. The choruses are still a little corny, but he’s rapping like he was in the ’90s, when he was doing ridiculous punch-line rap on Rawkus [Records] stuff. He’s back to being a crazy wordsmith. He’s being very clear and focused, and it shows,” frequent Village Voice contributor Chris Weingarten said.

Recovery, running in 17 tracks and 77 minutes, finds Eminem working with the most varied lineup of producers of his career, providing a range of new ideas for the 37-year-old rapper, only using Dr. Dre’s production on a handful of tracks.

(Photo credit: AP /Interscope)