Quick Facts:
- Includes 20 songs and 1 interlude on the deluxe album
- Price of physical deluxe album $17.99
- Comes with bonus disc
- Includes 3 Billboard Top 10 Singles
- Includes 4 Billboard Top 20 Singles
- Includes 2 CDS Music Chart Top 10 Singles
- Includes 3 CDS Music Chart Top 20 Singles
- Includes 4th collaboration with Rihanna ("The Monster")
Now on with the review!
1. "Bad Guy" Marshall Mathers, Larry D. Griffin Jr, Sarah Jaffe Nicholas Warwar, Vinny Venditto, S. Hacker, M. Aiello, Gian Reverberi, Laura Giordano
Eminem starts off his 8th studio effort with a forceful punch. While it is the longest song on the album (clocking in at around 7 minutes and 20 seconds), it doesn't seem boring or weird. After about 5 minutes Eminem starts to really get personal, spitting out his real thoughts and addressing his haters. To be honest after 5 minutes the song like a part 2 of the first 5 minutes. This song really shows him as a 'rap god' and is tuned just right. Sarah Jaffe (also a writer of the song) delivers a slow tempo chorus that flows well with the intense verses on the first part of the song. A great way to start off a legendary album!
2. "Parking Lot (Skit)" Marshall Mathers
Not a whole lot to say about this interlude (ironically it is the shortest cut from the album, directly following the longest) other than just wow. At just 55 seconds long, the song delivers a story about Eminem being involved in a robbery and a police chase that ends with the bang of a gun and a grunt. It really leaves the listener thinking and imaging the details of how this particular event occurred.
3. "Rhyme Or Reason" Marshall Mathers
The entire song is layered over a smooth beat that is consistent through the entire cut. While it contains a heavy sampling of the 1968 hit "Time of the Season" (somewhat 'rhymes' with the title), it still seems fresh while feeling kind of like a throw back to an earlier time period in music. The first few seconds of the song serve as a part 2 to "Parking Lot (Skit)". Again the rapper tells the listener that this album isn't a part 2 of his original Marshall Mathers LP but more of a throw back.
4. "So Much Better" Marshall Mathers, Luis Resto
Eminem starts the song off by calling out a single woman as a 'fraud' and a non-trustable person that sleeps with many men. Eminem is very honest with the lines "My life would be so much better if you just dropped dead, I was laying in bed last night thinking, wouldn't shit be a lot easier if you just dropped dead, I would feel so (so) much (much) better." He later goes on to call the woman some pretty awful things and telling her to just die. At the end he jokes "I'm just playing, you know I love you". A wave of mixed emotions come over the listener after the song is finished. I also feels very 90s and haunting.
5."Survival" Marshall Mathers, Liz Rodrigues, Kahlil Abdul-Rahman, Erik Alcock, Pranam Injeti, Mike Strange
Seems very classic Eminem. It seems a little like a good leftover track from Recovery. With spitting rhymes and a smooth female sung chorus, it seems like Eminem didn't try that hard on this track, it just came naturally. It is easily a standout because of its themes and was a good promotional single choice that could one day become a full fledged single release.
6. "Legacy" Marshall Mathers, Polina Goudieva, David Brook, Emile Haynie
A strangely deep track that throws us back to Eminem's days as a school boy. Throughout the first verse, he recalls being bullied and being kind of the odd one out. It is pieced together through a soulful chorus that is strong and matches the feelings displayed in the verses. The whole song has a filter that sounds like a slightly muffled phone call; it brings more of a personal feel to the song. You can also faintly hear rain pattering on the side of building for added effect. Yet another strong song.
7. "Asshole (feat. Skylar Grey)" Marshall Mathers, Alexander Grant, Holly Hafermann, Luis Resto
The song starts off really fast and packs a powerful punch that is really pretty epic. The song speaks of an 'asshole' and seems more like a parody rather than a song. Eminem mentions Gwen Stefani and No Doubt and tells the person he is addressing in the song that all his fans have got his back and will support him. One of the weaker songs on the album but truly pretty hilarious.
8. "Berzerk" Marshall Mathers, William Squier, Adam Horowitz, Adam Yauch, Rick Rubin, Joseph Modeliste, Arthur Neville, Cyril Neville, Vincent Brown, Anthony Criss, Keir Gist
One of the best songs on the album. It is full of pop cultural references some of which are offensive (yet hilarious). It shows a departure from Eminem's previous singles. It is almost a patchwork of many different styles, themes and songs. It includes samplings from many different songs that come together into this one powerful package.
9. "Rap God" Marshall Mathers, Bigram Zayas, Matthew Delgiorno, Hacker, Douglas Davis, Richard Walters, Dania Birks, Juana Burns, Juanita Lee, Fatima Shaheed, Kim Nazel
A nice change. A stellar song that is speedy and entertaining. The chorus is actually rap/sung by Eminem which is a departure from the other songs on the album included on the album (they all have women singing the chorus). The lyrics spit out at an extreme speed that can only come from Eminem. A good choice for a single. It has lots of potential and is very fresh. It stands up to haters. There is only one god of rap... EMINƎM!
10. "Brainless" Marshall Mathers, Luis Resto
This song really addresses all of the critics and haters. It stands out and describes the pain Eminem had as a child, as a teen and when he was just starting out as a rapper. A sure classic that has that Eminem twist that just defines the song and what is meant to be.
11. "Stronger Than I Was" Marshall Mathers, Luis Resto
A slow rap jam that sees Eminem actually singing instead of rapping. This change is somewhat surprising and seems strange. Still a classic song that speaks to the mind and is very empowering. Doesn't quite fit with the album itself, probably should have been a bonus track on this 21 song, 2 disc set.
12. "The Monster (feat. Rihanna)" Marshall Mathers, Robyn Fenty, Bebe Rexha, Jon Bellion, Bryan Fryzel, Aaron Kleinstub, M. Athanasiou
One of the album's best, a major hit and a song that both fans and casual listeners can enjoy. Extremely radio friendly, yet still sees Eminem spitting out the verses. Can easily be called "Love The Way You Lie Part IV". It wouldn't be called part 2 because that song was actually released on Rihanna's 2010 album "Loud" and wouldn't be part 3 because Skylar Grey, who penned "Love The Way You Lie", released her original demo of the songs as "Love The Way You Lie Part III" on iTunes a year or two ago.
13. "So Far..." Marshall Mathers, Joe Walsh, Jesse Weaver
A recap of everything Eminem has done during his long career. It is laid over a banjo infused beat that distracts from the lyrical content within the song. It seems like an awkward filler that doesn't work. It feels like a waste of time and effort and becomes very dull at about the half way point. Next.
14. "Love Game (feat. Kendrick Lamar)" Marshall Mathers, Kendrick Duckworth, Clint Ballard, Jimmie Grier, Coy Poe, Pinky Tomlin
Though it includes Kendrick Lamar, it seems like a continuation of "So Far..." that could perhaps be even worse. A very 90s-ish song that seems too simple and very dull and plain. Could easily pass yet again. Just a weird and strange effort.
15. "Headlights (feat. Nate Ruess)" Marshall Mathers, Nate Ruess, Luis Resto, Emile Haynie, Jeff Bhasker
Although Nate Ruess is not a collaborator that I enjoy, I will admit that is opening in the song is actually enjoyable. The song is really a new dimension of styles that is among the album's best songs. A great effort that outshines the previous two songs by a long shot. It talks about Marshall's relationship with his mother is very heartwarming. Somewhat emotional as well. Possibly single worthy, yet a little slow.
16. "Evil Twin" Marshall Mathers, Luis Resto, Tavish Graham, Joey Chavez
A strong album closer that is very dark and classic Eminem. Although it ventures to the 6 minute mark, it doesn't ever end up seeming boring or dull and is another strong track. Powerful and strange with a thug like beat.
Deluxe Edition Songs
17. "Baby" Marshall Mathers, Luis Resto, Mike Strange
An average song that didn't need to be included. Not a bad deluxe track, but yet again I smell filler. Weird, experimental and easily passable. Among the album's most boring. Not much else can be said about this song.
18. "Desperation (feat. Jamie N Commons)" Marshall Mathers, Jamie N Commons, Alexander Grant
Another country/rap song. Not quite the best combo but definitely better than both the other country tinged songs on the album ("So Far..." and "Love Game (feat. Kendrick Lamar)"). Kind of in the middle of the pack based on how good songs are from the album.
19. "Groundhog Day" Marshall Mathers, Carl McCormick, Adam Feeney, T. Brenneck, J. Tankle, H. Steinweiss, D. Guy, L. Michels
Another 90s songs with a very interesting instrumental. Better than some songs on the regular album and should have made the standard edition cut. Worth the listen and a very classic track from Eminem. Bouncing soft back beat.
Rating: 7.5/10 (C)
A strangely deep track that throws us back to Eminem's days as a school boy. Throughout the first verse, he recalls being bullied and being kind of the odd one out. It is pieced together through a soulful chorus that is strong and matches the feelings displayed in the verses. The whole song has a filter that sounds like a slightly muffled phone call; it brings more of a personal feel to the song. You can also faintly hear rain pattering on the side of building for added effect. Yet another strong song.
7. "Asshole (feat. Skylar Grey)" Marshall Mathers, Alexander Grant, Holly Hafermann, Luis Resto
The song starts off really fast and packs a powerful punch that is really pretty epic. The song speaks of an 'asshole' and seems more like a parody rather than a song. Eminem mentions Gwen Stefani and No Doubt and tells the person he is addressing in the song that all his fans have got his back and will support him. One of the weaker songs on the album but truly pretty hilarious.
8. "Berzerk" Marshall Mathers, William Squier, Adam Horowitz, Adam Yauch, Rick Rubin, Joseph Modeliste, Arthur Neville, Cyril Neville, Vincent Brown, Anthony Criss, Keir Gist
One of the best songs on the album. It is full of pop cultural references some of which are offensive (yet hilarious). It shows a departure from Eminem's previous singles. It is almost a patchwork of many different styles, themes and songs. It includes samplings from many different songs that come together into this one powerful package.
9. "Rap God" Marshall Mathers, Bigram Zayas, Matthew Delgiorno, Hacker, Douglas Davis, Richard Walters, Dania Birks, Juana Burns, Juanita Lee, Fatima Shaheed, Kim Nazel
A nice change. A stellar song that is speedy and entertaining. The chorus is actually rap/sung by Eminem which is a departure from the other songs on the album included on the album (they all have women singing the chorus). The lyrics spit out at an extreme speed that can only come from Eminem. A good choice for a single. It has lots of potential and is very fresh. It stands up to haters. There is only one god of rap... EMINƎM!
10. "Brainless" Marshall Mathers, Luis Resto
This song really addresses all of the critics and haters. It stands out and describes the pain Eminem had as a child, as a teen and when he was just starting out as a rapper. A sure classic that has that Eminem twist that just defines the song and what is meant to be.
11. "Stronger Than I Was" Marshall Mathers, Luis Resto
A slow rap jam that sees Eminem actually singing instead of rapping. This change is somewhat surprising and seems strange. Still a classic song that speaks to the mind and is very empowering. Doesn't quite fit with the album itself, probably should have been a bonus track on this 21 song, 2 disc set.
12. "The Monster (feat. Rihanna)" Marshall Mathers, Robyn Fenty, Bebe Rexha, Jon Bellion, Bryan Fryzel, Aaron Kleinstub, M. Athanasiou
One of the album's best, a major hit and a song that both fans and casual listeners can enjoy. Extremely radio friendly, yet still sees Eminem spitting out the verses. Can easily be called "Love The Way You Lie Part IV". It wouldn't be called part 2 because that song was actually released on Rihanna's 2010 album "Loud" and wouldn't be part 3 because Skylar Grey, who penned "Love The Way You Lie", released her original demo of the songs as "Love The Way You Lie Part III" on iTunes a year or two ago.
13. "So Far..." Marshall Mathers, Joe Walsh, Jesse Weaver
A recap of everything Eminem has done during his long career. It is laid over a banjo infused beat that distracts from the lyrical content within the song. It seems like an awkward filler that doesn't work. It feels like a waste of time and effort and becomes very dull at about the half way point. Next.
14. "Love Game (feat. Kendrick Lamar)" Marshall Mathers, Kendrick Duckworth, Clint Ballard, Jimmie Grier, Coy Poe, Pinky Tomlin
Though it includes Kendrick Lamar, it seems like a continuation of "So Far..." that could perhaps be even worse. A very 90s-ish song that seems too simple and very dull and plain. Could easily pass yet again. Just a weird and strange effort.
15. "Headlights (feat. Nate Ruess)" Marshall Mathers, Nate Ruess, Luis Resto, Emile Haynie, Jeff Bhasker
Although Nate Ruess is not a collaborator that I enjoy, I will admit that is opening in the song is actually enjoyable. The song is really a new dimension of styles that is among the album's best songs. A great effort that outshines the previous two songs by a long shot. It talks about Marshall's relationship with his mother is very heartwarming. Somewhat emotional as well. Possibly single worthy, yet a little slow.
16. "Evil Twin" Marshall Mathers, Luis Resto, Tavish Graham, Joey Chavez
A strong album closer that is very dark and classic Eminem. Although it ventures to the 6 minute mark, it doesn't ever end up seeming boring or dull and is another strong track. Powerful and strange with a thug like beat.
Deluxe Edition Songs
17. "Baby" Marshall Mathers, Luis Resto, Mike Strange
An average song that didn't need to be included. Not a bad deluxe track, but yet again I smell filler. Weird, experimental and easily passable. Among the album's most boring. Not much else can be said about this song.
18. "Desperation (feat. Jamie N Commons)" Marshall Mathers, Jamie N Commons, Alexander Grant
Another country/rap song. Not quite the best combo but definitely better than both the other country tinged songs on the album ("So Far..." and "Love Game (feat. Kendrick Lamar)"). Kind of in the middle of the pack based on how good songs are from the album.
19. "Groundhog Day" Marshall Mathers, Carl McCormick, Adam Feeney, T. Brenneck, J. Tankle, H. Steinweiss, D. Guy, L. Michels
Another 90s songs with a very interesting instrumental. Better than some songs on the regular album and should have made the standard edition cut. Worth the listen and a very classic track from Eminem. Bouncing soft back beat.
Rating: 7.5/10 (C)
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