The Lincoln Log

Album art courtesy of Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records

Eminem’s much-anticipated Encore starts and ends with a bang, but there’s little in-between that lives up to the high expectations the rapper’s fourth album drew.

Encore, which was released four days ahead of schedule to pre-empt internet piracy, begins with a skit of Eminem preparing to take the stage at a concert, with the crowd chanting his name. The crowd reacts as he steps on stage, and one of the album’s stronger tracks, “Evil Deeds,” begins. The album closes with the title track “Encore,” featuring 50 Cent and legendary Eminem mentor Dr. Dre. Em sings “I don’t ever wanna leave the game without at least saying good-bye,” possibly hinting at an early retirement from the 32-year old. At the end of the song the crowd again chants his name, calling for him to return to the stage, a la Jay-Z’s “Encore” from The Black Album. Em heeds their request, only to shoot everyone in the audience, before killing himself.

Since Eminem’s debut in 1999 he has become arguably the most talented, and indisputably the most controversial rapper in the music industry. His first three albums showed his continued growth both as an artist and as a person; each was met with high critical acclaim.

His fourth album however, fails to meet the expectations created by 2002’s The Eminem Show, not to mention his successful venture into Hollywood with the motion picture 8 Mile.

Eminem spends entire songs on many of the same things he’s been rapping about for years, from his relationship with his ex-wife to his feud with Ja Rule. Other tracks, like “Rain Man” and “Big Weenie,” have little meaning or message. This is nothing new to Eminem listeners, except these songs lack the laugh-out-loud humor and lyrical creativity of previous songs spun by Em’s lighter, more mischievous Slim Shady persona. “Mosh,” the political anti-Bush single is strong but has less impact post-election.

Encore has its moments and Eminem shows flashes of the sense of humor and lyrical ingenuity that made him a superstar. While he is still the best rapper alive, Encore is not his best work, and the album does not live up to the high standard set for it. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.