Eminem Album: “Encore (Collector's Edition) [PA] [Limited]”

With the exception of 'Like Toy Soldiers', this album is basically crap. When will Eminem learn nobody wants to hear him sing on every single hook? 'Evil Deeds' wouldn't be terrible if he didn't have that annoying chorus. But he did, and it was terrible. 'Puke', 'My 1st Single', 'Ass Like That', 'Just Lose It', 'Big Weenie', 'Crazy In Love', and 'One Shot 2 Shot' all range from bad to worse. 'Ass Like That' is funny once, but it doesn't last long and it isn't even that funny. And don't get me started on 'Just Lose It'.

Another problem is 'Mosh'. Too much anger rapped way too slow. It's supposed to sound like a speech, but it just doesn't work.

The problems go on with this album. The lyrics are average at best, and the production will hold your interest for a few listens max. If you're a diehard Eminem fan, you'll probably enjoy this. If you were hoping Eminem would make a good album again, then better luck next time.

First let me say that I am big fan of em, so I expect the best from him when he puts something out. Most great artists fall short of bringing the blaze everytime they grab the mic(Method Man, Jay-Z, Mos Def, and em too), the exception being Biggie Smalls, and perhaps Jadakiss and my guy Nas. This album is exactly what the title states, it's an encore to the eminem show. However, not quite as good. Nothing great from any guest appearances. Outstanding tracks include: Mockingbird, Toy Soldiers, and Mosh of course. All of which present a more mature and deeper side of Marshall the man. Then there's tracks such as Rainman(funny as hell), and Ass Like That, which show the side of Slim Shady. The D12 track I could have done without, as with a few others. But it's the life of Marshall Mathers, and you feel as though you are almost going through his trials and tribulations with him. Altogether this album is Marshall Mathers, the good and the bad. The bonus cd isn't too shabby either, containing two great tracks and one par track. Don't waste your money on the limited edition set unless you're like 15 years old or Stan. What the f@#$ am I going to do with pictures of em, and ringtone???

B.T.W. Don't sleep on Atmosphere

I surely hope this is not Em's last CD, cause he needs to come out with something alot better to be remembered last by. This CD is good and in my opinion worth buying, but I do consider this CD to be slightly below Em's usual skill level. It seems sometimes during the CD he is just rapping about anything that comes to mind, almost like he ran out of stuff to rap about. Most of the lyrics on this CD are alright or pretty good, but a few rhymes here and there are not. Most of the beats are pretty good or decent, there are a few bland ones. I like almost all the songs on this CD. But the best ones are "Evil Deeds", "like toy soldiers", "Mosh", "Spend some time", "Mockingbird", "encore", and "Just Loose It" I wanted to put "ass like that" was one of the best, but parts of it are kind of too silly, but most of it is good, which is kind of how the rest of the CD is. This CD is definitely worth buying though and I am glad I purchased it.

Dont buy this cd.Its very bad.Eminem is finished for sure.I think all of you that buy this cd will regret.Bad lyrics and bad beats

Even an Eminem fan would be hard pressed to say that this was one of his better efforts. Although I don't own any of his albums, the last two have gotten a lot of respect from me. Hands down, Em's gonna go down as one of the greats. But, on this album there are a couple basic problems that would make you feel otherwise.

Drastically different from his other albums, his hooks have gotten to the point where they just plain suck. He's adapted this sing-a-long style that will work for a couple of tracks, but has gotten old REAL fast. So, in between his break-neck verses the feel is often ruined by whatever he tries to do with the chorus. If he were smart enough, he'd put Nate Dogg on here more or get Busta Rhymes who's recently had an incredible streak with sick hooks.

Secondly, he really hasn't advanced very far in his subject matter. There's the same old typical songs: Hali, Kim, Bush, Fans (If 2Pac had a "Dear Mamma" on every album wouldn't it lose some value???). It's even like his social commentary has halted in growth, it's barely current at all. Besides the ill-timed "Mosh" (released after Bush's re-election pretty much defeats the song), there's barely any truly justified anger. He resorted to potty jokes all too much on here. "Rain Man" is really the only comical song that I can handle on this album (if only for his bold verse about the deceased Chris Reeves). Most great artists tend to grow and I'd expect him to really take advantage of the current state of society, but Em in most cases just chooses not too.

Finally, he wastes some vicious Dre beats. It's simple enough, but with Detox being delayed it's safe to say everyone would like Dre's tracks to be used a little better.

I'd rather not go through track by track and repeat what I just said for each song. Fact is these problems seem to re-occur again and again throughout the album.

Despite all the faults, this album has some huge strengths. "Never Enough" (great Dre beat) & the 8Mile esq. "Yellow Brick Road" both start the album off in a huge way. "Spend Some Time" has every guest on point lyrically and is surprisingly personally revealing (except for 50's pointless last verse). All these songs are solid in production, show a great display of lyrics and really are void of any of the faults that plague this album.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that "Encore", track 20, has got to be one of the SICKEST Dr. Dre songs ever. The thumping beat and the way he uses violin in the background is spectacular. Thankfully Em doesn't disappoint either, and displays here exactly why he's considered as one of the best. Em & Dre are both crazy on point and tag-team better than they ever have before (although it was prolly for the best, but what happened to 50 on here?). It's almost worth getting this album just for this song. At the same time it's disappointing the rest of the album couldn't even touch the status of this finale.

While Encore is definitely disappointing, it certainly won't hurt Em's status, skills, sales, or legacy. The highlights of this album should be enough to keep fans busy until his next effort, but others (such as myself) should prolly hold off on making this purchase.

(5/10)