Shady Records/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records
Produced by Alex da Kid, Boi-1da, Dr. Dre, Emile, Eminem, DJ Khalil, Havoc, Jim Jonsin, Just Blaze, Mr. Porter, Supa Dups, and Script Shepherd
Released June 18, 2010
Number of Tracks: 17
Plot Summary
Eminem’s seventh studio album, Recovery, was released on June 18, 2010 and debuted at number one on the Billboard charts. The album received mostly positive reviews from music critics and won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in 2010, as well as the title of the best-selling album of 2010. While his previous albums all included skits amongst the music tracks, Recovery solely consists of rap tracks, allowing for more songs. As the first single off of the album, “Not Afraid” is a particularly emotional song, telling about Eminem’s decision to step back and get himself clean from drugs before making his return to rap. The second single off of the album is “Love the Way You Lie,” a collaboration with singer, Rihanna. The song is extremely catchy with the blend of Eminem’s trademark rhythm and Rihanna’s beautiful melody and it details an abusive relationship, giving insight into the psychology of both the abuser and the abused. Working with fellow rapper, Lil Wayne, Eminem released a third single, “No Love,” that samples “What is Love” by Haddaway, perhaps most known for its use in the Roxbury sketches on Saturday Night Live. The song is dedicated to people that have let down both Eminem and Lil Wayne, telling that they don’t need them anymore. Overall, the album is full of tracks that delve into Eminem’s emotional struggles and triumphs, revealing an incredibly personal album.
Critical Evaluation
Having come back with a new confidence and dedication to staying clean and sober, Eminem wrote several tracks that include deeply personal material. From his dependence on drugs to his constantly erratic relationship with his ex-wife, Recovery gives the listener an understanding of the emotional issues that he has dealt with recently. As an appreciator of lyrics, my favorite songs went more for substance and meaning than shock value. For instance, “Not Afraid” is a perfect example of reaching out to his fans, especially those that are going through something similar to what he went through not too long ago. The chorus directly addresses his fans by telling, “I’m not afraid to take a stand/Everybody come take my hand/We’ll walk this road together, through the storm/Whatever weather, cold or warm/Just let you know that, you’re not alone/Holla if you feel that you’ve been down the same road.” Rather than congratulating himself on getting clean or harping on his problems, Eminem uses his struggle to connect with the fans that can relate and give them hope that they can also get through it. However, the hope in “Not Afraid” in unique to this song and many of the songs focus more on his personal demons and anger about things that have happened to him over the years. It is no doubt that his lyrics are incredibly creative and powerful, but there were several instances in which he made vulgar and violent references that I had a negative reaction to. Overall, I really like this record and the collaborations with Rihanna and Pink were absolutely perfect, but there were certainly a couple of songs that I would skip on a second listen.
Reader's Annotation
Recovery is an incredibly personal album for Eminem, allowing him to share his feelings on topics from his volatile relationship with his ex-wife to his ongoing recovery from drugs.
Information About the Artist
Marshall Bruce Mathers III, better known by his stage name Eminem, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Eminem quickly gained popularity in 1999 with his major-label debut album, The Slim Shady LP, which won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. The following album, The Marshall Mathers LP, became the fastest-selling solo album in
Eminem is the best-selling artist of the decade on the US Nielsen SoundScan, and has sold more than 86.5 million albums worldwide to date, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world. In 2010, Eminem released his seventh studio album Recovery. It became Eminem's sixth consecutive number-one album in the
Genre
Rap/Hip Hop
Curriculum Ties
N/A
Booktalking Ideas
1. Discuss the controversial issues within the album, such as domestic abuse.
2. Focus on the message of hope in “Not Afraid.”
3. Talk about the issue of including a “Parental Advisory” sticker on a CD.
Reading Level/Interest Age
The album has a parental advisory sticker, so it is recommended for teens aged 17 and up, but the album may interest those as young as 14.
Challenge Issues
The album contains use of vulgar language and references to acts of violence, as well as a large amount of curse words.
When faced with challenges, librarians should become familiar with the material and its content. Turn to reviews on Amazon.com, as well as reviews from teens that have listened to the CD. Also, it is beneficial for librarians to present reasons backed by the
I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
Why Include Album in Selection?
I was in junior high when Eminem first became popular and I remember him remaining popular all through my teen years, so I was interested in looking at his latest album.
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