Most Eminem fans were skeptical, especially given his last effort, when they heard that his new album was going to be titled “The Marshall Mathers LP 2.” His last full–length album, “Recovery,” was filled with a lot of shouting, cringe–worthy punchlines and collaborations with people he would’ve joked about killing in his golden age. “MMLP2” is, thankfully, a mostly different creature. The album opens up with “Bad Guy,” an excellent revisit to one of his most beloved songs, “Stan,” in which Stan’s little brother Matthew gets revenge in his wronged brother’s name. Throughout the whole album there are subtle references to classic MMLP songs like “The Real Slim Shady” and “Kill You.” Tracks like “Brainless” and “So Much Better” emanate old Eminem. As usual, the rapping itself is top–notch, especially on the aptly–titled “Rap God,” and sometimes to the point where there’s so much wordplay that it’s impossible to catch it all in the first few listens.
The “Recovery”–esque screaming is generally absent with the exception of “Stronger than I Was,” which is a nice concept ruined by Eminem’s off–key vocals (they were charming on “Hailie’s Song,” but here they’re just grating) and “Survival”, which sounds like an anthem for Mountain Dew-consuming, Call of Duty-binge-playing 12-year-olds, which makes sense given that the song was featured in the most recent COD trailer. The Rihanna collaboration “The Monster” is a significant improvement over the formulaic “Love the Way You Lie,” but it will likely last only as a solid radio record. One of the best songs, “So Far…” features an excellent sample and interpolation of Joe Walsh’s classic “Life’s Been Good.” The doo–wop–inspired collaboration “Love Game” with Kendrick Lamar offers another creative risk that paid off.
The highest point, however, and possibly 2009 Eminem’s magnum opus, is “Headlights,” the touching apology to his mother for everything he’s said about her on songs throughout his career. Fun. lead singer Nate Ruess’s soft vocals fit the song perfectly, despite the unlikeliness of the pairing. While it’s hard to say that “MMLP2” can live up to its namesake, it’s definitely a step in the right direction—away from his last three albums—and a thoroughly solid listen. Even for those fans who haven’t gotten over baggy pants, bleach blonde hair and “8 Mile.”
Grade: B+
Download: “Headlights”
Sounds best when: Laughing and crying away your post–midterm stress.
