Recovery (by Eminem, Rap)

common sense media says

Despite Em's new sobriety, CD is still too intense for kids.

parents & educators say

50% say language is an issue
42% say there are positive messages

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this album is without a doubt NOT for kids. All the bad language alone would make it off limits, but add to that the violence against women, talk about drinking and drugs, and overall crass humor, and you've got a no-brainer! That said, this album is less offensive than some of the rapper's previous releases, but it's still not anywhere close to being OK for kids.

Positive messages: Eminem has a very good message to get out about overcoming a life-threatening addiction and battling demons. BUT, the bad stuff on here can't be overlooked, like threatening to kill a disloyal girlfriend or humiliating other rappers.

Positive role models: Besides the misogyny and nasty lyrics, there are also a lot of homophobic references. Drinking, drugging, and partying are seen as bad things on many tracks, but sometimes these same topics get a light-hearted treatment on other songs.

Violence: Even though there's not a lot of talk of guns or killing people (like some of the rapper's previous albums) there is threatening behavior...and a lot of it. This comes mainly in the form of verbal threats to prove Eminem's status.

Sex: No seduction or sexy talk here; we're talking hardcore, explicit references to things like oral sex and genitalia. The references are generally in bad taste and often place women in a negative light.

Language: Group every expletive you can think of together and you have this album. It would actually be difficult to find a profanity not included on this album.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: The main drug discussion on this album centers around Eminem's prescription drug dependency. In this way, the rapper presents a grim look inside addiction. But there is also lots of talk about getting drunk, including mentioning many brands of alcohol on "W.T.P." Also a few references to smoking pot.

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What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about addiction. Eminem raps about getting through an addiction to drugs. Why do you think he chose to start using? Do you think Eminem glamorizes alcohol and drug use or offers a lesson against using?
Talk about fame. Do you want to be famous? Do you think your life would be better if you were? Does it seem like maybe fame can also bring pressure, invasions of privacy, and temptations?
Talk about music lyrics. Is it OK to listen to the edited versions of some songs, even if the subject matter is still mature? What are your family's rules?

What's the story?

We've been through the Relapse, and now Eminem comes back with RECOVERY, an album full of self-confessions and re-examinations of life and the mistakes the rapper has made. It's a cathartic album that apparently has struck a nerve with audiences: The LP has enjoyed considerable success, debuting at the top position on the music charts and becoming Em's sixth number one album to date. Look for guest collaborations on here with Pink, Lil Wayne, and Rihanna.

Is it any good?

It's hard not to call this album a comeback, with Eminem dropping his twisted brand of rapid-fire rhymes with precision reminiscent of the days of Slim Shady. It seems listeners have been hearing about his addiction issues for some time, but here there's a new sincerity and honesty to the revelations. Although some of his trademark bad taste still makes it on the album (scatological, demeaning, and plain gross comments abound), the weight of this album is much more mature without being boring. Guest contributions add significantly to its appeal, and even a sampled appearance by Ozzy Osbourne seems perfectly timed. It's not a bad album; it's just not for kids.

Music themes & details

Music Details

Released on: June 18, 2010
Label: Aftermath
Genre: Rap
Parental advisory: Yes
Edited version available: Yes

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp

Review It

What parents & educators say

Based on 12 parent & educator reviews:

50% say language is an issue
42% say there are positive messages

Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

.........
parent of 14 year old

Its Eminem what can one expect?

its eminem not some disney "role model". what were you expecting? honestly if you expecting a positive role model who supports charity. i pity you. look elsewere for a rolemodel. the lyrics arent that bad some do have redeeming quailites...

What other families should know

Music Details

Artist

Label

Genre

Recovery (by Eminem, Rap)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on Recovery

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Music themes & details

Music Details

Review It

Review Recovery

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Its Eminem what can one expect?

Mature teens only.

hard to see

VERY GOOD

awsome album

Brialliant

eminem is awesome

cool CD

major change in Em's style is for the better.

Great for most ages

Harsh Rating

MATURE ALBUM

I've heard fans of Eminem complain because hes cleaner...

Excellent for all

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