A lot has changed since Eminem released Encore in 2004. Em is as depraved as ever, but the shtick is decidedly less funny than it was during his Slim Shady heyday. But honestly, it doesn’t seem like Em’s trying to make anyone laugh. The unyielding macabre of “3 A.M.” and “Insane,” an uncomfortably lighthearted look at child molestation are evidence of Em’s continued ability to shock. But Em sounds closest to his former self on “Old Time’s Sake” and “Déjà Vu” where the rapper tackles his drug addiction head-on. Not quite a return to form, but Marshall Mathers’ return is never boring. – dusty culpepper
