One thing Eminem’s life has never been is stable. From his tumultuous childhood, to his rise to fame and controversy, to the murder of his best friend and fellow D-12 member Proof, the life of Marshall Mathers has never been one which was easy to decipher. The past several years, unfortunately, have been ones defined by tragedy, addiction and abandonment. His battles with drugs and depression have been well documented and prove to be the sources of inspiration behind his new album, Recovery.

Picking up where Relapse concluded, Em’s newest project was essentially audio rehab with the legendary rapper explaining his transgressions and pleading for forgiveness from whoever listened. The emotional “Talking 2 Myself” was Em speaking on life under the influence of drugs and how he came dangerously close to dissing both Lil Wayne and Kanye West. He even asserts that, “Encore, I was on drugs/Relapse, I was flushin’ ‘em out…” One thing that is explicitly evident throughout the album was Em’s lyrical prowess hadn’t lost a step.

One of main charactertistics that has always stuck with Eminem albums were the fact they were always led off by light, more playful single. On Recovery, such isn’t the case with the lead single serving as the brave and self analytical smash song, “Not Afraid.” By this point in the album, it is clear to see Eminem’s mind had been immensely affected by the countless narcotics he was placing in his system. On “Going Through Changes,” he even admits, ”F*ckin’ drug dealers hanging round me like yes men/And they gon’ do whatever I says when I says it/It’s in their best interest to protect their investment.”

Obviously determined to clear his mind of all demons, the albums lone rap feature is Lil Wayne on “No Love.” The two follow up on their ultra-successful collaboration “Drop The World” with another enigmatic anthem. For as open and introspective as the entire album is, the content can become repetitive at times and songs like “So Bad” seem out of place. One of the more intriguing and anticipated records from Em over the past few years has always been his ode to his fallen comrade, Proof. For years, the rapper always proclaimed he would never speak on his friend’s passing until he felt the song was approriate enough to create. The LP’s final track, “You’re Never Over,” was filled with emotion and memories as Marshall attempts to send a kite to heaven. It is the hook, however, is what takes away from some of the potence of the record.

Yet and still, Slim Shady’s sixth solo album was therapeutic and a return to deranged honesty his fans have come to adore since the late ’90’s – only this time a large dose of maturity was added to the equation. His appeal to the masses is evident in the numbers Recovery has posted since hitting shelves in late June. Coincidentally, his ability to make words rhyme is now only overshadowed now by his ability to emerge from the depths of personal hell and spawn it into public testimonials.

Rating: 4 out of 5