Eminem’s “Revival” album just dropped, and Twitter is at war over whether it’s good or not
Early this morning, December 15th, Eminem dropped Revival, his first album in four years. The 19 tracks include collaborations with the likes of Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, Pink, and Alicia Keys. These big names, matched with Eminem’s history of selling millions of records, make for a news-worthy album. But now, only a few hours after Revival went live, there’s a solid battle line drawn between two sides. Some fans adore the new release, and others think it’s a “trainwreck.”
Music critic Dom Needham, who wrote a review for The Guardian, falls in the latter camp. He wrote:
"Production-wise, Revival is a trainwreck. If Eminem thinks his verbal box of tricks can overcome the weakness of any backing track, his recent albums have demonstrated otherwise." He called Eminem's opening song featuring Beyoncé, "Walk on Water," "a song as thrilling as shopping for shower curtains."
Ouch.
But Rolling Stone reviewers Elias Leight, Mosi Reeves, Al Shipley, and Simon Vozick-Levinson disagree with Needham’s take on Revival. They’re much more understanding of Eminem’s message.
"This is a serious, vulnerable track about the doubts that nag at a rap god late at night," they wrote about "Walk On Water." "He's heard your criticisms of his latter-day work, and they hit home...Beyoncé comes through with humility and grace."
And of course, Twitter has many thoughts.
There are those who love it —
#Revival examples of why Eminem is, arguably, the best lyricist ever.
1. I'm upscale now; guess it means I'm 'weigh' up in the sky.
2.I put you in your place like a realtor, boy; you still ain't in the building, boy.
3. My competition can't see me, cause I don't own a mirror.
— Tallie Dar (@talliedar) December 15, 2017
Listening to #Revival here like pic.twitter.com/GpvQrWqKye
— Abdullah (@AbdullahQu_) December 15, 2017
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People hating on Eminem's #Revival album must have been born in the 2000s and jam out to Lil Pump and Lil Uzi Vert.
— ً (@rezife) December 15, 2017
“My competition can't see me 'cause I don't own a mirror”. #EMINEM #Revival pic.twitter.com/93kCoemsbH
— State Of Champion’s (@TManimals) December 15, 2017
All jokes aside @Eminem #Revival has one too many cringey moments but overall is an entertaining project. It makes up for the cringe with sensitive subjects that make you think and feel. Also lyrically still God height.
— Aaron Hansen (@JamManSlam) December 15, 2017
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My top 3 favorite tracks from Eminem's #REVIVAL (so far) …
— "Like Home" w/ Alicia Keys
— "Arose" (LeAnn Rimes sample??? Nice!)
— "River" w/ Ed Sheeran pic.twitter.com/Vkvql58RCm— 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗬 𝗛𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗘𝗦 (@TommySledge) December 15, 2017
Me after listening to Untouchable #Revival pic.twitter.com/vAXqOxK1d5
— Winston (@ayeWinston) December 15, 2017
"#Revival isn't a great album".
Well, probably because you don't understand it since Eminem isn't repeating one word throughout each song. Your brain only functions to words like Gucci, Weed, Ya Ya Ya, SKRRRT
— Tallie Dar (@talliedar) December 15, 2017
#Revival is top of the charts in countries all over the world. Once again #Eminem has fans all over the world like… pic.twitter.com/0XUL8BcZMP
— Keiran (@MediaKeiran) December 15, 2017
Album of the year 💿 #Revival
— mack (@iammack__) December 15, 2017
— and those who don’t.
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https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/941645428080234497
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Eminem is on Revival rapping like we’re all still 13 years old. He was right to doubt himself, he really doesn’t have it anymore
— I, E. (@The1TheyCall_E) December 15, 2017
Revival is already at the #13 spot on the iTunes Top Albums chart. So love it or hate it, Eminem’s album is making waves. Let us know your thoughts!
