Shady XV
by Eminem
  • Record Label: Shady
  • Release Date: Nov 24, 2014
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
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  1. AllMusic
    Dec 8, 2014
    80
    The wonderfully weird "Vegas" from Bad Meets Evil (Eminem and Royce Da 5'9) makes one wish the Shady label boss would find more time for the project, but he's already quite stretched behind the scenes, producing or co-producing eight of the cuts on disc one, including Skylar Grey's "Twisted," which isn't hip-hop, but glittery and goth giganto-pop. Great, grand, risky, and clever moments like this make Shady XV the worthy celebratory object that it is, but don't expect a deep roster or a cohesive game plan, because the label has always been more about close friends and family.
  2. HipHopDX
    Nov 25, 2014
    80
    Some songs border on perfection. A few more are just solidly average. Yet, it all balances out, and the rhymes on full display make Shady XV a great compilation release.
  3. New York Daily News (Jim Faber)
    Nov 24, 2014
    80
    Only a few tracks, like “Guts Over Fear” (with guest vocals from Sia) bore inside the rapper to show his vulnerable side. But the snarl of the rest finds him at a peak of writerly dexterity and rhyming velocity.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    Nov 26, 2014
    75
    Shady's first half is, like most new Eminem material, more problematic but also more rewarding. [5 Dec 2014, p.70]
  6. Exclaim
    Nov 25, 2014
    70
    For the Shady diehard fans, Shady XV is enough. But for those searching for that nostalgic surge of adrenaline-inducing passion and innovative content reminiscent of the Shady reign, it's better to skip the new material and head straight to the classics.
  7. PopMatters
    Jan 20, 2015
    60
    The “Greatest Hits” CD is made up more of deep cuts than big hits, but with a few well known tracks included. There is substantially less Eminem than on the first side.
  8. New Musical Express (NME)
    Dec 15, 2014
    50
    As a reminder of Eminem’s vocal showboating, ShadyXV is impressive. The problem--and it’s a persistent one--is that where once his anger was energetic, now it simply betrays lethargy.
  9. RapReviews.com
    Dec 9, 2014
    40
    Shady XV seems like it was made for: diehard fans of Marshall; and fresh kids who don't know no better. Otherwise, you'll probably have forgotten about the album by 2015, and 95% of the label's energy will soon be diverted to the next Eminem solo LP all over again.
  10. Pitchfork
    Nov 26, 2014
    20
    The greatest-hits disc is a misnomer: It's mostly a grab-bag of Shady throwaways and deep cuts.

Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Most Discussed Album of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 384 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 257 out of 384
  2. Mixed: 58 out of 384
  3. Negative: 69 out of 384
  1. Hypocritics
    Nov 25, 2014
    10
    I've been waiting for this Eminem for a long time. MMLP2 was a great start, but he's honing on a production style, this rock/hip hop infusedI've been waiting for this Eminem for a long time. MMLP2 was a great start, but he's honing on a production style, this rock/hip hop infused stuff, that really works. His rhymes as as sinister as ever, throwback to 2001 with this Iggy Azalea stuff. Eminem fans should be happy with this one.… Full Review »
  2. RemyEm
    Dec 9, 2014
    10
    This album proved that technically Eminem is still untouchable in the game. He has incredible flow on "Vegas". Tracks like "PsychopathThis album proved that technically Eminem is still untouchable in the game. He has incredible flow on "Vegas". Tracks like "Psychopath Killers" and "Detroit VS Everybody" have great instrumentals and hooks along with great lyrics from Big Sean, Royce, Em and Danny. Crooked I and Yelawolf took the album on another level. "Fine Line" is like the best on the album. It reminds you "The Eminem Show" era. This album is on repeat since the day of its release.… Full Review »
  3. Bruce3222
    Nov 30, 2014
    10
    There's nothing more to ask for from Eminem but to bring Slim Shady and do him the ultimate justice he didn't quite get on MMLP2. There areThere's nothing more to ask for from Eminem but to bring Slim Shady and do him the ultimate justice he didn't quite get on MMLP2. There are more WOW moments in this album than you could have expected so, it also has the element of suprise from the very first track, "Shady XV". "Psychopath Killer" "Vegas" and "Twisted" are album's best, of course there are lots of other songs that'll make you find yourself stucked to your phone or computer; like singles "Guts Over Fear" and "Y'all 'Ready Know" and D12's cut (first in many years, also) is pretty interesting. So, to sum up, I guess we have to say.... SHADY'S BACK!!!!!… Full Review »
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