The Eminem Show
by Eminem
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 1850 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,699 out of 1850
  2. Mixed: 39 out of 1850
  3. Negative: 112 out of 1850

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  1. JoshuaStDenis
    Jun 5, 2012
    10
    This album makes it Eminem's third classic consecutive album, proving to everyone what a rap sensation he really is, destroying his competition lyrically as well as commercially.
  2. SuchiB14
    Nov 1, 2018
    10
    This **** is dope as **** one of the best rap albums ever. The lyricism is brilliant and the beats are phenomenal and (as always) Em sounds great. 10/10
  3. Malakamartinez
    Nov 15, 2022
    10
    This is one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever released, no doubt. Even in 2022, it has aged so well that it sounds even better than the first time. Em is absolutely one of the GOATs for sure.
  4. JamesJ.
    Jun 21, 2002
    10
    Clearly, the rap album of the year, if not the album of the year. Its a masterpiece from track 1 to 20. The production is great. His rhyming patterns are unmatchable. In my view, he is the greatest lyricist of all time
  5. Kaztaj
    Nov 16, 2010
    10
    An amazing lyrical genius, this album holds what Eminem truly is. From the whitty-ness of "without me" to the seriousness of "Sing for the moment" its an album Ive bought and glad I did.
  6. HeyImBenMiles
    Mar 2, 2011
    10
    "My songs can make you cry, take you by surprise/And at the same time, make you dry your eyes with the same rhyme"

    It's not as ironic as The Slim Shady LP; it's not as thought-provoking as The Marshall Mathers LP; and it certainly will not be the album Eminem's remembered by in a hundred years. However, The Eminem Show, which opens with a song making fun of his fan base and ends with a    "My songs can make you cry, take you by surprise/And at the same time, make you dry your eyes with the same rhyme"

    It's not as ironic as The Slim Shady LP; it's not as thought-provoking as The Marshall Mathers LP; and it certainly will not be the album Eminem's remembered by in a hundred years. However, The Eminem Show, which opens with a song making fun of his fan base and ends with a song ridiculing his critics, may well be his masterpiece.    … Expand
  7. lovemusic
    May 12, 2011
    9
    finally eminem raps like a black person. this album was banging. this is my personal favorite by him. but the Marshall Mathers Lp was better though. i liked every song on this album it was better than average. some of his best lyrics is on this album.
  8. Chrislake94
    Jun 8, 2011
    10
    You see Eminem expand a lot more on his personal side a lot more than he did on the Marshall Mathers LP. This is lot more serious but his lyricism is emmaculate
  9. flametail23
    May 19, 2015
    10
    Now this is something special, this was the first Eminem album I listened too so I have nostalgia with it. It's an amazing album with only 1 song I'm not too fond of on it.
    10/10
  10. SerRickardo
    May 21, 2020
    10
    One of the greatest rap albums of all time and definitely my favourite from Eminem. The combination of Em's biblical flow and these legendary beats make for an absolute masterpiece packed full of classics.
  11. Harol
    Jun 5, 2019
    10
    This is such an amazing album, a masterpiece from the 2000s, Eminem gave excellent beats and lyrics and its singles are amazing
  12. Jr88
    Jan 19, 2020
    10
    A masterpiece that's the only way to call this album.
    Eminem in his best. Best flows in an album ever.
  13. Totie12
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    My favorite album of all time. The beats and ems flows get me fired up. It’s like all his best qualities finally cane together.
  14. Coolguymandude
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Another great fantastic awesome wonderful beautiful album by rap god eminem.
  15. alanawss
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    icone
  16. Luiishotkeys
    Oct 27, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. no es nada nuevo a lo que hemos escuchado, recomiendo Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel de Mariah Carey… Expand
  17. jaivardhan619
    May 17, 2021
    10
    Eminem just proved that age is just a number, more than 20 years of career and still outselling and creating great albums
  18. rollingstone82
    Aug 13, 2010
    9
    Solid third album.

    Slim Shady LP introduced the world to Eminem, a crude, white maniac with exceptional rhyming skills. Marshall Mathers LP gave the world Em's personal side while mixed with comic and satirical content. The Eminem Show is the retrospect of his career. After selling millions and millions of records, everyone wondered whether Eminem Show lived up to expectations. Yes it    Solid third album.

    Slim Shady LP introduced the world to Eminem, a crude, white maniac with exceptional rhyming skills. Marshall Mathers LP gave the world Em's personal side while mixed with comic and satirical content. The Eminem Show is the retrospect of his career. After selling millions and millions of records, everyone wondered whether Eminem Show lived up to expectations. Yes it did.

    Taking more control over the production (Dre produced only 3 tracks), Eminem makes lyrical assaults on many including George Bush, rap critics, pop stars, Kim, and his mother. He goes from criticizing the common views against white rappers and to his success making keen observations that his color helped him gain fame. He criticizes the Bush administration in Square Dance for its decision to send soldiers to Iraq. He recalls his assault on a bouncer after he allegedly saw him kiss his wife. In Soldier, he recalls the violent rage in him before and during the attack but in Say Goodbye Hollywood, he regrets doing that saying that his wife would have cared less and that he could be imprisoned thus stalling his career and affecting his relationship with his daughter. In Sing For The Moment, he discusses how music has suddenly become an influence on kids because they can relate and how one should not take things so seriously. In Say What U Say, he and Dre declare war on Jermaine Dupri and Canibus.

    A couple of minor complaints are the repetition of content, namely rants against his mother and the whole Slim Shady antic on My Dads Gone Crazy. The songs Drips and Superman are unnecessary misogynistic rants against whores and should not have been included.

    Yet The Eminem Show succeeds because Eminem keeps it interesting. After all, he can't leave rap alone. The game needs him.    … Expand
  19. Andre3000
    Jul 22, 2012
    10
    Classic album with a little bit of everything. Beats are on point, and eminem's lyrics prove why he is one of the greatest to do it. It's disgusting how a professional critic could rate something like this so low.
  20. Muhammadomer
    Sep 8, 2011
    10
    i love this album. love every aspect of it.. when im gone is so perfect., infact this whole album is so perfect. loved the style and speed of rapping from eminem in this album. i hope he carries on with the same !!
  21. cameronmorewood
    Nov 9, 2012
    9
    It is shy of greatness, but not by much. Eminem has put a variety of fantastic tracks on this album, and each one has different tricks up its sleeve.
  22. Emin3m
    Sep 11, 2014
    10
    the best album of all times
    in this album em talks about everything
    in the top of his music career
    about his past life arguing with mom talking about hailie
    and so on
  23. youlouz
    Jan 27, 2015
    8
    This is one of Eminem's worst albums, yet it its amazing! He is the best rapper ever .
  24. Connorcox1997
    Mar 8, 2019
    10
    The Eminem Show is a fantastic album. I loved all the song, the beats are dope, and Eminem's lyrics are getting better and better. The Eminem Show is my second favorite album next to Marshall Mathers LP. I highly recommend it.
  25. Emperor
    Apr 3, 2011
    10
    Eminem is the only rapper with three classic(SSLP, MMLP, TES), He is also the only rapper with two diamond certified albums(Diamonds are forever). Its so amazing how a white boy can dominate a predominant black art form. To me, Eminem is better than tupac, B.I.G or whoever you think. He made the art popular and accepted and rap music owe him for that. In the early years of Hip Hop, OnlyEminem is the only rapper with three classic(SSLP, MMLP, TES), He is also the only rapper with two diamond certified albums(Diamonds are forever). Its so amazing how a white boy can dominate a predominant black art form. To me, Eminem is better than tupac, B.I.G or whoever you think. He made the art popular and accepted and rap music owe him for that. In the early years of Hip Hop, Only blacks liked it and it was so tamed for the whites but now see where it is primarily because of Eminem. LEGEND !!!… Expand
  26. emilbodsater
    Mar 29, 2015
    10
    Let me get this clear, "The Eminem Show" who basically just have one bad song (Drips) has 75 Metascore and 8.9 User Score while the recently released "To Pimp A Butterfly" has 96 Metascore and 9.2 User Score, is this some kind of sick joke? Kendrick has made on top 4 good songs in his career while Em made 14 good songs in just one album and they are all better than Kendricks best song, wtfLet me get this clear, "The Eminem Show" who basically just have one bad song (Drips) has 75 Metascore and 8.9 User Score while the recently released "To Pimp A Butterfly" has 96 Metascore and 9.2 User Score, is this some kind of sick joke? Kendrick has made on top 4 good songs in his career while Em made 14 good songs in just one album and they are all better than Kendricks best song, wtf is this **** I'm seeing, TES is just pure magic while To Pimp A Butterfly isn't even good… Expand
  27. Mark
    Dec 24, 2002
    4
    I find it interesting that everyone that gave this album a 10 has yet to master the English language.
  28. u137288reddit
    May 10, 2018
    1
    Eminem is a very technically talented rapper, but he has consistently wasted it on unfunny and offensive lyrics which basically amount to mocking random celebrities and gay people for no reason. THis is no different.
  29. Matt
    Oct 1, 2002
    9
    The reason he's so popular is he's a white person who can rap with the best of rappers - nothing else. He makes such good rap albums that they transcend the genre.
  30. JohnaN.
    Aug 6, 2002
    10
    this album has helped me through so much crap! i love it! and for those of you who dont.... you obviously cant hear because its awesome!
  31. tigamathers
    Feb 8, 2003
    10
    eminem is my baby.... i wan to marry him hes totally hott, and his music rocks hes the best rapper in the history of any rapper
  32. sebas
    Mar 2, 2003
    10
    This Cd is the best of Em!!!!!!!!
  33. [Anonymous]
    Oct 26, 2004
    9
    Eminem is cool! :)
  34. FlikS
    May 5, 2004
    10
    Probably the greatest rap album of all time..i would say better than tupac's all eyes on me..the albums kicks ass...go slim!!WE LOVE YOU!
  35. PeterS.Bizarre
    Jul 10, 2004
    9
    Metacritic doesn't know anything about Eminem. This isn't his third album, this is his 5th! Here's the list: Infinite The Slim Shady EP The Slim Shady LP The Marshall Mathers LP The Eminem Show That's 5, not 3. Anyway, this is a good album. Buy it.
  36. DavidA
    Sep 6, 2004
    9
    I've always been an Eminem fan and I have to say this is one of his best yet.
  37. Theillusionist
    Aug 4, 2005
    8
    this is asolid return for eminem and the album has alot of good components such as hard as nails production, amazing lyrics, memorable hooks and some truly epic tracks along the way.The best tracks are cleaning out my closet, superman and sing for the moment.
  38. nickh
    Oct 5, 2006
    10
    this album was the best and so is eminem he is so hot i love him i am gay i wish i could $uck him offf woot woot
  39. JakeB.
    Jun 12, 2002
    10
    best he has made yet, cannot wait to here the next one he put his heart into this album and i give him a 10 for that. keep it up
  40. OliverB.
    Jun 14, 2002
    9
    this album is one of the best albums ive ever owned. Eminem is the best rapper in the world
  41. AmanL.
    Jun 21, 2002
    10
    Great follow up to his last great album the MM LP.
  42. SethB.
    Jun 2, 2002
    9
    Incredible! I actually agree with most of the critics. My opinion of this album is a hybrid of the New Musical Express's and E! Online. 'Nuff Said. Almost... He's sold about as much as Britney with only about 1/3 of the promo.
  43. SunnyS.
    Sep 14, 2002
    10
    i love this album.eminem is at his best.the slick beats r too cool
  44. amyt
    Mar 12, 2003
    10
    i love eminem he is sosexy and this cd is cool
  45. robd
    Apr 16, 2003
    9
    i believe eminem is a genius, and this is my reason, do you think einstien would of wrote any of this shit??
  46. CaitlynPolice
    Jan 7, 2004
    10
    this cd is awsome i don't know why some of you dont like it but it was fuckin sick
  47. VandonN
    Aug 4, 2005
    8
    this is a solid and welcome return from the master of hip hop and is a very well crafted thrill ride.The production is in top form, slim's raps still posses that lyrical and rythmical quality other rappers lack and the hooks are merorable.The album delivers some truly epic tracks along the way, such as cleaning out my closet, sing for the moment and superman and hallies song are also this is a solid and welcome return from the master of hip hop and is a very well crafted thrill ride.The production is in top form, slim's raps still posses that lyrical and rythmical quality other rappers lack and the hooks are merorable.The album delivers some truly epic tracks along the way, such as cleaning out my closet, sing for the moment and superman and hallies song are also highlights.Eminem has the ability to impose lyrics with soul and importance making the CD even more interesting.great stuff.… Expand
  48. BrannonM
    Apr 2, 2007
    8
    He's said if he was black he would have sold have, i disagree, he would have sold less than that. The music media(especially rolling stone magazine)raised him up on an undeserved petastal. He is talented lyrically, but today in 2007, all his flows he uses he's used before and numbers don't equal talent.
  49. Bryanm.
    Sep 13, 2007
    10
    it got lots of awards, and is his best Cd. so what if they don't have gay songs like i am the real slim shady. it is still good.
  50. ShadyS.
    Feb 4, 2008
    10
    This has got to B the best album ever made by Slim Shady! I've listened to every song every rhyme and every comment made on these works of art and i gotta say........ GIVE IT UP FOR EMINEM! without a doubt Shady has set the standard for rappers across the globe......... a side from 50 CENT of course.
  51. BenF.
    Feb 10, 2009
    10
    Eminem is amazing. I mean, he is a fabulous rapper. Why 75? It should be a lot higher than that.
  52. RyanT.
    Aug 22, 2002
    7
    His weakest album yet. Not as shocking as his 2nd album or as funny as his 1st. His rhymes this time around are just not as interesting. What saves him though is his lyrical flow and there are a few great songs on the album Cleanin Out My Closet, and Sing For The Moment after that most of the songs are just medicore.
  53. manuel
    May 3, 2011
    9
    yeah this is the best album of music i ever listen i love this album so much eminem forever really the best album of all time and no other noob is like eminem !he is **** perfect!
  54. WarriorV1
    Jul 6, 2011
    10
    Eminem matures and takes more of a political view in this album. May not be his best album ever but it is definitely my favorite album Eminem has ever created.
  55. Baron6489
    Jun 23, 2011
    9
    Phenomenal album...probably in the running as the best album of 2002. The only knock on it is that it had to follow up the expectations set by The Marshall Mathers LP, which it almost does.
  56. hownattyyyydo
    Aug 8, 2014
    10
    Straight up classic. Great storytelling, has a concept that may seem boring at first but is interesting and intriguing as heck. Funny at time, serious at others, a great album.
  57. Shady313
    Mar 21, 2015
    10
    10/10 ................................................................................................................................................
  58. aftermath96
    Feb 4, 2018
    10
    of course this album is my second favorite album of all time, behind MMLP, those albums sounds so perfect
  59. PandaOfDoom
    Jan 22, 2020
    0
    Genuinely poor form. One of his worst albums by far. After the greatness of SSLP and MMLP I would be ashamed if I made this
  60. DamonAubergine
    Sep 21, 2018
    6
    The Eminem show certainly has some historic tunes on it such as 'Without me' and 'Till I Collapse', but the album as a whole doesn't feel like it's Eminem writing at his best. It seems more of a bragging album crossed with a sympathy album, rather than the hard hitting and witty Eminem from The Marshall Mathers LP.

    Although this album is still a good album, it could have been so much    The Eminem show certainly has some historic tunes on it such as 'Without me' and 'Till I Collapse', but the album as a whole doesn't feel like it's Eminem writing at his best. It seems more of a bragging album crossed with a sympathy album, rather than the hard hitting and witty Eminem from The Marshall Mathers LP.

    Although this album is still a good album, it could have been so much better with the traction Eminem had at the time. Underwhelming, but not disappointing.    … Expand
  61. SMHTY
    Jan 22, 2020
    0
    Horrible album. This man has fallen so hard. Why do his fans dare play with us and the best album of the decade?
  62. Cway
    Jan 25, 2020
    0
    just doing my part.........................................................
  63. itachiuchiha007
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    this is classic this is classic this is classic this is classic this is classic this is classic
  64. mnml0vr
    Jan 23, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. his 2nd best album just bad, though not as bad as his wall punching, monster drinking, 'I tell my mom to F off' fan base, who leave bad review bc they salty Eminem can't make good music any more and still acts like he's 21… Expand
  65. dizzle29
    Jan 23, 2020
    1
    This isn’t a good album it’s very boring and the lyricism is average at best, in sick of this mumble rap garbage
  66. bruger
    Jan 24, 2020
    0
    yell about cumming on people, rinse, dry, repeat. boring and not better than to pimp a butterfly.
  67. nikkum012
    Jul 25, 2020
    0
    The third major-label album of one of the best MCs of all time , Eminem, is a beautiful rock-influenced hip hop album. He is mature and aware of his position in the rap game. Top-notch technicalities, storytelling and pure emotions are blinded in making this LP a masterpiece.
  68. Hovdagoat
    Aug 2, 2023
    10
    the goaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat
  69. LloydB.
    May 30, 2002
    10
    this his best one ever
  70. PhillM.
    Jun 21, 2002
    9
    What would have been nice would have been a few more songs where Eminem rags on his x wife. I think 18 out of twenty wasn't quite enough. Love him or hate him when without me comes on white black young or old I defy you not to at least tap your foot.
  71. KhahlaB.
    Aug 14, 2002
    10
    eminem is the best ' i love him and his cd '
  72. xxxxxxxx
    Sep 13, 2002
    10
    em rocks
  73. BobbyR.
    Sep 27, 2002
    10
    This album rocked and that halies song is great, that is the best song you have!!!
  74. AlexP
    Nov 14, 2003
    10
    it was F!!!!!!! Cool I love it
  75. DanielV
    Mar 4, 2003
    10
    one of his hottest records out
  76. jeff?
    Aug 26, 2003
    10
    this is the best c.d. in history id rate it 100 if i could. This is the best c.d. in history. eminem knows how to make music unlike justin timberlake and them gay ppl.
  77. AaronA
    Dec 13, 2004
    9
    doesnt quite compare to the marshal mathers lp but its still his 2nd best album ever beatin encore, infinate and slim shady lp
  78. curefreak
    Feb 29, 2004
    9
    while eminem is starting to repeat some of his themes to the point of beating them to the ground the best songs are when he attacks the government and explains that after 9/11 we need him now more than ever the only bad song is the aerosmith sampling ballad the album could have used more of eminems sense of humor sense the album runs a bit long
  79. GaborA
    Mar 1, 2004
    7
    Eminem proves that no matter how his life changes he can always make good rap songs about it but his power is limited to altering his own life and entertaining his listeners. He simply isnt able to change our lives as the gods of music do.
  80. DawnS
    May 2, 2004
    10
    This was an awesome CD!! I loved it!!
  81. Jess.L.S.M.
    Dec 10, 2007
    10
    Jen C. obviously is a friggin nun, cuz she has not taste in music. or are you a guy? haha, fucker, get a life. "The Eminem Show" is the best shit, and it don't take a fuckin genius to figure that out. keep spittin, Marshall!
  82. JackR
    Oct 14, 2008
    10
    i know this cd was out 6 years ago but it is by far his best a without a doubt classic and is one of the best ever.
  83. RyanM.
    Mar 17, 2008
    10
    Greatest ever.
  84. JaffarR.
    Apr 8, 2008
    10
    Best ever baby!! Intense lyrical vibe.
  85. kriss
    Nov 15, 2002
    10
    its a mature step foward in the growth of an artist.more serious than the first two albums, yet it still cotains its share of funny moments.
  86. AmberE.
    Jul 27, 2002
    10
    Eminem is still the best i still havent got sick of his cd i listen to it whenever i can He is soooo sexy too.
  87. AndersE.
    Aug 14, 2002
    10
    Every single song on this CD was incredible and thats hard to find.
  88. EmilyH.
    Aug 31, 2002
    10
    I luv this album soooooo much. I think this has to be his best work ever. He has the guts to say what people think and I admire that and respect him.
  89. Shawna
    Sep 29, 2002
    10
    My favourite CD ever!
  90. BrittanyR
    Nov 21, 2003
    10
    This is a great cd. Eminem rocks and for all of you people who do not like him, then there is something wrong with you in the head. And for all of use who doubt him, that just aint right cause you dont know him and to everyone that gave him less then a five, you need to get a clue. For real yo. im out. peace.
  91. RobbieH
    Dec 12, 2003
    10
    shady's the shit the only reason I rap is cause of em all u motha fuckas can suck my dick if you got a problem wit shady this album is his best
  92. willr
    Apr 21, 2003
    10
    eminem is the coolest and jen c, if thats wat u think u betta sit down and hav second thougts because his da best ever o and eminem u RULE with 4 capitals. and mark, get a grip cause nobodys perfect!! besides thats how rappers RAP!!!
  93. Finfrosk
    Sep 24, 2005
    10
    Eminem is the best rapper ever. His lyrics are incredible, no other rapper comes close. And the best track is sayin goodbye to hollywood.
  94. KaseyN
    Jan 26, 2006
    10
    I love The Eminem Show. It is one of the best albums made. Eminem is a lyrical genios,if you doubt that you should sit the fuck down, and shut the fuck up.
  95. AdamB
    Feb 19, 2006
    9
    Possibly his best work. Any one who says differnt is crap. He is the master of rap and music right now. Is the best selling rapper of all time and is just all around great rapper.
  96. AlainC
    Jun 22, 2009
    9
    This is his best album fr me it should be 9.5 out of 10. i mean its not perfect but its mad ill.
  97. Roshan
    Nov 18, 2003
    10
    wicked cd, packed with bad mouthed crap. i loved it!
  98. KatieP
    Dec 26, 2003
    10
    Eminem has matured. But he is still as funny and as clever as always. A great CD.
  99. Tam_91
    Aug 30, 2010
    10
    A fantastic album, almost flawless lyrically - his rhyming and flow are at his peak on here. This is a more mature Eminem though we still see the dark side of him in tracks like Cleaning Out My Closet and Slim Shady type tracks like Without Me. Overall a solid album, possibly his best.
  100. BlueLotusPoet
    Oct 13, 2010
    8
    While it isnt as memorable as the Marshall Mathers LP, The Eminem Show still proves to be an entertaining and strong album. This album sees Eminem slowly shifting away from the horrorcore edge he once had on the Slim Shady LP and Marshall Mathers LP. Despite not hearing too much blood and guts references in a humorous and lyrical fashion, there is still that sense of aggression, passion,While it isnt as memorable as the Marshall Mathers LP, The Eminem Show still proves to be an entertaining and strong album. This album sees Eminem slowly shifting away from the horrorcore edge he once had on the Slim Shady LP and Marshall Mathers LP. Despite not hearing too much blood and guts references in a humorous and lyrical fashion, there is still that sense of aggression, passion, and overcoming that Eminem gives which has always been cherished by many. "Haile's Song" finds Eminem singing a couple verses which arent amazing neither horrible. Actually, he's carrying a tune instead of really singing. Overall, The Eminem Show is step down from his previous album, but is still quite satisfying.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2002
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. Rolling Stone
    80
    Eminem just may have made the best rap-rock album in history
    Read full review
  2. CultureDose.net
    70
    With each successive album Eminem finds new depth and excitement within the same themes and structures he used way back on The Slim Shady LP, so even if new songs contain earmarks of Eminem classics, they still feel reinvigorated.
    Read full review
  3. Uncut
    60
    Behind the hype and the swagger, he's still baring enough of his soul for The Eminem Show to be compelling theatre. [Aug 2002, p.118]
See all critic reviews »