Eminem

Eminem's first three albums were masterpieces of modern hip-hop but also landmarks of pop culture in general. After releasing a sub-par fourth record and several well-documented personal problems became apparent, he took a five year break. He picked the week before Memorial Day to sell his new record to holiday impulse buyers. Smart guy.

I really don't have much to say about this one, because if you know his past records there is really nothing new to talk about here. His music has gotten darker, more violent, more angry and ultimately less fun. His murder and rape fantasies went from comical to disturbing once we all realized this is actually his life he's singing about.

The album hits a nice stretch at the end with "Deja Vu", "Beautiful", "Crack A Bottle", and "Underground". However, you have to get through embarrassments like "We Made You" and "Insane" to get there. "Bagpipes From Baghdad" , the worst track he ever recorded, bases a beat around a you guessed it... bagpipe! "3 AM" would work if it weren't for his new faux-Jamacian accent in his rhyming (why?).

Anyway, if you are looking for a new pop record, go with Green Day. Skip this one and have a great Memorial Day.