EminemBase wrote:
Nah; for Em, the element of surprise and BLAM out of nowhere is partially what creates the sales he has over and over again. He intruiges people, then comes out with something sounding totally fresh from before, but just a hint of the album, so people frenzy to check it out...
This is not true AT ALL. It is only a recent trend of intrigue which explains Interscope's current marketing scheme for Eminem's albums. Eminem albums have always followed long periods of hype, promotion, suspense and advertisement; none of which are prevalent in the current marketing scheme for Eminem's 8th album at all.
Eminem's early releases were supported by countless TV-commercials/appearances (remember EM-TV?), radio features and freestyles, billboards, posters, etc. Eminem was constantly in the news, and knowledge about his albums (whilst remaining secretive regarding the content) was easily accessible. There was consistent hype.
He certainly has never really 'come out of nowhere'. Obviously it was a shock when he came out of rehab with Relapse, but that too was heavily supported with TV appearances in multiple countries, radio sets and even a pop-in-shop in London when the album dropped.
Arguably for Relapse the re-entry of Eminem into the limelight, compounded by its relative shock, helped boost sales, however it certainly did not show any similar trends to his previous releases and equally cannot be compared to later releases when arguing that intrigue boosts sales. The fact of the matter is that people were hyped to see Eminem back making music which is an extremely unique type of hype, in no way relevant or comparable to succeeding album releases.
EminemBase wrote: Recovery did like 750k and people had no idea what to expect BUT, many didn't like Relapse and had no idea what Recovery would be like, and presumed it would at least be similar, and it still sold like it did; I know "Not Afraid" gave the sound away, but many people only just got used to the fact he was back, his fans knew but most people had forgot about him being an active presence...
Yes, people were not too sure what to expect with Recovery, however it was only the album's content which carried intrigue. Relapse had already helped market it, albeit under the guise of 'Relapse 2'. This is fundamental for people to realise, and it often gets overlooked. The fact of the matter is that Recovery did not need to be pushed into the limelight because its focus as Eminem's 7th studio album had already been cemented, regardless of its title. People knew that Eminem was going to come out with a new album and thus the hype from Relapse followed on. The constant stream of music from Relapse certainly helped maintain interest: something which has been lacking from Eminem as of late, as his interaction with fans (through interviews, radio, music etc) has been lamentable at best.
The bottom line is that Eminem's previous albums all followed periods of hype, anticipation and marketing which his 8th-studio album simply lacks. Whilst his name will help boost sales, now is the time for fans to be enticed and apathetic listeners be reeled in.
