by Crazee » Sep 5th, '13, 21:09
I don't know why initial reaction should define an album forever. It's true that Relapse was viewed as a weird departure as his big comeback record, but I think the silly voices and weird content reminded too many people of Encore. Like "Damn, why's he still doing these childish voices?" It was awkward at first listen, though I still loved the multies and technique.
Now that it's had time to breathe, hardcore Eminem fans listen again and realize that the album had a lot of merit that got drowned out by superficial BS. If you approach Relapse without preconceived notions, you realize the artistry and experimentation. You realize how cool it is that he came back and did what the fuck he wanted, and not what everyone expected. So, outside of the context of it's 2009 release and all that baggage he had in his career at the time...people view it differently.
I think fans who don't have Eminem in their favorite rappers list are more likely to have listened to the CD, judged it right away...and then never go back to it. But this is common. Some of Nas's catalogue has grown in stature too. Like "I Am...". It was viewed as a disappointment when it was released but then people grew to like it later(like I did). This happens all the time in the entertainment industry.
Edit: Oops, topic switched. Well, this could happen with MMLP2 as well. Album isn't what we expect, it gets mixed reaction...and then in a few years we appreciate it for what it is.