Eminem Albums Ranked: From Infinite to Music to Be Murdered By

By: Michael's Melodies

Ready for Your Next Show? Buy Concert Tickets Now!

Eminem, one of the most iconic and influential rappers in the world, has had a prolific career spanning several decades. From his early underground days to his chart-topping albums, Eminem has consistently delivered music that has resonated with fans across the globe. In this article, we will meticulously rank Eminem’s albums, considering factors such as album sales, critical acclaim, and fan favorites.

Eminem Albums Ranked

Infinite (1996)

Eminem’s debut studio album, Infinite, was released in 1996 and marked the beginning of his journey in the rap world. While the album showcased his raw talent and unique flow, it received limited commercial success.

Sales: Approximately 1,000 copies (initial release) Critics’ Rating: N/A Fan Favorites: “Infinite,” “It’s OK,” “313”

Infinite serves as a testament to Eminem’s early ambition and determination to make a name for himself in the hip-hop scene. Although it didn’t achieve significant sales or critical acclaim at the time, it laid the foundation for his future success.

The Slim Shady LP (1999)

Released in 1999, The Slim Shady LP marked Eminem’s major-label debut and introduced the world to his alter ego, Slim Shady. The album included hit tracks like “My Name Is” and “Guilty Conscience,” showcasing his dark humor and lyrical prowess.

Sales: Approximately 5 million copies in the United States Critics’ Rating: 4.5/5 Fan Favorites: “My Name Is,” “Guilty Conscience,” “Role Model”

The Slim Shady LP was a commercial success, earning Eminem his first Grammy Award. It established him as a controversial and groundbreaking artist in the hip-hop genre.

The Marshall Mathers LP (2000)

Released in 2000, The Marshall Mathers LP is widely regarded as one of Eminem’s greatest works. With tracks like “Stan,” “The Real Slim Shady,” and “The Way I Am,” the album delved into themes of fame, family, and personal struggles.

Sales: Approximately 32 million copies worldwide Critics’ Rating: 5/5 Fan Favorites: “Stan,” “The Real Slim Shady,” “The Way I Am”

The Marshall Mathers LP not only achieved massive sales figures but also received critical acclaim for its lyrical depth and controversial content. It solidified Eminem’s status as a rap legend.

The Eminem Show (2002)

The Eminem Show, released in 2002, continued Eminem’s chart-topping success. With tracks like “Without Me,” “Cleanin’ Out My Closet,” and “Sing for the Moment,” the album explored his life, struggles, and growing fame.

Sales: Approximately 27 million copies worldwide Critics’ Rating: 4.5/5 Fan Favorites: “Without Me,” “Cleanin’ Out My Closet,” “Sing for the Moment”

The Eminem Show received widespread acclaim for its introspective lyrics and diverse production. It further cemented Eminem’s place in the pantheon of rap legends.

Encore (2004)

Released in 2004, Encore continued Eminem’s streak of successful albums. While it featured tracks like “Just Lose It” and “Mosh,” it also marked a period of personal struggles for the artist.

Sales: Approximately 11 million copies worldwide Critics’ Rating: 3.5/5 Fan Favorites: “Just Lose It,” “Mockingbird,” “Mosh”

Encore received mixed reviews from critics, with some considering it a slight departure from Eminem’s previous work. However, it still achieved significant sales figures and contained standout tracks.

Relapse (2009)

After a hiatus, Eminem returned with Relapse in 2009. The album featured tracks like “Crack a Bottle” and “Beautiful,” and it delved into themes of addiction and recovery.

Sales: Approximately 2.3 million copies worldwide Critics’ Rating: 3.5/5 Fan Favorites: “Crack a Bottle,” “Beautiful,” “3 a.m.”

Relapse received mixed reviews, with some praising Eminem’s lyrical prowess and others critiquing the album’s themes and content. Despite the divided opinions, it maintained his presence in the music industry.

Recovery (2010)

In 2010, Eminem released Recovery, which marked a significant departure from his previous album. With tracks like “Not Afraid” and “Love the Way You Lie,” the album focused on themes of resilience and personal growth.

Sales: Approximately 15 million copies worldwide Critics’ Rating: 4/5 Fan Favorites: “Not Afraid,” “Love the Way You Lie,” “No Love”

Recovery received critical acclaim and commercial success, with Eminem’s introspective and mature approach resonating with both fans and critics.

The Marshall Mathers LP 2 (2013)

The Marshall Mathers LP 2, released in 2013, served as a sequel to Eminem’s classic 2000 album. With tracks like “Rap God” and “Berzerk,” it paid homage to his earlier work while exploring new themes.

Sales: Approximately 7.7 million copies worldwide Critics’ Rating: 4/5 Fan Favorites: “Rap God,” “Berzerk,” “Love Game”

The Marshall Mathers LP 2 received positive reviews and continued Eminem’s streak of successful albums, showcasing his ability to evolve as an artist.

Revival (2017)

Released in 2017, Revival featured tracks like “Walk on Water” and “River” and explored themes of fame, self-reflection, and social issues.

Sales: Approximately 2.5 million copies worldwide Critics’ Rating: 2.5/5 Fan Favorites: “Walk on Water,” “River,” “Believe”

Revival received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Eminem’s introspective lyrics and others critiquing the album’s production and content.

Kamikaze (2018)

In 2018, Eminem surprised fans with the release of Kamikaze, a response to the criticism he received for Revival. The album featured tracks like “Lucky You” and “Not Alike.”

Sales: Approximately 4 million copies worldwide Critics’ Rating: 3.5/5 Fan Favorites: “Lucky You,” “Not Alike,” “The Ringer”

Kamikaze received more favorable reviews compared to its predecessor, with Eminem addressing his critics and showcasing his lyrical prowess.

Music to Be Murdered By (2020)

Eminem’s most recent studio album, Music to Be Murdered By, was released in 2020. With tracks like “Godzilla” and “Darkness,” the album delved into themes of violence, mental health, and societal issues.

Sales: Approximately 1.5 million copies worldwide Critics’ Rating: 3.5/5 Fan Favorites: “Godzilla,” “Darkness,” “God Mode”

Music to Be Murdered By received mixed reviews, with some appreciating Eminem’s technical skills and others critiquing the album’s themes and content.

Eminem Albums Ranked By Sales

Let’s take a closer look at Eminem’s albums ranked by their respective sales figures:

  1. The Marshall Mathers LP (2000) – Approximately 32 million copies worldwide
  2. The Eminem Show (2002) – Approximately 27 million copies worldwide
  3. Recovery (2010) – Approximately 15 million copies worldwide
  4. Encore (2004) – Approximately 11 million copies worldwide
  5. The Marshall Mathers LP 2 (2013) – Approximately 7.7 million copies worldwide
  6. Kamikaze (2018) – Approximately 4 million copies worldwide
  7. Relapse (2009) – Approximately 2.3 million copies worldwide
  8. Revival (2017) – Approximately 2.5 million copies worldwide
  9. Music to Be Murdered By (2020) – Approximately 1.5 million copies worldwide
  10. The Slim Shady LP (1999) – Approximately 5 million copies in the United States
  11. Infinite (1996) – Approximately 1,000 copies (initial release)

Eminem Notable Live Performances

Eminem is known for delivering electrifying live performances. Some of his notable shows include:

  1. The Up in Smoke Tour (2000) – Eminem joined Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Ice Cube for this iconic hip-hop tour.
  2. The Anger Management Tour (2002) – Eminem headlined this tour, featuring other notable artists in the rap and hip-hop scene.
  3. Coachella 2018 – Eminem headlined the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, delivering a memorable performance.

Eminem Top Tracks on Spotify

Eminem’s music continues to garner millions of streams on Spotify. Here are some of his top tracks on the platform:

  1. “Lose Yourself” – With over 1 billion streams, this iconic track remains a fan favorite.
  2. “Love the Way You Lie” – Featuring Rihanna, this song has over 1 billion streams and explores themes of love and tumultuous relationships.
  3. “Without Me” – With over 800 million streams, this track is a catchy and humorous hit.
  4. “Stan” – Featuring Dido, this song has over 700 million streams and is known for its storytelling.
  5. “Rap God” – With over 700 million streams, this track showcases Eminem’s rapid-fire delivery and wordplay.

Eminem Album Guests

Eminem has collaborated with a variety of artists on his albums. Here are some notable guests featured on his albums:

  1. Dido – Collaborated on “Stan,” contributing vocals to the haunting chorus.
  2. Rihanna – Joined forces with Eminem on multiple tracks, including “Love the Way You Lie.”
  3. Dr. Dre – Worked with Eminem on numerous songs and served as a mentor to the rapper.
  4. 50 Cent – Collaborated with Eminem on tracks like “Patiently Waiting” and “Crack a Bottle.”
  5. Ed Sheeran – Teamed up with Eminem on “River,” adding his vocals to the chorus.

Conclusion

Eminem’s discography is a reflection of his evolution as an artist, from the raw and controversial themes of his early work to the introspection and growth evident in his later albums. While some albums have received mixed reviews, Eminem’s impact on the hip-hop genre and his status as a rap legend remain undeniable.

Similar Artists

If you’re a fan of Eminem’s music, you might also enjoy the work of these similar artists:

  1. Dr. Dre – A hip-hop icon known for his production skills and influence on the genre.
  2. 50 Cent – Collaborator and fellow rapper who made a significant impact on the early 2000s hip-hop scene.
  3. Kendrick Lamar – Known for his lyrical prowess and socially conscious themes, Kendrick Lamar is a contemporary rap powerhouse.
  4. Jay-Z – Another rap legend who has consistently delivered chart-topping albums and thought-provoking lyrics.
  5. Nas – Renowned for his storytelling and lyrical depth, Nas is a respected figure in the world of hip-hop.