Eminem's single Without Me is currently at number one in the UK singles chart, a song taken from his new album, The Eminem Show.

The album has been released ahead of schedule to combat the growing numbers of pirate copies already in circulation.

"After the startling impact of the last album, The Eminem Show is a sprawling and less focused effort. But it shows he can still pack a lyrical punch when the (bad) mood takes him," says the BBC's Nigel Packer.

But what do you think?

Are the shock tactics wearing thin? Or is he still an original voice in the world of pop?

After the first listen I'm hoping this album is a "grower". There's no doubt that Em's lyrics and delivery are still absolutely superb, matched only by Busta Rhymes at the moment, and it's great to hear new material after such a long wait. I'm not sure however that the relatively large collection of tracks are as strong as the Marshall Mathers or Slim Shady albums.

The last album grabbed your senses instantly and wouldn't let go, only seconds after taking in the brillance (and comedy) of "Kill You", you were plunged into the deep dark masterpiece of "Stan", and you knew it was a very special album already.

The Eminem Show suggests that he had a lot to say but not enough good production ideas to go with it. Maybe he wanted a change from the now very tried and tested Dre formula that we've heard over the last few years, maybe Dre did too. It just doesn't seem to pack that killer punch straight away but this change of tact will probably prove to demonstrate his dexterity across the style board and ultimately aid his longevity. His singing is certainly interesting.....
Jon A , Leeds UK

Eminem is incredible, and the lyricism on the latest album is irrefutable proof of this. Look past the pop-esque lead single Without Me' and you'll find an incredible array of musical soundscapes backed up by poignant or funny, but invariably technically amazing lyrics and wordplay.
Rory Reid, UK

This album is by far his best lyrical work yet. It also shows that he is developing as a producer. A simple point to be made about Eminem's work is, if you are easy to take offence, you will take offence to what he says. Eminem makes no pretence about being politically correct and points out that if he was black he wouldn't have been noticed by as many "critics" for being politcally incorrect. Eminem is not trying to give out a message; he is just narrating his life as he sees it.
Rob Smith, UK

I think the album is complete rubbish. But then only positive points are allowed here for eminems publicity machine. LONG LIVE PUNK.
Jake Thepeg, UK

By far his best album so far. Every track is at the very least good, and there are no fillers, which there was in the last two. Simply the best hip hop album I have heard in a long time.
Matty Matt, UK

This is the best album yet! His style is totally different in this album, the mood is also not as black but still just as potent and compelling. This album only goes to show that his talent does not lie in being "foul mouthed" as his critics claim but a growing man who can talk about his experiences of pain and a hard existence leaving you in no doubt about what or who he thinks is right or wrong. No wonder he now relishes in using this opportunity and his own extreme ability to talk about his life in his own way. I felt like I knew him by the the end of it!

A great album that further displays his undoubted tehnical ability and a man with a brilliantly vivid imagination who can constantly push buttons, create madness and mayhem and extend boundaries. The music world needs more people like Eminem. No wonder the kids love him and their parents hate him. His message is still the same - if you don't like my music then tough - don't listen to it, but don't stop other people from making that choice for themselves.
Kim McNally, England

Eminem's lyrics are still original, but original to who? People are a bit naive with his lyrics, assuming he writes and gets the final say on everything. People must realise that his record label sets him up to have his "shocking" image and lyrics, and will also have the final say on what he can and cannot say. For his best and most original work you need to be looking at his work before he got commercial recognition. And the other point to note is a huge number of underground lesser known artists have lyrics that are far superior to anything Eminem is producing nowadays.
Ben, England

I have been a Eminem fan since his first CD came out. In this album, he seems much darker and angrier. On track two he really rips into the upper middle class here in America. You really have to listen to what he is saying, what he is trying to get across through his lyrics. There are a few songs that are not really acceptable for a young audience. Still some of his best work since D12�s last album.
Dirk, USA

More "Look at me I am so damn controversial" drivel from the "bad boy" of pop. I am sure many children will buy this to buy into the whole image, but the blatant commerical cash-in on rebellion is only lining the pockets of Eminem and his record company. Oh, and by the way, Eminem critises Moby's techno music in his latest single - duh! Moby does literally no techno!
Kate, UK

Having just received my copy with DVD attached, Eminem has not disappointed. The first and second albums made me laugh, and so does this. Although lyrically deeper than previous releases, it's entertainment for an adult orientated audience and it doesn't fail to disappoint. (Oh, and the bonus DVD is a nice compliment to the CD).
Paul Turner, Scotland

Forgot about Dre? Let's hope not. The Eminem Show has some great tracks, especially in the first half (Square Dance, White America), horribly let down by a second half dominated by lazy filler. It's his third-worst album, without much of the charm and wit that characterised his earlier releases, and suggesting that D12 have become more important than Dre to Eminem.
Joe G, Wales

"Angry" music for 12-year-olds to irritate their parent. He should sell cartloads of hooded tops off the back of this tosh.
Glenn, UK

Eminem is intelligent and speaks his mind - his music is like a juicy big steak in an empty diet of sickly sweet sugar-coated pop-tarts. I'm 32, a mother and hold a "respectable" 9 to 5 job - so not the stereotypical Eminem fan.

The Eminem Show is brilliant and must have been incredibly difficult for him to make. He knew he couldn't better the last two - so he changed his style and has managed to deliver humour, masterful lyrics (skill that can't be criticised and dubious content to deliberately goad the righteous) and a wide-ranging, well-produced range of sound and style.

Eminem is proving that he can suceed despite his own personal trauma and that he still has something worthwhile to say. If his words happen to connect to the disillusioned youth of today, then that says more about the society in which we live than the "sensationalist" words of a single rapper.
Kay J, UK

I love Eminem so much and this is the best CD of his yet! You dont need any other CDs when you have his! There's nothing better than Eminem!
Chelsea Spindler, USA

I only bought this about a month after its release and I have to say that I'm very impressed. Slim Shady is back to his funny best. I didn't like his second album since it was too moody. This though is a hip-hop classic. It fuses the talents of Dre at producing and Eminem as one of the best lyricist rappers ever (does he stop to breathe?) Go out and buy it!
Greg, UK

I have bought the third album and the point that I must make in comparison to other new releases, is that Eminem is one of the few - if not only - artists that not only provides a controversial subject matter but demands a response. Whether one agrees with the lyrics or not is irrelevant. The fact of the matter is that he is an artist with strong views but isn't spoon feeding the masses with repetitive car alarm sounds or babyish songs of love and unity. Why are we so offended at being treated as intelligent people capable of delivering an opinion on certain controversial aspects of life?
Emma Hunter, United Kingdom

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