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Released | November 12, 2004 | |||
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Encore is the fifth studio album by American rapper Eminem, released on November 12, 2004, through Aftermath Entertainment, Shady Records, and Interscope Records. As reflected in its title and cover art, the album was originally set to be Eminem's final studio album.[3] It contains several lyrical themes, including Eminem's criticism of the 43rd U.S. president, George W. Bush, parodies of Michael Jackson and Christopher Reeve, and Eminem's feud with Benzino and Ja Rule. Overall, the album features more comedic themes and lyrics than his previous albums.[4]
Encore was met with mixed reviews, with most of the second half being heavily criticized, though "Mockingbird" and "Like Toy Soldiers" were particularly highly praised and retrospectively have been ranked as some of Eminem's best songs. The album has sold 11 million copies worldwide and was certified quadruple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on December 17, 2004.
"Christopher Reeves" was a song originally intended to be on the album, but was cut after its namesake, Superman film actor Christopher Reeve, died of heart failure on October 10, 2004, a month prior to the album's release. The song was later reworked and released under the title "Brand New Dance" on Eminem's twelfth studio album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce).[5]