If you create a playlist that removes "Big Weenie," "Rain Man," "Just Lose It," "Ass Like That," "My 1st Single," and "Crazy in Love," and instead places these three songs in the middle of the album, you get an 11-track masterpiece that rivals The Eminem Show .
: A toxic, aggressive love song detailing his volatile relationship with ex-wife Kim, serving as a spiritual successor to "Kim" and "Superman."
: A leaked diss track likely intended for the mid-section. 12. Spend Some Time (ft. Obie Trice, Stat Quo & 50 Cent). 13. Mockingbird . eminem encore original tracklist
2004 Album Status: Certified Multi-Platinum, Critically Divisive The Narrative: A masterpiece sabotaged by leaks and narcotic indulgence.
Confirmed by Eminem as the original opening track. If you create a playlist that removes "Big
11. Big Weenie (Often removed in fan edits, but included in some original drafts) 12. Em Calls Paul (Skit) 13. Encore / Curtains Down (feat. Dr. Dre & 50 Cent) 14. Mockingbird (The heartfelt track to his daughter) 15. Crazy in Love 16. One Shot 2 Shot (feat. D12) (Retained from original plan) 17. We As Americans (CRITICAL ADDITION: Originally leaked, intended as a centerpiece track addressing patriotism and assassination threats) 18. Love You More (CRITICAL ADDITION: A dark, intense relationship track that leaked early) 19. Ricky Ticky Toc (CRITICAL ADDITION: A high-energy lyrical exercise) 20. Spend Some Time (feat. Obie Trice, Stat Quo & 50 Cent)
If the leak never happened, the album would have looked like this (using released tracks): Spend Some Time (ft
In his 2017 interview with Vulture, Eminem reflected on the panic of that period:
’s fifth studio album, Encore (2004), is widely regarded as a significant "fall from grace" after his classic three-album run. While it debuted at No. 1 and sold millions, the critical consensus labels it a "messy," drugged-out, and uneven project.