"Encore" is the fifth studio album by American rapper Eminem, released on November 12, 2004, through Aftermath Entertainment, Shady Records, and Interscope Records. The album’s title and cover art reflect its initial concept as Eminem's final studio album. It touches on various themes, including Eminem's criticism of U.S. President George W. Bush, parodies of celebrities like Michael Jackson and Christopher Reeve, and Eminem's ongoing feuds with figures like Benzino and Ja Rule. Compared to his previous albums, Encore features more comedic themes and lighter lyrics, though it also maintains the biting edge that characterized his earlier work.
Upon its release, Encore received mixed reviews. While the album's second half faced heavy criticism, tracks like “Mockingbird” and “Like Toy Soldiers” were widely praised, with many considering them some of Eminem’s best work. The album sold over 11 million copies worldwide and was certified quadruple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) by December 17, 2004.
The track "Christopher Reeves" was originally planned for inclusion on the album, but it was removed after the Superman actor's death on October 10, 2004, just a month before the album’s release. The song was later reworked and released as "Brand New Dance" on Eminem’s twelfth studio album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce).
In terms of artwork and packaging, Encore featured two distinct covers. The main cover shows Eminem standing in front of an audience, bowing in acknowledgment, with a dramatic and introspective tone. The tray insert depicted Eminem holding a gun behind his back, while the inlay showed him holding the pistol to his mouth, a symbolic gesture relating to the darker themes of the album. The CD itself contained a note from Eminem that read, "To my family & all my friends, thank you for everything, I will always love you. To my fans, I'm Sorry, Marshall," with a bullet underneath, which also appeared in the album's booklet. Some photos within the album feature Eminem in violent imagery, alluding to the dark themes explored in the title track. The second cover, used for the Collector’s Edition, featured a similar image of the audience from the inlay, but with a black background and a blood splat in the top right corner, adding a more provocative and edgy visual element.
