Stephen Thomas Erlewine was more enthusiastic in his review for AllMusic , calling the music " spartan " , built on " simple unadorned beats and keyboard loops " , and the lyrics " plain-spoken and literal " . Robert Christgau said Eminem still sounded " funny , catchy and clever , and irreverent past his allotted time " , noting that even the bonus tracks " keep on pushing " . In '' Rolling Stone '' , he wrote that '' Encore '' was not as " astonishing " as '' The Marshall Mathers LP '' , but praised Eminem for maturing his lyrical abilities while retaining his sense of humor . Steve Jones from '' USA Today '' also spoke positively about the album , calling Eminem 's producing and lyrical skills as " top-flight " and noting that the record explores " the many sides of Marshall Mathers " . The album earned Eminem Grammy Award nominations in three categories at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards : Best Rap Album , Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for the song " Encore " , and Best Rap Solo Performance for the song " Mockingbird "
48th Annual Grammy Awards
48th Annual Grammy Awards
Encore (Eminem album)