With his outstanding performances over the past few years expectations have run high for Xzibit's third album. Unfortunately, for an album that was supposed to run away with many of this year's top rap honors Restless for the most part staggers its way through sixteen tracks.

The Kenny Parker Show 2001 features KRS-One and a mediocre beat, but since when does KRS only do an intro for a track instead of dropping a rhyme? Snoop Dogg joins Xzibit in the lackluster D.N.A. (Drugs-N-Alkahol), in which they both sound truly uninspired. The Rockwilder's avant-garde production techniques fall short in Front 2 Back, and the only good thing about Been a Long Time is the inclusion of Nate Dogg for the hook. However, Restless does have a few shining moments; most notably the Dre produced U Know.

The bass heavy joints Sorry I'm Away So Much and Best of Things are each able to elevate Xzibit to his most prolific. Erick Sermon makes some worthwhile contributions behind the boards on two cuts: the Lik's assisted Alkaholik, and Double Time.

Eminem appears on the excellent Don't Approach Me, in which the two prestigious emcee's strike back against those who've started beef with them in the past.

Restless is not a bad album, in fact it's much better than most other releases as of late, but it's still far from being representative of Xzibit's potential.

Peace