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Music Review:
The Eminem Show, Eminem
Noteworthy tracks:
YOU WANTED TO KNOW
White America, which could possibly become the anthem of white, disenchanted middle class teens everywhere. Eminem attacks politicians, society's double standards ("my skin is starting to work for my benefit now?"), and the notion of free speech. This song features a rock background.
Business, produced by Dr. Dre, has a distinct "Batman"-themed feel to it. Eminem asserts his presence over the media as he says, "look at all the bullshit that goes on in Gotham when I'm gone, time to get rid of these rap criminals…can't leave rap alone, the game needs me." Most memorable line of the song: "Playing Russian roulette with our careers," regarding his Grammy performance of "Stan" with Elton John.
Cleaning Out My Closet reminded me very much of Prince's "When Doves Cry." Here, the chorus contradicts the lyrics of the song. Eminem sings "I'm sorry, Mama. I never meant to hurt you. I never meant to make you cry, but tonight I'm cleanin' out my closet." But then he goes on to bash his mother, Debbie, for the defamation suit she brought against him, and for all the pain she caused him. Kim and Guerra also pop up in a cameo (Kim is often mentioned throughout the album, almost ad nauseum). He also reflects on his father, saying, "I wonder if he kissed me goodbye, no I don't, on second thought just fuckin' wish he would die." Eminem has more issues than I do, if that's possible.
Square Dance fuses rap with south-style hip-hop, and it can't get better than this.
Sing for the Moment borrows the chorus from Aerosmith's "Dream On," where Eminem sings "for these kids, who don't have a thing except for a dream, and a fuckin' rap magazine." I instantly liked this song the first time I heard it. It's The Eminem Show's "Stan," an ode to fame and fortune and the façade of a rapper's lifestyle. The chorus is also haunting - "Sing with me / Sing for the year / Sing for the laughter / Sing for the tear / Sing it with me / Just for today / Maybe tomorrow / The good Lord will take you away..." Most memorable line from the song: "They say music can alter moods and talk to you, well can it load a gun up for you, and cock it too?"
In Hailie's Song, Eminem reveals his softest side yet, as he awkwardly tries to sing (yes, he actually sings!) words of endearing love to his daughter. At times it can get sappy, as he croons, "It all makes sense when I look into her eyes…my insecurities could eat me alive." But in true Eminem style, he bounces back into angry rapper mode and curses Kim, musing, "Why did I stick my penis up it?" Although he strays off point here, the most important thing is that he tried.
'Till I Collapse is a big middle finger to all the Eminem bashers, reminiscent of a Queen's "We Will Rock You" beat-fest. Nate Dogg (yay! Remember "Regulator"?) guests on the chorus.
Curtains Close is a skit that spoofs the first single released, "Without Me." Very funny, and even funnier when you realize it's Eminem.
As I said before, the only song I could have done without is I Think My Dad's Gone Crazy. I didn't like the way the song was put together, and Hailie's chorus of "I think my dad's gone cra-azy!" is kind of annoying (we know you love your daughter, but are you going to put her in all your songs?) All in all, investing in The Eminem Show is not futile; Mr. Mathers has outdone himself yet once again. Whether he's writing rap songs or creating controversy, you can't deny that Eminem does what he does well.
Next up: Eminem adds actor to his résumé with 8 Mile, a story about a Detroit rapper trying to make it big. (It's not at all about him or anything.) His mother is played by Academy Award winner Kim Basinger, his on-screen (and rumoured to be off-screen) girlfriend is Don't Say a Word's Brittany Murphy, and his best friend is O's Mekhi Phifer. Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential) directs. ¤ C.Ho.
THE EMINEM SHOW:
(out of 5)
[Eminem's back and taking names. Part I of the article.]
