Eminem's, The Eminem Show
Overview: This is the 3 hit album by white, Detroit rapper, Eminem. This album is, put simply, amazing, every track weaves a story that any audience can connect with. Eminem can lead such lyrical tales that listening to him is like watching a movie. Not only can Marshall keep an audience immersed in his poetic stories but he does so in such an impressive lyrical manner that his rhymes can rival that of Biggie, Nas, Jay-Z and even Tupac 'Machiavelli' Shakur.
The Tracks:
1. Curtains Up: This short 30 second skit is an audio representation of a character (Eminem) walking up onto a stage, some cheering is audible, he then clears his throat to be followed by his line "AMERICAAAA" in the following track "White America".
2. White America: A rather more enlightened track by comparison to this rappers previous records of dissing and humor this track highlights Eminem's cosmetic features, ie, his eye color, and how the fact that he was white did not aid in him becoming a signed artist, but once signed, he found it far easier to become mainstream compared to other black rappers.
3. Business: Highly entertaining and for lack of better word, 'groovy', you can't listen to Eminem's; 'Business' without wanting to dance and sing along. He talks about the current state of rap and how it's players are rather more pathetic than previous rap kings such as Dre. Although he gets off topic occasionally this is still an excellent track.
4. Cleanin' Out My Closet: In this emotive and powerful track Eminem weaves a tale of far greater detail in relation to his mother compared to other references, in fact, this track, in its entirety is based on his mother and her incapable parenting. This is not a chilled track and if angry, poetic and emotive rap is your thing it's definitely for you.
5. Square Dance: Eminem is known for 'beefs', he has an excellent knack for finding trouble yet this beef is with a far more powerful opponent, the United States Government. Whilst he does make reference to rapper 'Canibus' (Verse 1, line 8 "Canib**** don't want no beef with Slim nooo") his main target is president Bush. He makes numerous references to disliking Bush and "ambushing" the Bush administration. Eminem may well be exposing many excellent points and does so with a catchy beat as well.
6. The Kiss: This rather thought provoking skit shows Eminem waiting in his car with a friend, attempting to confront and "kill" a woman he refers to as "b****" (Most likely Kim Scott). As the skit ends, "Soldier" comes on (being the next track) and they meet flawlessly as Eminem raps in a manner than continues the skit but poetically.
7. Soldier: Another of Eminem's most emotive and angry rap, 'Soldier', discusses Marshall's brush up with the law and his relationship with 2 time ex-wife, Kim Scott. Eminem also tells the world how he works for the respect he deserves and he won't lose it, enough said.
8. Say Goodbye Hollywood: This track is a clear example of Eminem's ability to tell a tale as he tells us about various negative events in his life such as his relationship with Kim Scott and an incident in a club and several other occasions. He then leads this to talk about how Hollywood life is almost if not worse than this and how he has to leave it.
9. Drips: Possibly the weakest track on the album "Drips" talks about STDs and how he and Obie Trice (who is featured on the track) do not have time for "b******" on their "d****". It goes into explicit detail about sexual activities, hence has a minimal opportunity for it to be enjoyed with more than one person.
10. Without Me: Another of Eminem's most humorous tracks, "Without Me" discusses Eminem's lifestyle, how he as Marshall Mathers is unwanted and people just want him as a rapper. He also makes reference to his mother Debbie Mathers, suing him. Whilst he explores many plots his overall intent and end result was a popular, controversial track, Eminem hit his mark.
11. Paul Rosenberg: Paul Rosenberg has been Eminem's manager since his Hip Hop Shop days and was one of the people who purchased Eminem's original "Infinite" album on cassette after his show. Paul has always mentored Eminem almost as a father as is shown by Paul in this skit.
12. Sing For The Moment: Easily the single most powerful track on the album, Marshall flawlessly mixes Aerosmith's "Dream On" with the hard beat and rocking themes of Eminem's rap. Em incorporates themes of his distressing lifestyle, his musics effects on younger audiences and on himself. This is a great track to be played loud and proud anywhere.
13. Superman: This track is child-friendly by no standards. It discusses Eminem's relationship with a woman where he basically uses her for sexual activity knowing he shouldn't become attached for many reasons. This is a great track but doesn't have the easiest demographic for success with such crude themes.
14. Hailie's Song: Eminem can sing? Yes that's right, not only does Em sing in this track, but he does very well. This track is beautifully written and dedicated to his daughter Hailie Jade Scott Mathers. It can appeal to anyone. Em's shocking ability to sing and lyrical prowess in this track mean it can appeal to almost any audience.
15. Steve Berman: Is/was the vice chairman of Interscope Records and in this skit tells Eminem that his album is too rude to be a success. It's quite interesting that Eminem asks how first week sales are looking as this album had record first week sales of 1.76 million.
16. When The Music Stops: Yet another of Eminem's brilliant tracks about his lifestyle with a catchy beat, this track features D12 (or the "Dirty Dozen), Eminem's band. Each member contributes certain skills. Bizarre brings crude and highly explicit verses to D12 songs, Kuniva is, according to Eminem's "The Way I Am" (his book not the track), a great beat maker. Proof is Eminem's best friend and when they perform together they both have a new confidence that they never have apart. Swifty Mcvay and Denaun are both impressive lyricists adding to the complexity of the group.
17. Say What You Say: This is a good classic rap track. It has a catchy, heavy beat and impressive lyricists and in this case 2 of the greatest ever, Eminem and Dr Dre. This track brags about the rappers and vaguely calls out and criticizes other rappers. All in all a great cruising track.
18. Till I Collapse: Yet another classic to be remembered through the generations, "Till i Collapse" will always be remembered, though it was never released as a single it still racked in 2 million sales (AKA it went 2x platinum). The track also references who Eminem believes to be the best in the business, Jay-Z, Nas, Redman, Tupac, Biggie, Andre 3000, Jadakiss and Kurupt. This track was also used for the Modern Warfare 2 advertising campaign.
19. My Dad's Gone Crazy: Yet another track about Eminem's daughter, Hailie, this is one of the 3 tracks where Hailie actually talks on the track. It discusses Eminem's 'child-friendliness', and how Hailie and him pretty much just laugh at it. The interesting thing is the last verse is a far cry from the others as not only does the beat change, but Eminem talks about his lyrical talent and how he has undergone tremendous hardship and come out as a rap "genius".
20. Curtains Down: This closing skit has Obie Trice's "Rap Name" playing (Instrumental copy) as one of Eminem's characters walks onto stage then begins asking where everyone went, thus concluding what was an amazing album.
The Verdict: This is some of Em's best work and even by the standards his previous albums set, is an amazing record. I would definitely recommend this album to anyone looking for a good album to chill to or just to play in the car.
For these reasons this album is scored 4.5/5
Different opinion? Feel free to comment :) (Keep it polite)
Eminem fans have waited on baited breath for Eminem to release ANYTHING in 2016. Literally nothing has been released by the "rap God" throughout 2016 so far, until now. Unless you are previously aware Eminem has featured in 2 songs in the last several weeks; "I'm back" with kendrick Lamar and J. Cole (an unofficial remix) and "kill for you" with Skylar grey. For all those shady fans have a listen because the radio silence from Marshall has been killing us all.
