Eminem Show, The (Parental Advisory) [PA] - Eminem > Reviews > Vintage Shady

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
Value for Money

Advantages:	Shows us how creative this man is
Disadvantages:	the skits there is just no need

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

If you are a rap fan and you don’t like Eminem there is a chance that this album may just change your mind on the Detroit rapper, his lyrics are much smarter than in his previous albums, he has calmed down and obviously spent a lot more time in the development of this album and with the help of super producer Dr Dre he has made undoubtedly his most lyrically gifted album.
If you do not like rap and hate Eminem already I do not advise you to get this album as you will be wasting your money, but all rap fans should consider listening to this album as Eminem approaches it in a much more professional approach and shows us what he can really do.

1. Curtains Up (skit)- a 30 second musical intro to White America.

2. White America- A lyrically smart song dedicated to the market sector that has made Shady one of the biggest rappers to date. This track is best performed at a live concert so if you get the chance to watch one on TV or something go for it.

3. Business feat Dr Dre- This track, featuring Dre is about the dynamic rap duo, Dre and Eminem in the form of Batman and Robin, then goes on to other random topics. Basically a huge clash with Forgot About Dre and the Batman theme tune. Strange song but I like it.

4. Cleanin Out My Closet- Eminem’s most emotional track since Stan (Marshal Mather LP) this details his problems as a child and also an adult. He also raps of his fiery relationship with his mother (again)

5. Square Dance- Eminem’s welcome back song, he raps (using a southern accent) about him being back and America’s army problems. A good track with a range of instruments used and synthesisers also used to make the track better.

6. The Kiss (skit)- Rendition of the incident, which led to his highly publicised arrest for possession of arms, this skit, leads into the song Soldier.

7. Soldier- Eminem tells us that he isn’t a thug, a gangster and raps of his views on the previous incident, this song has some aggression and Eminem’s annoyance of certain incidents shines through.

8. Say Goodbye Hollywood- In this track Eminem raps about his problems with Kim (his ex-wife, not sure if they have divorced yet) The use of ‘saying goodbye to Hollywood’ is Eminem telling his fans that he is stepping away from the public light after being accused of getting arrested as a publicity stunt. The rhythm and rhyme schemes in this track are impressive.

9. Drips feat Obie Trice- Eminem and the highly skilled Obie rap about Obie Sleeping with Eminem’s woman, giving her aids for her to go on pass them to Eminem in which he raps about getting them and hating her. An interesting song which reminds me of Kim (Marshall Mathers LP)

10. Without Me- I think this song is great, as Eminem’s comeback single it has a great catchy tune showing that Eminem still has his confidence in rapping/ writing. This song insults Moby who was rumoured to have accused Eminem of being gay. Chris Kirkpatrick from *N Sync who responded to Shady’s lyrics about the band on The Marshall Mathers LP, Lynne Cheney the wife of Dick Cheney, who condemned Eminem’s songs in 2000, The FCC for their failed attempt to have his music banned and Limp Bizkit DJ, DJ Lethal who sided with Everlast in the lyrical battle between the two rappers.

11. Paul Rosenberg (skit) Answer machine message left by Rosenberg (Eminem’s manager) I find it like most skits kind of pointless.

12. Sing For The Moment- A passionate and reflective song about kids of today taking everything on a literal meaning and artists annoyance of the press. Another excellent track.

13. Superman feat Dina Rae- Basically this is a song about Eminem, his experiences with women and how he can’t be their superman. I really like this song but I can see that the offensiveness to women could cause someone to be put off very easily.

14. Hailie’s Song- I bet you didn’t know Marshall could sing? Well he sings the whole song on this track about Kim and Hailie showing us how much he loves his little girl awww. I wonder if he had singing lessons?

15. Steve Berman (skit)- If you’ve heard the previous Steve Berman skits you will know what they are like, but this one has an amusing twist… which I refuse to go into and tell you about. (Steve Berman is Interscope’s senior executive for the Marketing and Sales department)

16. When The Music Stops feat D12- Eminem gets the boys from his band/ group/ posse whatever, and they do a pretty good song about mixing hip-hop and real life.

17. Say What U Say feat Dr Dre- This song is insulting R&B producer Jermaine Dupri, I’m not sure what he did to deserve this, if somebody knows can you please tell me! This song is very good despite the fact that it is insulting one of my favourite producers.

18. Till I Collapse feat Nate Dogg- This song is excellent and probably favourite on this album. It has a heavy beat, the lyrics are excellent and with Nate’s vocals this song is a potential number one in any country.

19. My Dad’s Gone Crazy feat Hailie Jade- Hailie (Eminem’s daughter) joins him on this track and yes there is still swearing, cursing etc but I doubt Hailie can hear that part of the song. This is a pretty good song.

20. Curtains Close (skit) Minute long ending to the album featuring Ken Kaniff doing his skit of the chorus of Without Me.

In comparison to Eminem’s other two big albums the Slim Shady LP and the Marshall Mathers LP this album is more mature, the lyrics are much smarter and the album is not as personal as the other two.
Probably for the final reason this album lacks the edge that the other two albums have. My favourite Eminem album is still the Marshall Mathers LP with The Eminem Show second.
This album is well decorated with pictures of Eminem in his house etc. The lyrics are also found inside the booklet.
The Eminem Show is presented by Aftermath Records (a division of Interscope Records) is produced by Dr Dre and is available at most music and entertainment shops.
Overall I have to say that I really like this album and although Eminem has lost his ability to shock me with what he says I have seen the true Eminem showing his ability to be an excellent artist and can’t wait for his next album.