After the "Slim Shady LP" propelled Eminem into the limelight with contreversial lyrics and bad language, comes Eminems second album "Marshall MathersLP". Another slice of contreversey perhaps, but a great album by a lyrical genius definitely.
"This is another Public Service Announce ment brought to you in part by Slim Shady. Slim Shady does not give a f**k what you think..." The scene is set by the intro. A disclaimer? Well maybe not, but it tells you stright that Eminem doesn't care if you like him or not.
Don't like Eminem? Then the first track is a message to you. "Kill You" sticks a finger up to all of his critics over a great beat and a catchy tune.
Everyone knows the next track "Stan". A hit in the UK, this track has an amazing hook sung by our own Dido. In this track Eminem describes a situation where an obsessed fan kills himself because Eminem didn't reply to his letters. Some people
think Eminem is himself crazy. But I, and millions of other people, think that he is a lyrical genius, which is proved on this classic.
"Who Knew" has Eminem rapping about people that actually do what he says in his song. "I just said it. i didn't know if he'd do it or not." Catchy track with some clever lyrics.
"The Way I Am" was the second release from this album. An aggresive attack at all of his critics over a stomping beat.
"The Real Slim Shady" was Eminems first and most "pop" release. Some classic Eminem lyrics lace a dissapointingly annoying tune and hook. Tried too hard to make another "My Name Is" and failed.
"Remember Me" is another average track. Eminems verse is top quality as usual but guest appearences from the likes of Sticky Fingaz make a bad tune even worse.
"I'm Back" is Eminem back to his best. Catchy tune and hook with some of his most risque lyrics yet such as, " If I ever f**ked anybody in showbiz, it'd be Jennifer Lopez and Puffy you know this. Sorry Puff I don't care if she was my own mother i'd still...." (*cough*) and so on.
Eminem slows it down for "Marshall Mathers". A track about, well, himself. He speaks his mind over a slow beat and smooth tune.
"Drugs Ballad" is a song where Eminem tells us about his drug experiences. What he calls his "love song". Catchy tune with some classic Eminem lyrics.
Then follows "Amityville". I think this is a track about Eminem's home-town Detroit. Weird hook but a great track lyrically helped by an appearance from D12.
Next is a cover of a Snoop Dogg track from his "No Limit - Top Dogg" album. Featuring Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre, Nate Dogg and Xzibit, this is one of my favourite tracks. Eminems addition gives a great track an extra edge making this a classic.
This next track is, well to be honest, f**ked up, even for Eminem's standards. It shows Eminem killing his girlfriend/wife "Kim" in a rage. The chorus is quite catchy but the track sounds too rock for my liking.
The next track was written while Eminem was high or, "Under The Influence". D12 add an extra dimension to a catchy track guaranteed to offend.
The album is then ended on a high with "Criminal". Eminem says, " Every time I write a rhyme people think its a crime to tell'em whats on my mind, I guess i'm a criminal". A very funny interlude within the track improves on a very catchy tune.
Overall this is a classic album whether you like Eminem or not. This is proved by the 5 million sales worldwide.
"Half the s**t I just say I just make it up to make you mad, so kiss my white naked ass" - Criminal-Marshall Mathers Lp (2000)
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If you are thinking about buying this album be aware that there are two versions available in the UK. The UK version released recently contains the track "Kids" instead of "Kim". "Kids" is a song spoofing South Park. Eminem plays the part of the school counsellor (I don't know his name) and raps to the kids about how drugs are bad for you. This is a very funny track with a catchy chorus. If you haven't yet got this album, I recommend you purchase the UK version. "Kids" is a very good track and "Kim" isn't one you'll listen to many times. If you really want to see what the uproar is about, download it from the 'net, but when buying the album, the UK version is better.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Great review. I agree with Douglas and if you are interested the south park counselor is called Mr.Mackey.
Joe =]
Douglas334 09.04.2001 18:12
This is a stunning review on a stunning album. The guy says what others are scared to and deserves respect for it and besides the songs are great too. Thanx Douglas
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Apr 9th, 2001
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