This is an album written by arguably one of the lyrical geniuses of our time. Eminem (real name Marshall Mathers III) doesn`t shy away from telling it as it is. This album illustrates exactly what young people in America are growing up with, the violence, the drugs, the alcohol addiction, violence in the home etc. For far too long people have been sweeping these things under the carpet, until now. Eminem has taken a bold stance and spoken out (through his music) about the problems affecting the large cities of America. Personally, I think the whole album is outstanding but I do understand that some people do not want to hear the language that this master of rap uses in his music. If the songs on this album were sung with a softly softly approach they just would not get the message across. The whole point of the way in which Eminem builds his music is to enhance the angry message that his songs contain. This is a very angry young man and, judging by the tales told in his songs, he has every right to be.

Public Service Announcement - The album starts with a warning that Eminem does not care what people think.

Stan - This is one of my favourite songs on this album. Backing vocals on this track are by Dido, a previously unknown English singer. The song tells the story of an obsessed Eminem fan and how he was driven to kill himself, his girlfriend and his unborn child. Very well written and introduced us to the beautiful voice of Dido which is not a bad thing. 10/10

Who Knew - This track tells of how Eminem never expected to become famous for his music, and how he never expected to have an influence over young people. Not one of my favourite tracks. 6/10

The Way I Am – This song has been written to tell people that he is just being himself and refuses to change for anybody and that he will not take any **** from anybody. Good for you Eminem. 9/10

Remember Me – A track telling the story of a man sent to prison for burning down someone`s house. He is out now and coming back to do the job properly……….with explosives. Don`t mess around with this guy. 7/10.

Marshall Mathers – The title track on this album tells the story of how a young man from a bad area suddenly became rich & famous. He draws attention to the fact that when he was just Marshall Mathers III nobody was interested in him but now everybody wants a piece of him. Excellent. 9/10.

B**** Please II – This track features the excellent vocals of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit and Nate Dogg. A song dedicated to how gang culture in America rules and how people can get themselves in big trouble by just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Well written and the haunting voice of Snoop Dogg does a lot to improve this track. 8/10

Under The Influence – This track features D12 (Dirty Dozen) who Eminem signed to his record label. Apparently Eminem was under the influence of drink and drugs when he wrote this track, and he doesn`t care who knows it. Good track. 8/10

The Kids – This was included as a bonus track and is really catchy. The song is set in a school classroom where Slim Shady is asked to stand in and teach the kids. Inevitably, he decides to teach them about drugs and tell them about his friend Bob who is a local Psychopath. This track is a tongue in cheek attempt to get back at the people who said Eminem uses his music to promote drug taking in young people. Great track, very humourous. 9/10