Apr 25, 2003 06:11 PM
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(Updated Apr 25, 2003 06:11 PM)
To be honest with you, my first thought after listening to this album would be that the previous one was better. The Marshall Mathers LP featured far more aggressive rap - which turns out to be Eminem's forte.
Having said that, this album had its own positives, and was quite a good production in its own. Marred by pre-release issues such as piracy and leaking out of the songs, this album was released about a week or two before its original planned release.
That didn't seem to hamper the quality of the album as the CD was filled with 79 minutes of quality rap. One just got a feeling that Eminem was softening up a bit, though, because he had more reflective songs.
The album starts out with a hilarious introduction that basically outlines Eminem's global popularity. That aside, the first musical track of the album is 'White America' where Eminem raps about the American society and the state of it. Although not one of my favorite songs, this song is quite a good one to listen to if the mood is just right. I will not waste my time or yours by babbling about each track. Here are some of my favorites from this album:
#4 Cleaning Out My Closet (8/10)
This is one of the better songs on the album, both melodically and verbally (couldn't find a better way to say that :P). It actually has a meaning and a great beat. However, listening to this song too many times can get a little annoying and of late I haven't been able to hear the whole thing without changing the track.
#7 Soldier (7/10)
There's just something about this song that makes me like it. I haven't ever actually paid attention to it, but the chorus and the beat is quite catchy (as it in sticks in your head) and therefore this is a good song.
#10 Without Me (7/10)
This is probably the most well-known song on this album, especially due to Eminem's escapades in the video (dressing up as a variety of characters including a superhero, Elvis, and Osama). Honestly, it gets annoying after a few times, but it is a very catchy tune and therefore performs its job of snaring people to buy the album.
#12 Sing For The Moment (10/10)
This is my favorite song from the album because it has the most meaning for me. One can interprate it as they wish but I think of it as the hardships for Eminem being a rapper and a celebrity in today's world. It also features Aerosmith's ''Dream On'' in the chorus and overall has a great tune, beat and https://lyrics. It's a great song. The intro is quite easy to play on the guitar, too! ;)
#13 Superman (8/10)
Probably one of the most idiotic songs on the album, this song has a GRRREAT beat and tune. It is a must listen purely for these reasons because the lyrics doesn't feature much to be talked about.
#14 Hailie's Song (8/10)
This is also one more of my favorite songs on this album because it also carries a lot of meaning (unless Eminem was attempting a publicity stunt, which also then succeeded :P). Eminem actually sings in it and all goes fine until he adds the little rap part in the end. It doesn't fit in with the overall theme, but I guess he's a rapper!
#16 When The Music Stops (7/10)
This is a more conventional rap song and features other rappers besides Eminem. It also has good lyrics and a good beat, although Eminem doesn't show much of an aggression in it. It's still a great song to listen to, if you have nothing else to do!
#19 My Dad's Gone Crazy (9/10)
This is the last song on the album, and is the most interesting one because of the inputs from Eminem's daughter, Hailie (I think it's his daughter anyway). It has good lyrics and a good chorus, although the mood needs to be a little light-hearted to enjoy this song.
Other songs on this album worth talking about are Say Goodbye to Hollywood and Business, although there are a few not-so-good tracks. One of these is the Obie Trice track Drips (#9). The theme of this song is disgusting and one can't say it is really good musically, either. However, it has that quality of sticking in your head so if you wanna try it, do so at your own risk!
