*Special thank you to Noel for your suggestion.*
Slim Shady has returned, and is definitely looking to shake things up like the old days. In our new reality, we have been dealing with the re-emergence of the alt-right, narcissistic figureheads, and just overall stupidity. Amidst the chaos, music has always been a source of relief from it all and an outlet of oppression against the status quo. Revival is no exception. Eminem's newest album does share the views of many who feel under attack by society and authority. In his ninth album, you feel Slim Shady's annoyance and frustration with trying to live up to his other works and to still be relevant within these troubling times. In the lead track, Walk on Water featuring Beyonce, you feel for the man as he spits his verses with the rapid velocity that he is known for: "It's the curse of the standard That the first of the Mathers disc set Always in search of the verse that I haven't spit yet Will this step just be another misstep To tarnish whatever the legacy, love or respect, I've garnered? The rhyme has to be perfect, the delivery flawless And it always feels like I'm hitting the mark ’til I go sit in the car, listen, and pick it apart Like, "this s*** is garbage" Even near the end, you feel his frustration when you hear him say: "If only they knew, it's a facade and it’s exhaustive And I try to not listen to nonsense But if you b****s are trying to strip me of my confidence Mission accomplished" It's brutal honesty at it's finest. You can't help but sympathize for this talent that gave us hits like My Name Is, The Real Slim Shady, Without Me, and the haunting and hugely successful Stan. The man is trying and expressing his views. I mean, did you see his rap towards President Trump at the BET Awards? It was priceless and raw. However, this album does feel like he is trying, if not, a little too hard. Not everything has to be political or somber. He has nothing to prove. He's Eminem, Slim Shady, one of the best rap artists out there. No one can take that from him. The album sometimes feels a little bit weak, especially the track Offended, which did not grab me at all. I felt flustered listening to it because the music and rap just didn't fit together. The vocals were too rough, the music was too low, and overall it seemed like too much was happening at once. I literally cringed listening to it. However, the major standout for me was not Walk on Water featuring Beyonce, but River featuring Ed Sheeran. Ed freaking Sheeran. Seriously, everyone wants to work with this guy. I felt that song was strong and the two harmonized extremely well together. Even with Sheeran's opening, you knew it was a deeply personal song that was almost close to Stan. Instead of a stalker teetering towards madness, you listen to a man discuss his infidelity while wanting to absolve himself of his sins. Sheeran: "I've been a liar, been a thief Been a lover, been a cheat All my sins need holy water, feel it washing over me A little one, I don't want to admit to something If all it's gonna cause is pain Truth in my lies right now are falling like the rain So let the river run" Eminem: "He's comin' home with his neck scratched, to catch flack Sweat jackets and dress slacks, mismatched On his breath's Jack, he's a sex addict And she just wants to exact revenge and get back It's a chess match, she's on his back like a jet-pack She's kept track of all his Internet chats And guess who just happens to be movin' on to the next Actually, just s*** on my last chick and she has what my ex lacks." That hook sold me. Doesn't get any personal than that. So out of five, I give Revival a 3/5. It's not Eminem's strongest work, but he does not show any indication of slowing down. He's a legend for a reason and deserves his props, as he mentions in the closing line to Walk on Water: "If I walked on water, I would drown 'Cause I'm just a man, but as long as I got a mic I'm godlike So me and you are not alike B****, I wrote 'Stan'."
0 Comments
Hello everyone and Happy New Year. I hope everyone is having a great start to the new year.
Archie Comics seems to be having a great start with their show, Riverdale, which is currently running their second season on the CW, and now they have a new comic called Kindness Works. Kindness Works introduces a new character named Scarlett. Scarlett is an old friend of Archie and the gang who recently transferred to Riverdale High. But Scarlett is different from the others. She has Autism Spectrum Disorder, and she previously went to a school that assists those who are on the spectrum. Now transitioning to a mainstream school, Scarlett must learn how to adapt to her new surroundings. How will Archie and the gang treat her? How will Scarlett adapt to her new school? I highly recommend reading this story. For those who are on the spectrum, or has a child who is, this will be a fascinating and relatable read. The comic is available in digital format only, and you can purchase it through Archie Comics co-CEO, Nancy Silberkleit, for only $1.99. If you are interested in buying a copy, e-mail me at [email protected], and I will give you details on how to buy a copy. Happy 2018 everyone!!! |
Who am I?The Library Lady is a Young Adult Librarian and reviewer. She's also a music, anime, and film nerd. Archives
January 2024
Categories |