Music Review: Curtain Call
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that Eminem uses very strong language,
sexual and violent images, and shock value to get his message
across. This CD is not recommended for kids and younger teens.
Families can talk about the occasional social relevance and
family values in Eminem's lyrics, and whether or not the points
he makes would be weakened by a more socially acceptable
presentation.
None of the material on CURTAIN CALL should come as a surprise to music lovers familiar with Eminem's M.O. Even the edited version is filled with lyrics and concepts that may be troubling to parents. But Eminem's unique style of rhythmic phrasing conveys at least as much of the artist's personality as his lyrics or instrumental arrangements. Self-congratulatory, explicit, and gleefully exploiting every taboo in the English language, Eminem's greatest hits collection offers an overview of the young artist's entire oeuvre. There are three new tunes for the many fans who already own everything Eminem has recorded.
Shock value is the coin of Eminem's realm, and it will be difficult for many parents to get past the singer's raunchy sexism and egocentric posturing. But for those willing to extend the benefit of the doubt, there are some surprisingly tender sentiments expressed on this collection of hits. Charming, vulnerable, and funny, Eminem's lyrics express more than street-punk machismo and reveal a lot about a young man's loves, losses, and uniquely constructed family values. "Mockingbird," a love letter to his children, is a prime example of Eminem's brilliance -- employing evocative, dead-honest lyrics in counterpoint to a children's lullaby.
The RootsLupe Fiasco
Outkast
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