The A-List collaborators on Eminem’s new album scream “I
want a radio hit,” with Beyonce, Ed Sheeran, Pink and Alicia Keys
co-starring on the songs.
It wouldn’t be hard to believe,
especially since Eminem’s last major hits have relied heavily on
Rihanna, from 'Love the Way You Lie' to 'The Monster.' But thankfully on
Revival, Eminem returns as the star of his show.
Beyonce
sounds beautiful on opener 'Walk On Water,' but Em’s words are even
better, as he delivers honest lyrics that sound, and feel, true to him.
“Every album song I was spazzin’ the (eff) out on/And now I’m gettin’ clowned and frowned on,” he raps.
Eminem is no longer hip-hop’s most prized wordsmith and the
adjustment is tough for any performer once known as one of music’s most
celebrated acts.
But on Revival, his ninth
studio album, Eminem makes himself relevant with his smart rhymes, which
is refreshing in the age of “mumble rap.” The album artwork is of the
American flag, with race and President Donald Trump recurring topics
throughout the 19 tracks.
“So, hands in the air, let’s
hear it for the start of a brand new America without him, and be proud
of where we’re from,” Eminem raps on 'Like Home,' featuring a
stellar-sounding Keys.
“Just keep marchin’, till we reach
Congress/But they’re gonna say you’re tryin’ to take an irrational
stance/If you try to slander the flag/But somebody has to be the
sacrificial lamb/So they call it a Kaepernick tantrum/If you don’t stand
for the national anthem,” he raps on the six-minute 'Untouchable.'
Eminem
co-produced some of the songs, also getting help from Rick Rubin, Dr.
Dre, Alex Da Kid, Mr. Porter and Skylar Grey, the singer, songwriter and
originator of 'Love the Way You Lie.'
Overall, Revival is solid. It isn’t his best album, but it does showcase some of his growth.
“All
in all, it’s said and done/And at the end of my run I just rewind
clocks, forever young/Make time stop, will I ever fall off? That day
will never come,” he raps on 'Nowhere Fast,' later adding: “I’m better
than I ever was.”
He knows that self-confidence is more important than critics.
