Eminem - 'Revival' - Review
Eminem's new album has been anticipated by some, a surprise by others. Whether you like it or not, agree or disagree with what he says, you can't deny it's full of passion coming from someone that has long ago stopped caring about others opinions of him. This album demonstrates a new level of freedom, but Eminem has always been known for speaking his mind unapologetically.
Take the track 'Believe' -it's sending out a message that he' not going to change for anyone anytime soon, and he'll follow his own path even if others may turn their back. It's a dialectic about the changes he's observing around him; he won't start writing stuff that is appeasing to others, yet false to him.
The album as a whole, is a close-up analysis of the dusty corners society – and perhaps ourselves at times – choose to ignore or are sometimes too complacent or scared to change. In 'Untouchable' on the surface it's clear the song is about the disillusion and discrepancies associated with racial profiling, historical stereotypes, roles in our society, acting on fear instead of love. But when you strip it back, he's not just talking about that.. He's also saying as a collective, it' time to try something new in order to make the overdue changes stick, and anchor roots in our unconscious.
There's also a bit of tongue in cheek; 'Remind Me' is about an intimacy between two people whilst sampling Joan Jett and The Blackhearts' 'I Love Rock 'N' Roll . No doubt these songs are about things he cares deeply about, and others too. Even referencing back to moments this year that raised a lot of eyebrows and questions.
In 'Like Home' featuring Alicia Keys, you have the mention of people who are in love with their home country, but decided to take a knee during the national anthem to symbolise they are not okay with everything going on in their country, and want change and that it's possible. As Alicia and Eminem say "there's no place like home."
Eminem has always been known for sampling tracks (usually of a somewhat abstract nature) and incorporating them into his songs. He does it beautifully again, on the track 'In Your Head'. He uses the track 'Zombie' by The Cranberries with heartfelt lyrics that I'm sure a lot can relate to; the internal battle in the mind and self, not giving in and trying to find that important balance to keep your head above water.
Even right to the very last tracks, are emotional and honest words about himself, his role as a father, as a man and the impact his life has had on his daughter. Right now, this world needs people who are going to speak their truth and we have that in this album. There is an insinuation, that this may be his last album that he makes. That the music industry, fame all carries a heavy cost that he's endured long enough and now is the time to do something new.
Whether that is the case or not, Marshall Mathers has left an indelible mark on the minds of many, and that most
definitely isn't going to change any time soon.