Curtain Call
Common Sense Note
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.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
In reviews of the great Frank Sinatra's music, the singer's phrasing was emphasized as one of the factors that set him apart from other stars in his genre. In a way, the same might be said of Eminem. His unique style of rhythmic phrasing conveys at least as much of the artist's personality as his lyrics or instrumental arrangements -- it's worth noting that there is often much more to musical expression than lyrics and melody.
Like Sinatra, Eminem also employs the "sensitive guy with the tough-guy exterior" M.O., and unabashedly borrows from African-American musical forms (Billie Holiday was one of Sinatra's greatest musical influences). 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, and a deluxe version offers a bonus remix CD. 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, even though the most obvious words are rather clumsily removed.
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. Your Sinatra-comparison mileage may vary, of course...
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentVery explicit. |
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ViolenceIncludes violent images. |
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LanguageVery strong language |
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Message |
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Social BehaviorSome nasty sexism, but also some lovely and vulnerable devotion to family. |
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CommercialismSome product placement. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoSome obvious references |
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