"Not Afraid" (CD single) (by Eminem, Rap)

If last year saw Eminem's downward spiral into psychosis and derangement on Relapse, this year might usher in a kinder, gentler, and apparently sober Slim Shady. NOT AFRAID marks the first single off of his latest album, appropriately titled Recovery. This marks one of the few times where the rapper's lead-off single isn't a humorous parody. In fact, Eminem is strangely self-revealing and at times humble. Is this the final chapter in Em's tale of dependence, depression, and deliverance? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure: the public seems to be responding to the new and improved rapper, with the single debuting at number one, a rare feat for a hip-hop track.

It's hard to find fault with Eminem for finally taking a positive step forward from the murderous, pill-popping image he had fallen into for so many years. Here he's coming clean, literally, even dissing some of his former work: "Let's be honest, that last Relapse CD was 'ehhhh'." But something is lukewarm with this track as well. Eminem has always positioned himself as an unflinching social commentator with an emotionally raw blizzard of lyrics that left you feeling sucker-punched. Will an uplifting, inspirational Slim Shady have anything authentic to say? The one glimmer of hope to find is Eminem's rapping skills, which appear firmly in check. Now if he can drop mock-singing choruses and cheesy lines like "I'm not afraid to take a stand, everybody come take my hand," his foray from the dark side may be complete.