'CURTAIN CALL' - EMINEM

As much as I despise rap, hip-hop and all things chavvy, there is somehting about Eminem that's strangely alluring. After a struggle lasting several years my resolve has finally collapsed and armed with a WHSmith's giftcard (a Christmas present from my Grandparents) I purchases 'Curtain Call - The Hits'.

The ultimate crime has been committed and it has to be said I don't entirely regret it. Whereas most 'hood' music makes me want to rip the flesh from my face, I can listen to this album without wanting to self-harm. Instead of some big dumbfuck wearing a ridiculously oversized fur coat and raving on about bitches, Eminem's lyrics show an intelligence and (yes believe it or not) a maturity that is quite honestly poetic, and surprisingly thought-provoking - the most powerful tracks covering topics such as personal loss, broken families, drug addiction and trying to overcome life's adversities.

Lyrics aside, there is a musical depth that is often spine-tingling. Rather than acting simply as a cool beat and funky rhythm accompaniment, Eminem uses music and sound to create an atmosphere perfectly conveying the emotions of the song. His ability to do this is simply mindblowing - the best examples being 'Loses Yourself' and 'Toy Soldiers'. Not that everything here is serious and heartfelt though. There is a Beastie Boys feel to much of the album (e.g. 'Guilty Conscience and 'Fack') that is quite hilarious, not to mention the compulsory sprinkling of bling and homeys ('Shake That') to satisfy all the badass gangstas.

Whether you like Eminem or not, after listening to this album one thing from this album becomes abundantly clear - this is one exceptionally talented guy, who is capable of producing music that is powerfully evocative yet entertianing, diverse yet impressively accessible. The man is a genius and completely deserves the level of success he's achieved. Go and buy it - RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!

4/5