CD Review-Eminem: Curtain Call

By Robert Barowski/ne news editor

eminemGreatest hits CDs often are considered the ultimate cop-out when it comes to one’s musical career.
Typically, they are a way for the artist to keep making money off the general public, rehashing old songs while fading away into obscurity.

For Eminem, his latest project, Curtain Call, sets him up for an exit from the music industry that has made this controversial artist a household name.

Slim Shady has hinted for a while that Slim Shady wanted to get out of the business while he was still hot.

Considering his success in other aspects of the business, he has every right to walk away.

He has launched the careers of 50 Cent and D12 and was indirectly responsible for jump-starting the careers of many other members of the G-Unit posse, including The Game, Olivia and Lloyd Banks.

He has won numerous performing awards, including three Grammy awards.

8 Mile was a highly successful movie in which Slim Shady played B. Rabbit, the main character.

With these types of credentials, what is left for our favorite white rapper to do?

Curtain Call allows listeners to catch the best of Eminem’s work, dating back to his Slim Shady LP album from 1999.

Nearly every song on the album was a smash hit for the man whose real name is Marshal Mathers.

The general sequencing of the tunes is flawless. Eminem masterfully mixes his prankster tracks like “My Name Is” and “The Real Slim Shady” with his melodramatic serious tunes like “Like Toy Soldiers” and “The Way I Am” that take listeners on an emotional roller coaster.

Fans will remember the hair-raising feeling they had after hearing “Stan” for the first time.

That track is featured twice on the album, once as the original and the second as a recording of the live performance from the 2001 Grammy Awards with Sir Elton John.

It is safe to say that no other song put out by Eminem was more powerful than “Stan.” “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” and “The Way I Am” come close, but the human aspect of “Stan” and the statement on how people emulate idols make the song speak louder than the rest.

The album also features three new tracks for listeners to enjoy. 

The one most listeners are familiar with is “When I’m Gone.”

The song presents the ultimate exit strategy for the greatest white rapper of all time. It focuses heavily on Hailie, the daughter and muse of our Superman.

No Eminem album would be complete without the little girl we have seen grow up.

The song says goodbye and leaves the door open for more.

Some rappers never get a chance to say goodbye to friends, family and fans, an occupational hazard I guess.

“ Fack” is a disturbing piece that Eminem decided to throw in on this album.

Any track whose focus is shoving a living creature into a body part and describing illicit sex acts cries out for a look into the psyche of the person saying it.

However, when one looks at the source, it seems to be status quo.

The song actually is a funny track that kicks off the album.

The only disappointing aspect of the album is the lack of the politically charged song “Mosh.”

During the 2004 presidential campaign, the anti-Bush track raised some eyebrows and sent a powerful message to the current administration.

The album loses some luster without that track on the CD.

I guess they needed room for the third new track “Shake That,” with Nate Dogg.

The song does not offer anything worthwhile on the album.

Rap songs talking about having parties and inviting girls to shake their backsides is nothing new and could have been left off.

Overall, the album is a great listen and buy. Casual fans of Slim who never bought an album get to hear their favorite mainstream songs they may not already have on CD or on the trusty iPod.

Hardcore fans may be disappointed in the product because it may be the last we ever see and hear of Eminem.
However, I wouldn’t count Eminem out of the rap biz yet.

The world still has many more issues he could weigh in on.