Eminem’s politically charged album has its moments, but the rapper fails to make progress [Review]
Eminem's ninth album fails to make an impact, despite his deeply political and personal lyrics
On his ninth album, Revival, American rapper Eminem reflects on his past as a musician, father and husband, with a handful of politically charged tracks in between.
Eminem has never shied away from self-deprecation, and in the sombre Walk On Water he details his struggles to stay relevant.
Believe and Chlorasceptic are both tongue-in-cheek jibes at the “mumble-rap” stars currently dominating the hip hop scene, before the up-tempo Untouchable delves into racial injustice in the US.
From here, the artist also known as Marshall Mathers leans heavily on his past, with Remind Me and Bad Husband serving as direct messages to his ex-wife; In Your Head addresses his regrets; and the emotive Castle is dedicated to his daughter, and his impact on her life.
Songs such as Like Home and Heat don’t hold back from attacking US President Donald Trump, but both are irritating and under-produced.
Revival has spine-tingling moments, but on the whole feels as random, as Eminem constantly looks back to former versions of himself.
Edited by Karly Cox