Love the Way You Lie
Alternate title: If I compare Eminem to John Lennon, shall I be slaughtered? Only time will tell.
No, listen, I need to talk about this song. Listen to it, if you haven't heard it yet (I'm sure you have). Listen to it loud, with headphones on. Listen. A song about a mutually destructive relationship, it is unsettling in its honesty. Every time I listen to it, the raw emotion and personal truth in it always calls to mind some of Lennon's work - "Run for Your Life" (Lennon-McCartney, yes, but we all know the words are Lennon's), "Jealous Guy", and even "Mother" (different story, same vulnerability with the result of evoking some level of discomfort in the listener). It is a brilliant song, and, for me at least, it is way the hell up on the long list of evidence that Eminem is massively talented. There is a reason the man has an Oscar. (Ever wonder where he keeps it? I suspect strongly that it was never actually shoved up Ja Rule's ass.) What gets me most about "Love the Way You Lie" is the musicality of it. There is such a rhythm to Eminem's words, and the way they just flow perfectly with the music (piano, guitar, drums, scratching - I don't know who was responsible, but much applause is all I have for them) is incredible. It's flawless. Rihanna provides stunning, haunting vocals. I think obviously some of the discomfort and sadness one feels listening to the song comes with knowing some of her story and how the role of abused partner is one she knows all too well. This is a naked song, but I believe that is what makes it beautiful.
No, listen, I need to talk about this song. Listen to it, if you haven't heard it yet (I'm sure you have). Listen to it loud, with headphones on. Listen. A song about a mutually destructive relationship, it is unsettling in its honesty. Every time I listen to it, the raw emotion and personal truth in it always calls to mind some of Lennon's work - "Run for Your Life" (Lennon-McCartney, yes, but we all know the words are Lennon's), "Jealous Guy", and even "Mother" (different story, same vulnerability with the result of evoking some level of discomfort in the listener). It is a brilliant song, and, for me at least, it is way the hell up on the long list of evidence that Eminem is massively talented. There is a reason the man has an Oscar. (Ever wonder where he keeps it? I suspect strongly that it was never actually shoved up Ja Rule's ass.) What gets me most about "Love the Way You Lie" is the musicality of it. There is such a rhythm to Eminem's words, and the way they just flow perfectly with the music (piano, guitar, drums, scratching - I don't know who was responsible, but much applause is all I have for them) is incredible. It's flawless. Rihanna provides stunning, haunting vocals. I think obviously some of the discomfort and sadness one feels listening to the song comes with knowing some of her story and how the role of abused partner is one she knows all too well. This is a naked song, but I believe that is what makes it beautiful.