To celebrate CelebMix’s fifth anniversary, we have taken a closer look at some of our favourite celebrities, and the different aspects that we love about them.
For this article, we have decided to share with you our top five favourite singles by Eminem!
5. “Stan” (featuring Dido) (2000)
The third single from Eminem’s third studio album, “The Marshall Mathers LP” (2000), and one of the most recognisable songs in his discography. The song features British singer Dido, taking a sample from the chorus of her hit “Thank You” (2000).
In this song, ‘Stan’ claims to be Eminem’s biggest fan, with the first three verses of the song letters he writes to him. As the song goes on, he becomes more obsessive, until he then creates a voice recording while drunk driving, with his pregnant girlfriend tied up in the trunk. The fourth and final verse is Eminem himself, writing back to Stan, realising that he is the man who had drove his car into a river to his death.
This song showcases Eminem’s incredible storytelling abilities, and the fact that he was able to share a narrative behind what it means to be an obessive fan all in one song. The sample of Dido’s “Thank You” for the chorus is just the icing on the cake. If it wasn’t for this song, then the idea of ‘stan culture’ or calling yourself a ‘stan’ probably wouldn’t exist.
4. “Mockingbird” (2005)
The fifth single to be released from Eminem’s fifth studio album, “Encore” (2004), “Mockingbird” is perhaps one of the more autobiographical offerings to come from the rapper.
Lyrically, “Mockingbird” is a downtempo ballad, which samples the classic lullaby “Hush Little Baby”. Eminem talks about the relationship with his daughter, Hailie Jade Scott, and ex-wife, Kimberly Scott, and also takes the time out to issue an apology to his daughter for his past troubles with the law, as he tries to give her the best life she could possibly have.
We love this song because of how personal it is. It’s not often that Eminem has poured his heart and soul into a song, and showed such affection to those he loves. It proves that he’s a real family man who would do anything for his daughter.
3. “When I’m Gone” (2005)
The lead single for Eminem’s greatest hits album, “Curtain Call: The Hits” (2005) is an emotional rollercoaster of affairs that gets us in our feelings every single time.
This dramatic and heartbreaking track touches on Eminem’s relationship with his daughters once again. Eminem discusses how his life as a successful recording artist often interferes with his family, who he isn’t around for as often as he likes. Throughout the track, he uses imagery to illustrate feelings of sadness, and a particular fictional scenario halfway through the song, when his daughter Hailie Jade follows him all the way to Sweden while on tour, because she misses him so much.
In the song’s chorus, Eminem notably states that his daughters should not cry when he dies, or when he’s not around, and instead should be happy and thankful every time she hears his voice. This line we particularly resonate with today, as this can also be interpreted to be about someone that we ourselves have lost along the way. It is one of the most powering songs that Eminem has had to offer.
2. “Beautiful” (2009)
Just missing out on the top spot is the fourth single from Eminem’s sixth studio album, “Relapse” (2009), “Beautiful” is a powerful and inspirational rock-inspired ballad, and the song that we relate to most from his discography.
The song, which samples the Queen + Paul Rodgers version of “Reaching Out” (2005), is lyrically about Eminem’s struggles with depression and drug addiction following his musical hiatus in 2005. However, towards the end of the track, he begins to express a strong sense of hope and optimism for the future.
Not only is the track an introspective look into Eminem’s life and the journey he’s faced along the way, but the song’s aspirational lyrics can be resonated with many. We find this song to be very relatable growing up, and many others have also come forward saying that the track has helped them with their own struggles. We also love the rocky vibes of the song.
1. “Lose Yourself” (2002)
Our favourite Eminem single has to be “Lose Yourself”, taken from the soundtrack to his motion picture film, “8 Mile” (2002). This track is still remembered even today as one of the best and most successful Eminem songs of all time.
Lyrically, “Lose Yourself” is about overcoming your struggles in order to gain respect and achieve your dreams. Eminem wrote the song from the point of view of his character in “8 Mile”, Jimmy ‘B-Rabbit’ Smith, who attempts to become a successful rapper.
The song is hard-hitting, aggressive and super empowering. The fast-paced rock-fused instrumental is catchy, attention grabbing and is motivational in itself. As are the lyrics, which are encouraging to many. The first verse of the song is our favourite – after all, it is responsible for the iconic “Mom’s spaghetti” line. Moreover, Eminem’s rapping ability throughout the track is near perfect, and flows so well with the themes.
This song is up there as one of Eminem’s finest works to date. It is a flawless masterpiece.
What is your favourite Eminem single? Let us know over on Twitter @CelebMix!