Eminem’s new track “Walk on Water” was featured on last night’s Saturday Night Live in a three-part medley performance with Skylar Grey. If you didn’t know, she’s collaborated with Em before as the writer of “Love The Way You Lie” back in 2010.
After the new track that’s powerful but in a different style that fans got into when he first broke out on the scene, he went into short snippets of two classics everyone who has been following the him for awhile.
“Walk On Water” is reminiscent of a raw style that deep fans would know about but hasn’t hit the mainstream as it deals with difficult subjects and can be abrupt in delivery.
Eminem stands for something in a world where many stand for nothing or have instant outrage. He is making a strong statement again and again with his music. His connection to his feelings through decades of tough experiences is legitimate and real.
It’s also exactly what makes his detractors even more uncomfortable. Eminem’s powerful voice is forged through adversity.
Any change in sound from an artist will bring criticism. Listeners are fickle and usually want more of whatever album they fell in love with.
Artists with staying power have evolving sounds and take risks. There’s a snapshot in the mind of the public of a guy in his 20s making people laugh with absurd lyrics, but now he’s 45 and has been active for more than two decades. Time shapes people’s perspectives, and Eminem is no different.
There’s still no word as to when his next album, “Revival” will come out, despite various teases on social media and through media advertising.
