The Spike Lee directed music video for Headlights the fifth single from Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP 2, was released on Mother’s Day.
The song is Eminem’s way of reconciling with his mother Debbie Mathers who has been the subject of many of his attacks (Think Cleaning Out My Closet).
Don’t forget it was Debbie Mather’s Dear Marshall that inspired some of the lines in Cleaning Out My Closet, these two have had a tumultuous relationship, and Headlights is a song to put all that behind them.
Nate Ruess’s unmistakable voice opens the song before Eminem jumps in with his usual style, fast and aggressive. The video is shot mostly from the perspective of Debbie Mathers and the struggles she faced as a single parent and addict, and still faces with both of her children estranged.
Eminem isn’t exactly known for his emotional tributes, unless those emotions are anger or hatred.
Headlights showcases Eminem’s growth, lyrically and stylistically as he is less inclined to spit cuss words and opts for a softer more apologetic tone. With lyrics like “oh, I love you Debbie Mathers,” and “I’m mad I didn’t get the chance to thank you for being my mom and my dad” show a softer Eminem that was never before heard or seen in regards to his mother.
The video shows a photo album full of pictures of a young and happy Marshall Mathers, a side of Eminem that his fans haven’t seen.
Headlights features Eminem’s growth in talent since his comeback. Kicking the drugs was a great career move (and you know, life move), especially with the way Eminem is pumping out hits from his “post-drug” albums. Headlights” is one of those songs that really shows how far Eminem has come has a person and an artist.
Again, compare Headlights (2013) to Cleaning Out My Closet (2002), for a start and go from there. Eminem is back on his game and this time he’s not casting anyone aside to be there.
Brooke Talyor: Trying to make a living out of music, late nights, and dancing.
Combining my love of music, night owl status, and embarrassing dance moves to write new and creative music news, reviews, interviews, and more!