It’s hard to remember a time in Eminem‘s career where at least part of his fame was not fueled by his seemingly endless rage against his mother for the way he was raised. Now it seems the Detroit native has turned a new leaf, and on the Marshall Mathers LP2 track “Headlights” he issues an apology to the woman who brought him into this world.

Featuring Format/fun. vocalist Nate Reuss, “Headlights” begins with a midtempo beat and introductory verse from Reuss that builds into a larger-than-life chorus about how some people can be so alike that it drives them apart. Once the hook gives way to the first verse Eminem wastes no time getting to the heart of the matter. He talks about how his early days were lead by headstrong decision making that lead to lyrics he now regrets, and how growing older has given him a new perspective on his childhood. He knows now his dad walked out on her as much as he did Marshall, and that she did what she could to hold it together in the wake of his absence. She might not have done the right thing all the time, but she tried, and it took Marshall having a daughter of his own to realize the weight of the responsibility she took on during that time. Now he longs for a relationship with his mother, though he knows it’s not likely to develop overnight, and he uses the remaining bars of “Headlights” to make sure his mother knows she is loved. You can stream the song below.

There are many tracks and lines worth discussing off The Marshall Mathers LP 2, but none come close to touching on the type of emotional content contained in this track. Eminem is not the person we remember from the days of “The Real Slim Shady,” and as you listen to his new album it becomes clear that every change he’s undergone was for the better. Expect our full review of the album to surface in the days ahead.

The Marshall Mathers LP 2 arrives in stores November 5. Comment below and let us know your thoughts on “Headlights.”

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James Shotwell

James Shotwell is the founder of Under The Gun Review. He loves writing about music and movies almost as much as he loves his two fat cats. He's also the co-founder of Antique Records and the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. You should probably follow him on Twitter.

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