http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2035319_2034688_2034658,00.html
"Love the Way You Lie" has several factors working against it. It's a duet by two superstars who seemingly have no business performing together other than the fact that the resulting track will sell records. It combines a feminine pop-ballad refrain with some pretty rough rap, which doesn't always pan out (see: Mariah Carey and Jay-Z; Nelly Furtado and Timbaland). And of course, it's about domestic abuse. And yet it works. "Love the Way You Lie" explores both sides of an abusive relationship in a way that's heart-wrenching, honest and revelatory — particularly on the abuser's side. Eminem raps with increasing fury as the song progresses ("I can't tell you what it really is/ I can only tell you what it feels like"), breaking only to hear Rihanna's cries on the chorus: "Just gonna stand there and watch me burn?" she asks. "Well that's all right, 'cause I like the way it hurts." Em, of course, struggled with an unhealthy relationship with his ex-wife Kim Mathers; in 2009, Rihanna's then boyfriend, R&B singer Chris Brown, pleaded guilty to assaulting her. That this song didn't come across sounding clichéd or tasteless is a testament to both artists' skill.
It's nice that he's making these lists (even if he's not as high as fans would want him obviously
), means that his music is making an impact and critics are willing to give him at least some respect again (even if they do so grudgingly).
