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Music Throwback Thursday

THROWBACK THURSDAY: Beautiful

It’s crazy that 2002 was a decade ago – life sure has changed since then. Unfortunately, some things haven’t progressed as far as we’d like – namely the influence society has on one’s self-esteem. If anything, today’s critics are even harsher on every little perceived physical imperfection. As cheesy as it is, I can personally attest to knowing people who are beautiful not for their physical attributes, but for their unique personalities – each inspiring me to better myself in their own way. Without these role models, I would never have grown comfortable in my own skin, loud and obnoxious though I may be.

Christina’s song holds true just as much today, if not more than the past – her soulful voice highlights the enduring conflict between what one thinks about oneself versus what the rest of the world thinks. It’s much too easy to let the latter bleed into the former, and happens much too often. So hopefully, this artfully performed ballad reminds you that true beauty is visible to us all; we just need to focus beneath the surface more 🙂

Christina Aguilera – Beautiful

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Music Throwback Thursday Video

THROWBACK THURSDAY: Stan

Today’s Throwback Thursday is a little different than usual. Stan isn’t an uplifting song or feel-good jam; it is however, one of the best songs by one of the best artists of the past two decades, Eminem. The version today isn’t with Dido accompany either, it’s the recording of Eminem performing his signature hit with Elton John at the 2001 Grammy’s – a groundbreaking hip hop performance that paired the openly gay Elton John with Eminem, who had been under fire over perceived anti-gay slurs in his music. The song itself is a cutting look at the obsessive nature of some mega-fans, but more importantly, it’s one of the most-censored songs I can recall in recent history, with entire verses almost bleeped out due to “disturbing content”. Em never was one to restrain himself.

Regardless of public opinion, Eminem has distinguished himself as one of the greatest MC’s of all time, and he made it to the top by making music that speaks to his true thoughts, not by selling out.

Check it!

Eminem – Stan (Live) feat. Elton John