2. Stan
It is to the eternal detriment of the UK record-buying public that this track was kept from the Christmas Number One spot by PlayDoh odd-job-man Bob The Builder. Stan is a magnificent achievement, and deservedly recognised not just as one of Eminem's greatest songs, but as one of the finest songs in rap. The song is structured entirely around a sample of Dido's 'Thank You', appropriately for a story concentrating on a full appreciation of the talents of others. Sound effects are also used to convey the growing sense of confrontation between fan and idol, and the sense of menace and impending doom is expertly handled. Eminem, like most of the more interesting figures in music, is a story-teller par excellence. The beats and flow on this track are brilliantly paced, the atmosphere suitably creepy and the story compelling. For most artists, Stan would be considered a career highlight. Eminem, however, had one more trick up his sleeve...