My first contact with this album came about in a rather strange way. My first encounter with a female, black, country and westernsinger, whose songs are mainly an acoustic guitar and herself, came on a lad's holiday to Tenerife when I was 20 (2 years ago). Sitting in our hotel room late afternoon, beer in hand still recovering from the night before my friend got out his CD player and through the tiny portable speakers I first heard 'Fast Car'. I was hooked and sought out the album when I arrived back home. It is one of the few spur of the moment purchases I can be truely proud of.
Tracy Chapman is born in 1964 in Cleveland. Already and began to write songs about her home life and the way she saw her families situation by the time she was 8. Her breakthrough into the limelight came in 1988 at the solidarity concert for Nelson Mandelas 70th Birthday. Tracey was a reserve act for the show and it looked as those she would go unused until Stevie Wonder (the prime time slot) lost his computerised programs. Tracey and her acoustic guitar needed no setting up time and so to save embaressment she was thrown on to stage. As with many accidents and seeming disappointments something good comes of them. The silver lining from this incident was that millions of audiences worldwide were simultaneously introduced to a new talent, no pre-hype completely fresh for the whole world to judge at once. Her lack of nerves showed by the fact that her album, in a fair unfashionable musical genre, sold 10 million copies and won 3 grammys.
'The Collection'
is her best of album with 16 songs being taken from her 5 previous albums released between 1988 and 2000. (in Cronological order: 'Tracey Chapman', 'Crossroads', 'Matters of the Heart', 'New Beginnings' and 'Telling Stories')
THE COLLECTION:
1. Fast Car (1987) Oh my what a song. I have heard it highly placed on several 'best ever songs' reviews and I have to agree. It is a song about a struggle to break out of a mould and make a better life and is genuinely uplifting. The only problem I have is that this song is so good the rest of the album can't live up to it, I urge anyone who regularly downloads music to try this song even if not the rest of the album you won't be disappointed.
2. Subcity (1989) This somg also carries the message of an attempt to break free from what life has given the singer, however it also carries the message that they'd like to work their way out of poverty rather than have it swept under the carpet or be bought off. Not as powerful as fast car but still a good song.
3. Baby Can I hold you (1982) Covered by Boyzone but not bettered, the idea of a purer love is expressed although with none of the corniness of the Irish lads.
4. The Promise (1994) Calm is the best way to describe this song. It is a mature love song about a person who has experienced rejection / breakup but it willing to wait and forgive their partner because the rewards at the end will be so great. One of the best on the album.
5. I'm ready (1994) The worst on the album so far, I always thought Tracy's power was through slow songs with a powerful voice, this one is more like a shouting protest song and although it does make a good contrast it doesn't make a good song.
6. Crossroads (1989) Crossroads is a better song and the title track from the second album. I think the title meant alot to Tracey's life at the time.
7. Bang, Bang Bang (1992) A song about how black on black crime is tolerated and evn ignored, only to be dealt with when white people are threatened or become involved. Although the subject matter is fairly alien to me (white male in England) I found myself having alot of sympathy during this song.
8. Telling Storys (1999) A really good song, exploring the myths between facts of life in the ghetto and what is portrayed to the public in order to keep them from being horrified.
9. Smoke and Ashes (1994) A song cronicalling the beginning and aftermath of love. I think this is one of the most catchy of the songs on the album and it is strange that there doesn't seem to be any resentment or hatred, it is simply a 'story song'.
10. Speak the Word (1999) I think the message in this song is to enjoy and express love while you can, you won't be in love forever so enjoy it while it lasts, good advice and a good song.
11. Wedding Song (1999) The title of the song has quite a sarcastic tint to it as once again the topic is less than happy. I'm not a massive fan of this song (or the next two).
12. Open Arms (1992) This is a weaker part of the album as the song portray's Tracy as a less than strong character while the other songs show she clearly it. I appreciate everyone has two sides I just prefer the other one.
13. Give me one Reason (1986) A more upbeat and fun song, the basis is that the singer is leaving her lover, although she is making it clear she doesn't want it to end, doesn't feel it is right and if he can provide her with any reason to stay she will. Not one of the better songs.
14. Talkin ' Bout A revolution (1982) One of Tracy's earliest songs dedicated to the idea that change might be coming, although to mention it and discuss it openly would break the spell and take it away.
15. She´s got her Ticket ( 1986 ) In my opinion the worst song on the album. As we near the end of the album we finally has a song about a person who's making the break and getting out of the life that has tolmented and shaken the characters in all the other songs, however I just don't like the way it's put together and to be fair this is often skipped in the CD player.
16. All That you have is your Soul ( 1989 ) A brilliant way to finish the album, after all the soul searching and great planning that has been mentioned in the 15 songs before this offering says that in the end, and after all the grand ideas and strong words all you really have is what's inside (a piece of sage advice from the singers mother). I think this song sums up the album and brings it full circle from the opening song. You almost feel a sense of fulfilment and inner peace aout the song.
The cover / sleeve to the album fits in well with the mood of the songs, it's a simple black and white photo of Tracy with a guitar. That's all that was needed really.
OVERALL:
Not all of the songs on this album are great, however the on'e that are really do stand out and make an impact. I have heard Tracy Chapman being compared to Bob Dylan and in a way I can understand this. They both worte and sang songs about social change and personal development. Neither has a great voice (alhtough both far better than mine) instead both depend on the power of their song writing. They both also wrote some songs which will mean more to them and their nearest and dearest than to the general public, who will never experience their life and so never fully appreciate the message.
As an album this is better than average and the best of it's type I kow of. However tracks 1,3,4,9 and 16 really do make it a worthwhile purchase for some thoughtful listening.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Your review has made me really think of revisiting Tracy Chapman, when I find the time.
m.lyon 06.04.2004 19:55
It's surprising how many of those I actually know - doesn't seem too bad an album. great op. marc
JonnyWigan 06.04.2004 15:44
Excellent review Peter. Not a big fan, but liked the first album when it came out many years ago. May wait for a mate to lend me this first to see if I like it.Jonny
Some albums just can't be bettered. Tracy Chapman's 1988 self-titled debut is one of them. ... more
Led by poignant singles "Fast Car", "Baby Can I Hold You Tonight" and "Talkin' Bout a Revolution", its fragile acoustic laments tugged at the heart-strings and e...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Some albums just can't be bettered. Tracy Chapman's 1988 self-titled debut is one of them. ... more
Led by poignant singles "Fast Car", "Baby Can I Hold You Tonight" and "Talkin' Bout a Revolution", its fragile acoustic laments tugged at the heart-strings and e...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: All the band most accessible songs on one CD, Some of the finest singles of the last twenty years, An excellent new song and a free bonus disc of acoustic versions Disadvantages: Misses out whole albums of the bands history, A few curious ommissions, 'Mint car'
exceptional by (5%):
very helpful by (95%):
![River Is Wide, The [Remastered] - Forum (The)](http://imagesb.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/251/prod_small-6006251.jpg)
