Higher Conciousness - Philip Chapman

Advantages: Beautiful Songs
Disadvantages: Your other c.d's may get neglected!

...Her voice is soulful, compassionate and thought provoking. Thought provoking is not normally an expression asscoiated with popular songs in my experience, literature yes but not many modern songs. However this is musical literature - the combination of clever and meaningful words with her other-worldly deep haunting voice leaves the listener wondering, and deep in his or her's own conciousness. This sense of conciousness which Tracy Chapman conveys is incredible - I do not know an artist to do such a thing so well. As well as deeply moving political songs, the album is infused with love songs too. These love songs however distressing in their lyrics can provide a gentle, soothing background ot life as Chapman's use of her tone and inclination hits just the right spots. This album can give you exactly what you want - comfort... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Perfect story-telling songwriting, exceptional vocals, Chapman's best work
Disadvantages: If there is any it would be that the album is too short!

...Warning: This review contains some adult subject matters that some people may be sensitive to. Words have been edited but the meanings remain plain. Born in the Heartland and educated in New England Tracy Chapman grew in special soils. She has deep and capable emotions that she easily traces across your ears and sweetly affects your heart. She carries a beauty that is seen, heard and felt. Now she gives you her seventh major release on the Electra/Atlantic label, Where you Live. The Road to Where you Live. Tracy Chapman seemed to appear from a cloud in 1988 with her self-titled release. She voiced struggles and passions that we absorbed and lived along with her from this album. Fast Car was probably the most well known track from an album full of powerful and conveying music. Tracy brought innocence and a new social conscious... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Great lyrics, very thought provoking
Disadvantages: sad at times

...' tells the story of how racial hatred is tearing the world apart. 'Baby Can I Hold You' sorrowfully covers the 'guy takes advantage of the girl' relationship and was recently covered by Boyzone (badly I might add). 'Behind the Wall' paints a vivid picture of domestic violence and what it was like before it was taken seriously as a crime. 'Mountains O' Things' which is a parable set to music concerning the way we enslave ourselves to material objects and obsession with what we think to be success. I also have all of Tracy Chapman's other albums and apart from maybe 'crossroads' none of the others come close. Tracy Chapman deserves far more success than she achieves. This album is one I listen to time and again and certainly makes my top 10 album list.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful