Live For You - Rachael Lampa

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

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Advantages: Larger-than-life songs, original arrangements
Disadvantages: Might be a little too "performance-based" for some

...on, yet her vocals dominate the song so much you'd hardly notice that there's anything else happening. There's a much more traditional feel to "93 Maidens", which according to the inlay notes is based on the letters of Chaya Feldman, a Jewish teenager who lived in the Warsaw Ghetto and took poison rather than be captured by the Nazis. Strong stuff, but the cold subject matter is warmed somewhat by a fine performance that is keenly assisted by a contemporary-sounding accordion backing track. "Wildflower" ably demonstrates Rachael's remarkable vocal prowess and uses a jazz-tinged score to accomplish this. Arguably the most upbeat track so far on the album, this playful number might not be the most original thing you've ever heard but it certainly makes you sit up and take notice. A change of tack can be detected on "Violet Or Blue... Read review

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Advantages: They cover U2!
Disadvantages: Not long enough

...Some people may consider it blasphemous to attempt to cover U2. I must admit, when some of my favourite songs are "With or Without You" and "Where the Streets Have No Name" I got the feeling i wouldn't want ANYONE to bother touching them and trying to go there. That is, of course, until I discovered Kane. If ever there were any guys on Earth who have the ability to cover U2, and do it perfectly and perhaps (god forbid) even better than U2 themselves - these are the guys! Basically this CD is a concert of Kane covering the well known U2 songs of their time. You have the classics; Where the Streets have no Name, With or Without You, One, All I Want is You, and more. This really showcases Kane's talent in general, and how AMAZING they sound live! The cover of "With or Without You" gives me goosebumps. It's beautiful... Read review

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