The overall rating of a review is different from a simple average of all individual ratings.
Advantages:
Strong songs that can make you think and catchy songs that can make you sing .
Disadvantages:
When you listen to 'Baby can i hold you', the memory of the Boyzone cover version - Ronan, for the sake of humanity, STOP WEARING CRAP LEATHER TROUSERS !
Recommendable
Yes:
Detailed rating:
Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency of tracks
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Value for Money
How does it rate alongside the competitionOutstanding
Tracey Chapman is one of those artists who can be described as a really genuine singer/performer, with no pretesnions. Her songs are exactly that, "her songs", brimming with self opinion, honesty and life experience.
'Tracey Chapman' the album that brought her to the music-loving public's attention back in the 80s, is an excellent mixture of striking lyrics and original, memorable music. With the now veritable modern classics such as 'Fast Car' and 'Talkin 'bout a revolution' coupled with highly personal and opinionated tracks including 'Across the lines' 'why' and 'Behind the wall' this album is one of those albums that ought never to be left neglected at the bottom of the CD rack.
Other highlights for me include the melodramatic 'For my lover', the uplifting 'She's got her ticket' and of course the song that has been and will be covered by many artists to come 'Baby can I hold you'. After hearing Tracey's own original, moody, intimate version of this touching love song song you can really realise just how pants the Boyzone cover of the song was. This album is passionate, thought provoking and appealing to all types (and not a whiff of Ronan Keating's leather trousers anywhere).
Not an album for those who just want to be fed manufacted clap trap, but then Tracey Chapman is not a singer in that genre. She's one of those rare artists in the world we loosely call "pop music": a singer with a genuine passion, integrity and honesty. It would be hard to miss the impression that she is a woman in control of her own mind and somebody writing very much from the heart, both of which are starkly evident on this album. Please don't let the fact that she bares a striking resemblance to the short kid from the 70's U.S. sitcom 'Different Strokes' on the album cover put you off ("What you talkin' about Willis?"). Seriously though - You won't regret buying the album. Do it.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
One of the most striking debut albums ever released, this disc instantly established ... more
Chapman as a musical force, and with good reason. Immediacy, integrity of purpose and unqualified artistry are apparent in nearly every song. And while "Fast Cars...
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One of the most striking debut albums ever released, this disc instantly established ... more
Chapman as a musical force, and with good reason. Immediacy, integrity of purpose and unqualified artistry are apparent in nearly every song. And while "Fast Cars...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
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