Er, what more can I say other than I have an incurable and irrational addiction to 80's things...
Er, what more can I say other than I have an incurable and irrational addiction to 80's things...
Member since:24.08.2001
Reviews:95
Members who trust:27
Tracy Chapman's eponymous debut album caused a sensation on its release in 1988. 13 years later, it is still a masterpiece, with its hearfelt simplicity and raw emotion. Chapman's career had been pretty much limited to a minor cult following in the USA until the 'Free Nelson Mandela' concert. One act had withdrawn at the last minute, and so her set was increased. Singing acoustically, this relative unknown became an overnight sensation due to her deep, but subtle voice and her politically charged songs which seemed to sum up the event perfectly.
All of the songs on the album were self-written, and some of the copyrights date back to 1982, and so this really was the cream of her recordings up to that point.
The demand for her album became huge, and reached it managed to reach #1 soon afterwards. Very short (35 minutes, 11 tracks), it is as basic as an album can be, but this contributes to the powerfulness of the message that she wants to put across.
Singles wise, Chapman has had only 1 Top 40 single in the UK in her entire career. This was 'Fast Car', a song about trying to escape from your desparate surroundings, only to find the same problems elsewhere. This is a contrast to the optimistic album opener 'Talking 'Bout A Revolution', which failed to make the Top 40 on its release. Still, it is one of her most famous songs, and can still be heard on 'VH1 classics' occassionally, complete with the footage from the Nelson Mandela concert.
The next track is 'Across The Lines', all about racial tensions. Never afraid to beat around the bush, her poignant songs about important issues seem timeless even now. This is also shown in the a cappela 'Behind The Wall', a song about domestic violence and the failure of the authorities to do anything about it.
The middle tracks of the album, such as 'For My Lover' consider relationships rather than politics, and contain substantial impact in their lyrical simplicity. Another of these is her finest moment, 'Baby Can I Hold You Tonight', one of the most tender songs that I have ever heard. I can still remember my disgust when I heard Boyzone's 'Oirish' interpretation of it, but it did have the benefit of increasing the public's awareness of the song.
The final two tracks, 'If Not Now' and 'For You' follow in much the same vein, and their rawness make the emotions portrayed much more sincere than in the over-produced songs of today.
Sadly, Chapman didn't go on to produce an album that was anywhere near as successful again, although this album did return to the Top 20 this year when it was discounted by a major retailer. One of those recordings that most people seem to have and love, I have never seen a bad review for it. Perhaps this is because it's absolutely faultless and distinctive, and really is a must purchase for any music fan.
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Hi, sorry to only rate a Helpful - this is very well written but doesn't really say what *you* think of the CD. I would have liked to have read some personal opinion rather than a list of facts. Let me know if you re-jig this and I'll be happy to re-rate. Cheers, P$
DanClegg 04.09.2001 16:37
Love the album - have been listening to the album for years now and contrary to what some people say on here she has produced another 4 albums, of varying quality though each containing some definite classics, even if not consistently. DanClegg
Ulysses 28.08.2001 16:56
Chapman's music is unique and had a cult following when I was in my first year at uni. Brings back some good memories.
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...
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!
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!
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