1) Talkin' Bout A Revolution 2) Fast Car 3) Across The Lines 4) Behind The Wall 5) Baby Can I Hold You 6) Mountains O' Things 7) She's Got Her Ticket 8) Why? 9) For My Lover 10) If Not Now... 11) For You
Upon listening to this gem, it’s hard to believe that it was first released almost fifteen years ago, and that would perhaps surprise anyone who had not heard any of Tracy Chapman’s work beforehand. It is also likely that even without knowing about it, you will have heard the most successful (and deservedly so) track on this album. That track being ‘Fast Car’, and without meaning to promote speeding, it feels perfect pumped up to full volume while driving at night time with the orange street lights flickering against the night sky. Beautiful, is the best way to describe the song.
However difficult to follow up such a memorable piece of music, it’s positively accomplished in the form of ‘Across The Lines’. Further confirmation, if any was needed, that Chapman possesses one of the most beautiful voices to ever bless the ear. Upbeat though it is, it still manages to maintain a gentle and romantic feel. ‘Behind The Wall’ pulls the standards right down, and utterly disappoints, meaningful lyrics; maybe, but that’s about all it has going for it. Track number five, ‘Baby Can I Hold You’, would probably be another classic, had it not been tortured by Boyzone (I feel bad just mentioning the word in this review – but the warning has to be issued), and so it’s far too easy to think ‘yuk, Boyzone’ upon hearing the song begin. Next up, ‘Mountains O’ Things’, a well crafted urban backdrop provides the foundation for this song with yet more dreamy vocals atop. ‘She’s Got Her Ticket’, a little Bob Marley-esque groove is ever-present here, it works surprisingly well with this passionately sung piece, adding to the previous track which combine to raise the standards of the album once more. ‘Why?’ continues in a similar vein, while ‘For My Lover’ brings an increasingly warm and melodic ode to Chapman’s lover into the frame, mushy? Yep, but it works well.
‘If Not Now’ and ‘For You’ round proceedings off progressively gently and leave the listener satisfied after what is a very mediocre combo of track four and five. The album is short, that said it would have been a better record without ‘Behind The Wall’ in particular as everything else is at the very least a reasonable effort, and at the very best – emotionally touching and beautiful. For the better songs on offer here, a greatest hits album may serve the purpose better, but as debut’s go, this is an incredible piece of work, from what was then, and remains to be, one of the most prominent voices in music.
www.play.com for £8.99 inc. P + P www.amazon.co.uk for £6.66 exc. P + P
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I thought this was a really fascinating review, well written and expressing interesting opinions. I didn't know Boyzone had covered a Tracy Chapman song so I learned something new too (don't think I'll be rushing off to look for that though). So I forgave you for making me feel old (I adored this record as a student - it must have come out when I was about your age now) and for not mentioning my own favourite song on there at all ( I guess Talking about a Revolution is old fashioned now) and hence my rating.
Buenosdias 14.12.2003 18:36
Nice op, I like her very much, fast car is one of the tunes that never seems to go out of fashion.
ElizaF 08.12.2003 12:39
Good op, I played this to death when it came out :) xx E.
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!
Dec 8th, 2003
(Dec 9th, 2003)
very helpful by (23%):
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