As debut album's go, this multi-platinum beauty is a darn good one. First released in 1988, I was far too young to catch it the first time round, but on hearing Tracy's latest release, Let it rain (also a damn fine album) , I thought I'd better get this one as well, and excellent decision it was too.
This is Tracy Chapman's most commercially successful album, (even though her music is still as gorgeous as ever), and it won her four Grammys. Tracy Chapman grew up as a black working-class child, but succeeded in gaining an excellent education, including a degree from Tufts University, where she first began to get involved in radio performances. This background obviously shows through in some of her songs, such as Talkin' bout a revolution and Across the lines.
This use of her personal experiences (always an excellent way of creating beautiful and meaningful music), coupled with Tracy's excellent acoustic guitar playing and her beautifully emotional voice combine to create a versatile and heart-rending album which is sstill popular with youngsters who would never have heard it when it was first released. (Such as myself!).
This album contains an excellent range of songs(even if there are too few of them!), such as: Talkin' bout a revolution: an inspirational song about how those who are poor and in need will eventually get the things they deserve, Fast car: a song about a young girl's hopes and dreams for a better life, Across the lines: an emotional song about the divides that rise up between the black and white communities in an American town, Behind the wall: vocals with no backing track, a passionate and emotive song about domestic violence and the difficulty in stopping it, Baby can I hold you: the best version of this song, despite many recent covers by pre-packaged boy-bands, Mountains o' things: a song about the fantasy of a working-class person who wishes to be rich and have no cares, but also a strong moral of the emptiness such materialism can bring, She's got her ticket: about a young girl who has difficulty finding a place to settle, Why?: a sad yet eternally hopeful song that raises some of the eternal questions about the conflicts in the world and demonstrates hope that soon things will improve, For my lover: a song about the painful sacrifices that are so often made for all-consuming love, If not now ... : the story of a relationship where love is always promised but never received, and the emotions For you: the emotional testament of the inexplicable emotions of finding true love.
It's difficult to pick out any favourites from the list of great tracks above because they're all of such a high quality with deeply meaningful lyrics and fantastic vocals. Here no nuance of Tracy's vocal talent is left undemonstrated, and this is a fantastic introduction to Tracy Chapman for those who have only just discovered her, but would also make an excellent addition to anyone's record collection.
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Great review, Fast Car is one of my favourite songs of all time! Love Jai. xxx.
MAFARRIMOND 12.05.2004 22:20
Sounds like a really good album to listen to over and over. Maureen
tyllwyd 12.05.2004 22:02
'First released in 1988, I was far too young to catch it the first time round ....' Well, I remember it very clearly from first time round, and I may be old but there is no need to rub it in you young whippersnapper! I've listened to it loads of times - a great album
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!
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