Reviews (page 11 of 14)
Good album. I could listen to it again.
I get why this has a lot of good ratings. It's not your usual singing about breakups and love album. So I'm not saying the lyrics arent good But I just found this album a bit bland. Apart from Fast Car the songs all kind of blended into eachother, nothing really stood out Very unique voice though 3 ⭐️
Vilken röst! Men inte det jag skulle lyssna på själv.
Good solid 3/5
really good
I wasn’t longing to keep listening to this, but it’s a lovely piece of work. Heavy lyricism music isn’t quite my jam, but respect for her talent!
Fav: Fast Car..gotta be Vinyl: Yes Notes: Mountains O' Things sounds a helluva lot like an Ed Sheeran arrangement...I always knew that guy was a fraud 😄
Its wonderful how Tracy Chapman can turn her political anger into something so uplifting. Its a small shame that Fast Car, the most repeatable of all the songs here is the only one that lacks a political bent. Despite being emotional, her music is an unambiguously positive force. The front end has the hits and they still feel as fresh as ever. The latter half is less of a rush, but eminently listenable.
Muy buen disco, temon Baby i can hold you y if not now, ademas de fast car. Inspirada Tracy
A solid listen that covers a breadth of heavy social and personal topics. Some of the songs hit harder than others, but Tracy's rich alto voice is a constant throughout. Would give a 3.5. Standout track: Across the Lines
Enjoyed it. Nothing crazy but had a few songs that left an impression. 3/5
A bit sad and slow, but good
I think this album really excels in its simplicity. The voice is nice and expressive and tells compelling messages. The accompanying instrumentation does a good job supporting the vocals and is relatively simple, not overstepping the main driving force of the songs. The songs are all pretty relaxing and laid back and is great for casual listening.
Good
I never knew who the artist of Fast Car was. pretty cool
Good but I prefer her album "New Beginning"
This is a great album, but I'll be ranking all these albums hard. The back half I enjoyed more than the front due to the more complex sound though the lyricism stayed strong throughout. Little slow and sometimes boring. Standout track: mountain o things
I own this but haven’t listened to it in so long.Very solid album! Only song that didn’t do it for me was the last track, For You. She was all about saying damn the man.
Profound lyrics and beautiful melodies, but I just don't like listening to Tracy Chapman's voice. I will give three stars in recognition of her talent as a songwriter, though.
C'est doux, c'est folk
really good
really good after the first listen, will probably get even better with every listen
3.2
Good album, strong songs, folky protest. The sadness is that all the issue she was singing about thirty years ago are just as pertinent and potent today. Will listen again.
S meischte esch scho rächt guet inklusive es paar banger, jedoch esch zom Teil e chli wierds züg debi won ech jetzt ned so verstoh und halt relativ ruhig wasi zwar ned ongärn ha, aber ned grad so fescht.
Some classic songs, but ultimately a bit monotoneous
Норм
Good
Fajne
A bit quiet and melancholic
Some familiar iconic songs but a few duds in there too.
Fav songs: Fast Car--who doesn't like this song; For My Lover I remember when Fast Car came out and it was playing everywhere. I wasn't into it as an 11yo but it has grown on me as an adult. It's a great song. I feel like TC became accidentally famous and it wasn't something she really wanted. At least we all got a great song. The album is super easy to listen to and the songs do not blend together. It's not generally my thing but it isn't bad either. I really like her singing style.
Ok
”Don't ya know They're talking about a revolution? It sounds like a whisper” I mean yeah, it describes itself perfectly. A pleasant whisper I suppose, but then again that might be counterintuitive.
Partially listened before Favourite tracks: Fast Car, Across the Lines, Talkin 'Bout A Revolution
This is #day242 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... it's been a hell of a week. I've been moving apartments, running around transporting stuff, so I'm exhausted and anxious. It's the third time this year I've had to listen to an album the next day instead of the day I got it. Kind of a cheat, right? This way, I end up listening to two albums a day. But hey, I'm just catching up... As I write this, the place is fucking chaos—boxes everywhere. Mountains O' Things, if you will (pun un/intended). But my wife and I always get it together, so fingers crossed it happens sooner rather than later. The album itself? Well, she's definitely got the vocals and a peculiar delivery. The instrumentation seems out of place for the year the album was released, which is fun. Across The Lines is my highlight. This is a 3 out of 5. Looking forward to #day243.
This album was a smart listen, musically interesting, and Chapman is very talented. For me, personally, it is unfortunately not the sum of its parts. I simply can't put my finger on it, but there is just something that turns me off of the record. It's one of those albums your friends enjoy and swear by and you know they aren't wrong about it at all. It just isn't for you. I may have sung a different tune had I been older and heard it upon release (I was 2), but in 2025 I just can't sign on for this one. Perhaps that is my ultimate takeaway - like a movie that is just too old to hold your interest, it is a highly respectable pass for me.
I liked Fast Car, and if the rest had been anywhere near as good this would have been a solid 4, maybe even a 5. Alas, this but a humble 3.
Not bad. Simpsons: No
Chilled, soulful vibes. A lot of the songs sounded similar, but flowed well together. Tracy tells a good story. ‘Fast Car’ is obviously iconic.
This album was definitely not made for me. Album Cover: 5/10 Top Songs: Fast Car Behind the Wall
Those first three tracks are peak mom-core, but afterwards it delves right into very average, very 80's mom-core.
Obviously the amazing song "Fast Car" is on this album. That song alone is top notch. Overall, a decent album. Not my favourite, but still was good to listen to while working.
Some really beautiful songs but I don't think I'll go back to it, so it's a 3
Enjoyed it but can't say I'm likely to listen to it again
Nice album and clearly a talented musician but the songs didn’t grab me and I doubt I’ll return to it
Folk/singer song writer og også lidt politisk. Det er meget råt, simpelt og tidsløs, kom ud i 80’erne som var domineret af synths osv.
there was a story to be told and she did it quite well 3.5/5
3.5/5. The top half was excellent and of course Fast Car is timeless. The back half of the album didn’t do as much for me.
Some classics on here. Enjoyable but not sure I'll listen again.
Sucker for a cheesy love song by a lesbian icon.
***A good album, some tracks sound alike
Good album. Came out when I was in high school. It was a good listen.
Ok
в целом - норм, но не в моем вкусе. прослеживается вайб музыки для романтических комедий...
I really like Tracy Chapmans unique voice. I didn’t expect to love this, but I might throw this into regular rotation. Behind the wall is mid. It sounds like it is Influenced by folk and 80s pop music. Overall 6.5/10 but I like the influence it had on music
It is fine
Pretty solid, but still will only listen to fast car
Excellent songwriting with a good voice to match. The beats of the other songs didn’t really super stand out but I would revisit
Wanted to rate this a 4 but actual enjoyment dictated a 3. A great example of an album that would benefit from a deeper dive and relisten. So much so that I reached out to u/SidledsGunnar to see if they can add a "tagging" feature similar to Letterboxd to create sublists of albums like this.
overplayed
Rätt bra! 3/5
Pretty good well written album but not for me.
Some great songs, would be easy to put on and just have on in general, but not always something I'm super drawn to.
Feels like a memoir of domestic abuse. Very good though.
Good album. Better than most of the threes.
I was surprised how many of these songs I knew already. Quite middle of the road musically. Lyrically, it’s good to see someone being political and trying to say something meaningful, but felt a bit hackneyed.
Liked this more than expected. Obviously Fast Car is a great song, but the rest is mostly just OK to me.
Yeh, fine, won’t play it again
it was okay.
Pretty sure I bought this one back in 1988. Tracy Chapman was gonna be HUUUUGGGEEE! So what happened? Nice to re-listen to this after so long.
Memorable
Good one.
确实，声音像是个男的。而且有一首歌旋律很熟悉，哪首来着？懒得找了。 黑人的blue 加摇滚加...反正不咋爱听
Easy listening with some interesting and thought-provoking lyrics. Got a bit tired by the end, even though it is a relatively short album. First two songs are world-class.
очень хороший альбом, музыка прекрасная для того, чтобы начать день!
Grew up with this album playing a lot so nice and nostalgic. Some absolute corkers, some a bit samey. Favourite has to be baby can I hold you.
Solid, would definitely make good remixes that I would like. Notable songs: Fast car, If not now, Behind the wall, Baby can I hold you, and She's got her ticket. 3.5/5 Nice lyrics
Good
I enjoyed a couple of his songs and would definitely listen again. I really enjoyed his voice and the meaning behind the songs but felt that it wasn’t all put together
Great storytelling in this from Chapman. I don’t think I’d come back to this too much, but I enjoyed it
I really liked some songs but kinda mid overall
7/10. The vocals are very nice. I like the album's storytelling. The music feels a little too underwhelming for me, personally.
Simple and pleasant
Yeah like not bad but not much stood out. Good writing but generic instrumentation. https://youtube.com/shorts/x2TkMWWu8Bc?si=bTh4TJ_jEQH581Kq
fast car obviously the big stand out, and whilst the album is lovely to listen to on the surface , the lyrics can be a downer. clearly a great album , but not what i want to hear right now . 3.4
Fast car vibe but more Chill easy listening
Interesting sound, mellow and musical. Good background music.
Easy Listening, great voice, nice guitars.
I've heard a song or two of hers, just not for me or music I would ever put on casually. Great voice
You’ve got a fast car, and an alright country folk album. That’s about all of my thoughts on it. Her voice is soothing. Standouts: Fast Car, Baby Can I Hold You, and If Not Now…
I appreciate the cultural significance of Tracy Chapman but do I enjoy her music? Not really.
ok
If not for “Fast Car”, which was played on radio, I probably never would have known about Tracy Chapman. Anyhow, this is a good album for a debut. I give it three stars.
I wish I had listened to this before reading Mike's review because I would like to know if I would have come up with the same words on my own. Message/lyrics on point, music not 100% my style
A fine album, I think I like the lyrical messages more than the music. It’s good enough, but a little too mellow for me.
Count me in for the "not my thing musically, but the lyrics are poignant" sentiments.
A lot of important topics covered and some great songs, but there is also quite a bit of filler in my eyes. I’ve never really understood the hype.
The vocals fit perfectly into the music. Though this is a pretty Singer album it was a good listen.
Heartbreaking, hopeful, a reminder of how much hasn't changed since the 80s.
Lyrically great, but not necessarily my style of music.
A very powerful album. I really enjoyed the first half and not so much the second half. Fast Car still holds up as an amazing track and also very bold to have a song with just vocals. I really like her style, I just don't know if I would listen to an entire album at once.
Heartfelt and delicate, but has the same issue as many other albums of it’s time in that it’s almost too mellow at points
Aight here’s Tracy Chapman. Third folk record in a row. Talking about Revolution is first. Very based lyrics about the flaws of reaganomics and capitalism. Damn shame the revolution didn’t come. Next is her cover of Luke Comb’s hit Fast Car (I’m kidding obviously, it’s fucking crazy that Luke Combs covered it and now it basically eclipsed the popularity of the original, to the point that people don’t know it’s about lesbians) Good song! Next is Across the Lines. It’s a very sad song about racism and racist violence and segregation and stuff that’s still relevant today. Also it has a nice fretless bass part. Next is Behind the Wall. It’s an acapella song about domestic abuse. Very effective use of just Tracy’s voice and no instruments. Makes it much more effective. Next is Baby Can I Hold You. It’s a pretty ballad about a relationship that’s on the brink of ending due to lack of communication. It has some electric violin and a hint of electric sitar, which is very cool. Next is Mountains O’ Things. Looks like we got some Latin and Tropical vibes in this one. Kinda dated tbh. But it’s alright. Like the percussion in it. Next is She’s Got Her Ticket. It’s basically Fast Car but reggae influenced. Seems like she’s repeating things. Next is Why? More based lyrics about poverty and war and stuff. “Love is hate, war is peace, no is yes, we’re all free”. Lyrics are a bit repetitive tho, but it’s still a good song. Next is For my Lover, another gay song. Even have references to conversion therapy and anti-sodomy laws in it. Pretty decent. Next is If Not Now… Despite sharing the same refrain as the King Gizz song, this isn’t about climate change, but about a fraught relationship, like Baby Can I Hold You. It’s meh. Reminds me of a neutered version of Under Pressure. Finally is For You, a rather sweet love song featuring just her vocals and guitar. Nice way to end the album. Overall this album is alright. 6/10
Good album. Love her.
Once owned this album on CD but tired of it and eventually sold it. I’ve not listened to it since. Listening today was an enjoyable reacquaintance and a reminder why I bought the album. Not enough to think I’d made a mistake getting rid because it isn’t an album I could listen to repeatedly. I know that because during my trawls of cheap charity shop CD’s it is one of those albums you can always more or less guarantee will be for sale and so far I’ve resisted even though it costs only a few pence. Given the number of sales on release this indicates a fair few others followed my example of getting rid. However, this does not detract from the fact that it is a good album and for every person selling the album on there’s probably double that cherishing it. 3/5 9/12/24
I’d say 4 really good tracks on here. The rest aren’t bad just average compared the albums best.
Simple music done very well. Vocals and the messages behind the lyrics really come through. However that’s where the redeeming qualities of this music end
Great lyrics and singing but (besides 1-2 songs) it sadly was too boring for me.
Not bad
first listen didn't do much for me
Obviously very good, especially if you listen to the lyrics, though honestly not really my thing.
Underwhelming, 3.15
3/4
I was deeply in love with this album when it was released. I mean, I had been in love with everything ‘80s that had come before, but at the time, that sound had started to feel bombastic, soulless, like it had run its course musically and emotionally. This felt like the perfect antidote: peaceful, poignant, personal. It’s still that, and the melodies are still beautiful, and “Fast Car” is still a stunner. The world seems to have moved on, though, and the importance doesn’t remain. Hearing it once, now, I had no desire to listen again. I know all of these songs well, and they will always be a part of me, but it’s not a part of myself I visit often. Ironically, while bombastic ‘80s New Wave remains poignantly alive for me, this has faded into the background.
She has a good voice, and there are some really good songs here. But it also goes through periods of being really boring, which is quite an achievement for a short album. I almost want to give it a 2 but that just feels too low for the good bits. So I'm going to risk giving it a 3.
My god this lady must have had a few issues with men in her life. Nothing like keeping it bottled up and putting a jolly front to the world, or not as the case may be. I've got to say my cold heart was touched by her story (ish) and musically it's was very good indeed. As for that Boyzone song, it was a surprise to find out she did it originally and also much better too. A high 3.
High 3s. Fast car is a goat.
Average at best.
could i write poetry to this? n
Not a bad collection of (socially-conscious-Grammy bait) songs. Unfortunately, most of them suffer from the typically smoothed-out Soft Rock production style so popular at the time this album was produced. The remaining tracks are about as raw as a coffee shop musician who just put a capo on the third fret of his guitar in preparation for another go at "Wonderwall." Despite it's dark subject matter, the a cappella song, "Behind the Wall" does not have the same punch as Janis Joplin's "Mercedes Benz" or even Alanis Morrisette's "Your House". This would be a three-star album, but I'll give it an undeserved half-star for Living Colour's outstanding live version of "Talkin' Bout a Revolution" from 1989. Another half-star is granted because Ms. Chapman is from the great city of Cleveland, Ohio.
I like her voice and lyrics, but musically it's just not my thing.
3.5 Beautiful, just not my jam.
Pleasant enough. Fast car is the the obvious highlight, and the remaining songs are listenable, albeit derivative.
bueno medio repetitiv
Eh, other than Fast Car there wasn't much that I enjoyed here. Fast car is damn good though so this gets 3 stars on that alone.
This album hits one of my sonic sweet spots as far as mixing mastering. It really transports you back to the late 80's/early 90's. I love Tracy's voice and how it shapes the depths of her songs. That said, not all the songs are great, but thankfully there's only a few outliers. The reggae keyboards on "She's Got Her Ticket" rob this lyrically powerful song of its punch in a really awkward way. The next track, "Why" suffers a similar problem of strong lyrics paired with instrumentation that doesn't carry their weight. Despite this little inconsistency, It's still a good album. "Fast Car" still rules.
Meh
Everyone knows the first six words of fast car lol The album itself is ok, some genuine heartfelt music and words in there. Hard for me to personally relate but I appreciate it Also I didn't know she covered the Boyzone song
Chapman desde un inicio siempre supo como tocar los corazones de las personas y comunicar de forma efectiva los problemas de la clase media baja afroamericana. Con una pluma suave pero desgarradora, Chapman nos transporta por paisajes de pobreza y esfuerzo, amor y desamor, humanizando a la comunidad más discriminada de Estados Unidos. La música es excelente, la voz inolvidable y las técnicas de guitarra pegajozas. Un gran esfuerzo y un LP que se gana su lugar en esta lista.
I owned this on CD in the 90’s and loved it. Listening to it in 2024, it doesn’t hit me quite as hard. The album never matches the greatness of its standout song but that isn’t much of a criticism. The rest of the songs are still mostly good and this album is clearly worth hearing.
Meh
Heartfelt and emotional music by a one-of-a kind talent. The mid-tempo light rock feel gets old after a while, but that is probably more a product of 80s production than anything else.
fine i guess
2024-11-01...
I like the album and some songs, but it is in the Lillith Fair group of artists that I never liked in college. Brings back memories. 3/5
I was taken aback when Fast Car came out by how unique and good that song was but never listened to the album. This is a good record. Has a social conscience without being preachy
Do you like catchy songs? If so, then this is the album for you! The songs are country, and are very catchy and I love them. I like the beat, and the instruments. I also love the lyrics. So that is why I recommend this album.
Very powerful lyrics , I feel really sad after listening to all the bad times in the songs - not my favorite but I can see the power and influence in the album
A bit dull
Fast Car is such an incredibly perfect song. The rest of the album is quite good too, though it’s not something I can see putting on often.
Excellent voice. Fast car is great; I ended up tuning out a bit mid-album...
I liked it, even though I’ve listened to some of the songs so many times in my life that I eventually got bored.
Okay, this album was full of surprises for me. All my life, I believed the person who sang Fast Car was a white person. That was until I listened to this album. I found out it was Tracy Chapman who originally sang this song. Even after having realized that I was like, Oh, okay, it’s not a white guy, but a black guy who sings it. And then I got another awakening it was actually a black lady! 1. Fast car 2. Across The Lines 3. Baby Can I Hold You 4. If Not Now 5. Why? 6. Talkin’ Bout A Revolution 7. Mountains O’ Things 8. She’s Got Her Ticket 9. For You 10. For My Lover 11. Behind The Wall
3.5
Eh
My opinion of Tracy Chapman has always been negative based on the only song I knew of hers (Fast Car) which I have never liked and would always turn off if it came on the radio. So I was fully expecting to hate this album but was pleasantly surprised that I actually thought some of the songs were ok. I guess that’s the point of this whole exercise! Ok so I don’t think I’ll be rushing out to buy it but I now get the cultural relevance of the whole album with a lot of the themes still very relevant nearly 30 years later. Perhaps Mylo could learn something about the importance of lyrics and how ghey engage with people!
I am going to be generous on my rating for this one as she seems like a nice person and is clearly a very talented songwriter, sings about important issues. and has a haunting and heartfelt voice. Unfortunately, I found listening to this quite hard work and pretty dull. I also can’t forgive her for inspiring (even if only in a small way) a generation of dull folk singer/songwriters like Ed Sheeran and James Blunt etc. Fast Car, dull folk!
Even if driven very carefully and very skilfully I don’t think Tracy’s famous fast car could get more in the middle of the road than this album.
You wouldn't be normal if you didn't enjoy some of this. However, the fact that Westlife covered one of her songs shows where it's at. Who doesn't like a bit of Westlife ....
First listen. Some pretty well known songs. It was ok.
Fast Car // Across The Lines // Baby Can I Hold You // If Not Now… //
Not bad.
Pretty good. Not super into a lot of folk or roots rock, but I enjoyed this album enough that I might come back to it again some time.
Bought this when it came out. I know Fast Car has enjoyed a recent resurgence with a cover by a male country artist that I haven’t heard. Chapman had such promise but it can be hard to sustain a career when your first song is an all-timer. Sort of like having Moby Dick as your first novel.
First two tracks are classics and there are one or two additional decent tracks on this. Most I found to be exceedingly ponderous.
"everything is so political nowadays" seems like it always was. Great album. Makes me and probably thousands of others want to pickup a guitar and play.
Strong songwriting, not my taste musically
A workshop in simple effective songwriting. Tracy does a great job with very little, writing lyrics about poverty, injustice, inequality in a way that is beautiful and straightforward while still being relevant decades later. Fast Car is an incredible song, the rest of the album can't quite meet that early high but it's a solid effort.
Good, but gets a bit boring after a while. Still, Fast Car is an astoundingly good song.
Solid album. Better than I thought it would be.
I enjoyed this quite a bit even though it really isn't the type of music I would listen to. As far as folky/pop/rock albums go, it is a worthy listen
Good album. Love the opening track.
Very country folky, my favourite song in the album has to be “fast car”. Country folk music isn’t exactly my thing, but this was still a fun listen!
I could do without the actual whisper. Recording is so clean - maybe too clean. Fast car is great - her voice is so consistent and perfect. I think it could benefit with a little more variation and roughness. Every verse is delivered with exactly the same intensity. Would be nice to hear some breaking in her voice sometimes. This song could have been half the length and still delivered the same emotion. The music sounds like it’s programmed. Some weird chord choices at the end of verses for interludes- like almost whimsical for such a serious song. Whoa - acapella with no reverb - interesting choice. Baby can I hold you tonight- wish it had real strings and less keyboard sounds. Sitar? It’s like they were just going through presets in the studio. Mountains sounds like music from Monkey Island video game. Ticket - delay instead of reverb in the voice. Reggae fills - reminds of that Brazilian bass player. Music is incongruous with the lyrics. For my lover - great song, kept it relatively simple production wise- couldn’t resist with another weird preset at that one point and maybe a little too straight ahead but best after fast car so far. Wish they used the production of the last song on the rest of the album.
Feels like realizing that you used to be so cruel to kids who were different and why you did that It's pretty good but all the songs sound very samey but somehow Fast Car is still the best . Much more leftist and revolutionary than I expected Best songs: Fast Car, Baby Can I Hold You?, Talkin' About a Revolution Strong 6 to a light 7 Cover 4/10 You went to work and saw Point Break with Patrick
Fav: Baby Can I Hold You Least Fav: Mountains O’ Things
Something about singer/songwriters just puts me off, I don’t know what it is.. great voice and soothing music. Only knew ‘Fast Car’ but ‘Talking about a Revolution’ was another favorite. 3.25/5
She's hard not to like. Her performance of 'Fast Car' at Wembley when she was almost unknown was incredible. It still sounds great and I've always liked 'Baby Can I Hold You' too. But much as I like her it's not the most exciting or emotional album is it!
As dad says in his review, Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car stand-in performance at Wembley is the stuff of music legend. A great song. She has a really powerful voice and I enjoyed the listen, it just didn’t really throw any surprises at me.
These are good songs. Didn’t set my world on fire but was still enjoyable and I can see why she’s popular.
Really enjoyed this. Put it on while cleaning up from Burning Man.
This album has a very strong start, but falls off after the first two songs. I really expected this to be 4 stars based on the Tracy Chapman music I've heard before, but it was really just okay.
This is the type of album that I feel is more 'appreciated' than 'enjoyed'. I could be wrong, but I think the reason it is praised is because it is thoughtful, as opposed to being bland and mindless. Make no mistake: the lyrics and storytelling are beautiful. The problem lies in how the album actually sounds. If I were to hear the majority of these songs by themselves and out of context, I probably would not have to force myself to like them. I understand why the hype exists, but I don't think I want to be a part of it.
I had no idea Fast Car wasn’t a current song! The album was relaxing and breezy, but had some powerful moments. I barely made it all the way through properly paying attention so I will listen to it again!
Incredible voice but most songs are just ok
6.5/10
First time listening in years. Enjoyed that.
Folk music doesn’t feel like it had that much of a presence in the 80s. Not even remotely as much as it did in the 60s and 70s. It definitely faced a resurgence in the 90s though. And Tracy Chapman’s titular debut is proof of that. Coming out near the tail end of the 80s, this merges the familiar folk sound with the more pop based heartland rock of the late 70s and 80s. I’ll admit that I had never heard of her until the most recent Grammy event, where she performed her song Fast Car with Luke Combs. But honestly I couldn’t give less of a fuck about him. And I can say for sure that her original rendition is far better than his. It’s a great song. The sort of slow and simple folk rock I can get behind. The rest of the album is pretty decent too. Tracy’s solemn voice and poignantly conscious lyricism makes me think of late fall and autumn chill. Her songwriting style felt very reminiscent of Joni Mitchell and Blue. I see a lot of similarities between those two albums. I can also appreciate the use of some more unique instruments. I’m pretty sure I heard a harpsichord and a sitar in there at some point. Their parts are brief, but they stand out. Some of these songs are maybe a little too 80s for me personally, but I wouldn’t go as far as to say any song on the record is bad. As a complete package, maybe not something I would come back to. But Fast Car is definitely worth your time. Rating: 6/10
Obviously Fast Car is one of the best songs of all time, the album on the whole doesn’t do a lot for me
Joan Armatrading's illigitimate daughter.... Quite good
2,5
Classic, if a bit of a downer.
I had a fast car once. It was a lot of fun, and only got me in trouble once or twice. I remember it well, much better than all of the other cars I've ever had, they were pretty much unimpressive. Which brings me to this point - we all remember one song from this album, but not a single one of the others. Get it?
Tracy has a 5-star voice and Fast Car is a 5-star song. But the rest of the album has 3-star melodies.
Extra star for Fast Car being such a banger
under-rated artist. 3.5
I'm not really a fan of her voice and the subject matter of many of her songs is a drag and not why I listen to music. My enjoyment level was at a 2-2.5 but somehow it seems better than my enjoyment level so on it's merits for what it is I'll be generous and give it a 3.
Solid album. Chapman has a really excellent voice and the songs are all pretty good. ***
This is the type of album I'd almost want to hear sung by someone else just to really hit home how much her voice and passion carry it through. The lyrics are poignant, and Fast Car is a classic for a reason. I'm almost a bit disappointed I'm not rating it higher but I do think on a different day or with more listens I could find more.
From the start, her first 3 words, her voice grabbed my attention. Amazing voice. Subdued instrumental. Solid lyricism. Tho a full album loses me after a while, but at the right time I'd like to give this a better listen.
1988. Fast Car. Talkin bout a Revolution.
Several songs of the album are well known and have been played soooo often. The album as a whole ist ok. I could listen to it now and then. But there is no highlight there in my opinion.
I liked this one, especially the track 'Behind the Wall'
Enjoyed the album. Her voice is unique
Good
I'm not really a lyrics kinda guy, so this one does not connect with me too too much. Was a good listen and seems like a good addition to this list. Will I listen to again: 10%
I was never a fan of her voice. But this album is an example of another album that gets better as it goes.
Can I recognize this as being a lovely, classic and beloved album while also being not my thing?
Solid
-fast car!! -for you is lovely -its okay, nothing special for me tho
Good
Pretty good, album started off strong but songs started to blend together toward the end
Pretty nice
Nostalgia to hear it again, it was everywhere then
Alright
Fast Car is a great song, a lot of these kind of felt like similar ideas, but don't quite get going or have the songwriting to the same extent.
Pretty good album Top tracks: Fast Car
i got downvoted on reddit one time for saying i didnt like fast car so now i hold a grudge against this album. 5/10
Very much about the issues of a black woman in the US Nice relaxing acoustic instrumentation A tad repetitive - the lyrics in a song are often repeated, and the music rarely evolves much dynamically Conclusion: It's nice music, if slightly repetitive, and the lyrics certainly seem heartfelt and well-written. But the lyrical themes just doesn't speak to me as as a white European male, and the music is too static to really hold my interest. I would enjoy this music if it was put on at a friend's house, but I wouldn't listen to it myself. It's a 3.
Didn’t mind it. First two songs are the best, Talking bout a revolution and Fast Car. It is a nice length at 36 mins. Overall, a little slow for me.
Pleasant. I only knew Fast Car beforehand, probably a reason why that's her standout hit. Rest of the album sounded extremely similar but with slightly less emotion in it. Nice background music, but not something I'm desperate to have on repeat anytime soon.
Not my style but I liked it nonetheless
Shit was mid. Was made for wokeies
It’s aight
Personally not my cup of tea, however, her performance is amazing and heartfelt. Some songs are touching and inspirational!
3/5
This was pleasant. Other than Fast Car, I'd never heard much from this artist before. Coffee house and chill.
26.04.24 Faves: - Fast car - Across the lines - Baby can I hold you ('ve heard before) - Mountains o'things - Why? - For my lover - For you Opinion: not my type of music. however, he has such a nice voice and the lyrics have meaning behind them. maybe i'd listent to it while driving
Not as lo-fi as I expected. Talking 'bout a Revolution has of course been played to death, which is a little unfair to it, because it's a good little number. On the whole, very solid, but I probably won't revisit this any time soon because it's not really down my alley, even though I do see why it's on the list.
This was socially a great record. I loved the messages. But was super easy listening 80s style which I struggled with.
fast car is one of the best songs ever written. the rest of the album is similarly heavy but extremely well executed. maybe a little too depressing for me to love wholeheartedly
pretty okay
cute
Se deixar tocando de fundo, passa batido. O instrumental é fraco, o som do violão é insosso e a percussão genérica. O brilho das músicas são as letras, e não a dúvida que são excelentes. Um álbum para se ouvir focado nas letras, caso contrário ele vai passar inteiro sem você perceber onde acaba uma música e começa outra.
Interesting reading the misogynistic reviews that appear quite high up on any female artist. It just shows how women are inherently ignored, overly criticised, dismissed and/or ridiculed when they try and present any creative output. It’s a good album but it’s not what I’d usually listen to.
Not bad. Songs were catchy. I give it 3 stars.
First 3 songs were nice, the rest had good parts but were overall kinda boring.
Idk, maybe just not really for me. A few huge songs that I knew were pretty good, but even those bored me a little. Nothing besides fast car really stands out, just solid songwriting and decent music. Also max beat me on the review yesterday. Can’t let it happen again. 6/10
Nice to finally listen to this album all the way through. Beautiful, heartfelt songs about the realities of life. While I enjoyed my listen, I don't think I'd seek this album out to listen to casually.
A lot of the songs haven't aged well. Heart-on-your-sleeve college protest stuff. But Fast Car is one of the best the songs ever written and Talking bout a revolution is a legit good peacenik song.
A great quality sounding album. Nothing is overdone or not needed. The songs are simple and to the point. This is a Sunday afternoon soundtrack for sitting outside on a summer day or when the world is burning down. Choice Cut: Fast Car
Good production. Each song gets its own treatment, so it stays pretty fresh as an album. Folk to jazzy to world. It covers a lot of ground. "Why?" is sort of heavy handed, but still poignant years later. Glad she's getting her due these days. 3.8
This album is no doubt one of the most important albums recorded, however it is not for me.
Great album. Would listen to again
Tracy Chapman is a brilliant artist who has produced numerous, beautiful pieces regarding important issues. She has tackled racial injustices and women’s issues. She stands with those who have been bullied. She draws light to darkness. For me, that is great; for about half and album. This is a really good album, though. Fast Car is iconic and Across the Lines, haunting. Tracy has rather quietly built quite the catalog.
Just fine, kinda carried by Fast Car
quality album, special for what it is and its time, limited replay value in my current life
Absolutely a legend, but just not my genre of music.
Enjoyed it, great voice, not any songs on there that really leapt out tho.
Decent album. Very 90s vibe. Good, chill album.
Als Hintergrund Musik erträglicher Contemporary Folk. Bekanntester Song ist wohl 'Talkin bout a revolution'.
Chill minimalist production and Tracy has a beautiful voice. Feels like this was mega influential on the early 90s wave of singer-songwritery pop music.
Very good but too easy listening for my taste.
3.5 loved the lyrics. Great ability to paint a picture of the problems she faces. The instrumentals are ok nothing great
I’ve heard some of these songs before but never the entire album. It’s quite good though I tire of characters and situations that I can’t much relate to (life in the hood/projects/big city). I could definitely listen to this again…...just not often.
Some good songs on here. Not everything thrilled me. Mountain o’ things was really cool.
This was honestly pretty appealing to listen through. Not the most complex, but Tracy has some great vocals that really add a lot to what's going on. The acapella number was great. Fav tracks: Fast Car, Behind the Wall, Mountains O' Things, Why?
I still remember how this woman annoyed me with her omnipresent howl of accusations on the radio in the late 90s. But: This album has actually matured very, very well over the years, and I really enjoyed listening to it today.
An easy to listen to album; Tracy's voice is iconic.
it was fun
40/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑
The hits are absolutely wonderful; it's not my style beyond that, but I could be swayed someday.
Far ahead of its time in terms of recognizing the modern challenges minority communities face. Blues music while a clear separation from traditional blues, musically. Love the simplicity of the vocals and acoustic sound.
Favourite Song: Talkin' Bout a Revolution This was a hard one. Absolutely love the first half the album, but I faded out during the second half. I originally rated it a 4 just due to the good songs, but I have to rate the entire album.
It's fine. Voice goes from interesting at the beginning then starts to wear on me. Overall pretty good.
- Fast Car is another LL Bean classic - A little slow for my tastes but very good production and vibes - 2.5 but I'll round up
Thought it was really good. Could see this one growing on me more the more I listen and process all of the lyrics. Even ignoring the lyrics this was fun to listen to. Rating: 3.3
Solid songwriting. Important topics and messages
Not really for me, I found Tracy's voice a bit irritating. I appreciate the subject matter, though it's not my favorite in song form. Favorite songs: Fast Car, She's Got Her Ticket, For My Lover
Delightful.
First two songs (including Fast Car) were amazing. Did not love the rest of the album.
Fast Car is without question an American classic but the whole album also deserves to be on this list. Songs like Behind the Wall, Across the Lines and Talkin’ Bout a Revolution could have been written today and still be relevant, but I also really enjoyed the more romantic, bittersweet edge of Baby Can I Hold You and If Not Now. I’m so happy to see that decades later she’s still getting recognition for her work.
Despite not having instruments, Behind the Wall got its message across loudly
I know this album well, and it has its high points, but there's too much filler too.
Fantastisk stemme!
Unik stemme og en plade med i hvert fald 3 bangers og 2 af dem lige i starten! Resten var ikke lige så godt. Der var ikke de samme hooks eller memorable dele af sangene.
De eerste twee nummers zijn enorm goed en de nummers daarna zijn eigenlijk allemaal minder dan die eerste twee. Vooral track 3 t/m 7 doen me erg weinig. Haar unieke stemgeluid wordt bij deze nummers toch wat saai om naar te luisteren, omdat de nummers wat te voorzichtig zijn. Track 8 en 9 springen er wel weer positief uit. De boodschap, hoe goed en sterk ook, kan me zoals bij alle albums die ik maar één keer luister eigenlijk gestolen worden. Ik denk dat dit album op dat vlak misschien wat punten zou kunnen scoren, maar dus niet bij mij. M'n verwachting voor Trees Kerelman was hoog, maar ik kan niet zeggen dat die verwachting wordt waargemaakt. Ik kan geen halve sterren geven en dus kom ik niet hoger dan een 3.
OK
Album opens strong but falls a bit in the second half bar “For My Lover.” Great singer with a unique voice, not a big fan of some of the choices made regarding instrumentals.
Entspanntes Album
An album of two halves, with the first half being much the stronger (Revolution, Fast Car, Baby can I hold you...). The subsequent songs lack the same impact and makes it harder to sustain interest
Tracy Chapman's music is a mood for sure. It isn't for everyone and it's certainly not for every mood. Despite this, this album is a must listen. The eponymous album is a strong showcase of talent of the folk rock/pop variety. Revitalized with Luke Comb's recent cover too, "Fast Car" is a timeless, thought provoking, yet completely smashing hit. I was thinking about this song all day and it nearly brought me to tears.
Powerful messages. Just sadly not my jam.
Fast Car, but that's about it. Lots of protest stuff.
Very enjoyable and the one-two punch of the opening tracks is amazing.
talking bout a revolution- um its fine. 4. fast car- um yeah 5 or 6 maybe. its interesting. across the lines- the lyrics are certainly interesting and how they address racism. also how she delivers the lyrics feels like shes trying to seem detached ?? idk. that all being said i am not the biggest fan of the song itself. whats being said though is important im just not a fan of this country ?? sound?? 5 behind the wall- the no instruments is scary. the lyrics are good too and it describes it perfectly but i dont like the execution tbh. 5 baby can i hold you- i dont care <3. 3 mountains o things- i still dont care dog im sorry. 4 i cant do this anymore fellas
סיפור מעניין מאוד שירים טובים אך לא מפוצצים
Hat Spaß gemacht:)
Entspanntes Album, um in den Morgen zu starten. Songs wie "Fast Car", "Baby Can I Hold You" oder "Talkin' Bout a Revolution" kennt man natürlich aus dem Radio (dass man sich so sehr an diese erinnert, heißt schon was, da ich seit Ewigkeiten eigentlich kein Radio mehr höre). Jedenfalls hätte ich nach dem ersten Song nicht gedacht, dass mich das Album wirklich abholt und unterhält, aber so irrt man sich. Im Flug war es vorbei. Auch wenn für mich kein Song besonders rausstach, kann man sich das Werk gut mal geben. Rating: 3 / 5 ⭐
I remember buying this album in 88 based off Fast Car, which is one of the best songs of the late 80s. I also remember being disappointed in the album. Now that I’m older and I appreciate music a little differently the album isn’t quite as bland as I remember. But it’s isn’t a whole lot better either. I’m giving this 3 stars instead of a 2 stars based on Fast Car, Talking Bout a Revolution, and Why.
3.2 - As I'm listening, I imagine two scenarios: 1. A precocious, rainbow-haired teenager lighting up a high school open mike that was organized by a well-meaning teacher who wanted to give the theater kids a social outlet. 2. a dinner party of 40-something professionals. Everyone is wearing earth-toned blazers, chatting politely and swirling glasses of expensive red wine. This CD is playing quietly in the background.
Not bad. Not great. Just middle
Solid
Some great songs. But found it a little bit samey after a while.
Such a strong and unique voice. Fast Car is and will always be a classic!
Didn't give it my 100% attention but aside from a few top songs it got a bit boring
Okay, not really my jam. Kinda borning.
It was okay
Knew more songs than I thought I would. Decent album although not usual thing.
Þetta var auðhlustanlegt. Ekki eitthvað sem ég sæki sjálfur mikið í en gæti sett þessa plötu á fóninn yfir sunnudagsmáltíðinni eða eitthvað í þá áttina. Fín rödd og góður músíkant. Fílaði samt ekki alveg spjalllagið.
Meh not my style.
I know Tracy Chapman and I know this album. I thought I knew the whole album pretty well but the last three songs did not seem familiar at all. They don’t really do it for me. Funny enough those are the ones that are more run of the mill love song lyrics and not the poignant society critical songs as the other songs on the album. I do like her voice and most of her song writing. Apparently not enough that I kept up with the rest of her work. Sure, I know a couple more songs of hers, it just doesn’t do it enough for me, to want to listen to all her albums and I’m usually good after listening to a couple songs at a time. So, I just read that a white country guy covered her song ‘Fast Car’ aaaand it’s exactly how she sings it including the part about working in the supermarket as a checkout girl. It just sounds and feels wrong. Yeah, nope.
Immediately recognisable signature voice,
Only knew the singles, the rest is not as good. Great voice though
Gar nicht mein Genre (wird es wahrscheinlich auch nie), aber einiges von Tracy Chapman kannte und mochte ich bereits (natürlich aber nur die Klassiker "Fast Car" und "Talkin Bout a Revolution"). Beim Anfang von "Across the Lines" dachte ich, dass ein Cover von "Moskau" kommt... "For you" ist ein wunderschönes Liebeslied, kommt direkt auf meine Hochzeitsplaylist. Fazit: viel Schönes und Interessantes (insb. Gesellschaftskritisches wie "Behind the Wall") dabei, aber die bekannten Klassiker sind oft doch am besten. Ist aber einfach nicht meine Musik und wird daher maximal zu ausgewählten Momenten gehört.
I know the singles off this album but I don’t think I’ve listened to the album before. I remember thinking that this was sort of easy-listening, but it is actually quite tough going in places with some justifiably angry lyrics about poverty and racial injustice. Reminiscent of singer songwriters from the 60s, but with a definite 80s polish in the sound quality.
Very strong start to the album, but lost me at some point and was bored by the end.
Not my style, but a very solid singer/songwriter album. Great voice. Probably won't listen it again, though.
Didn't think the first song was going to be a bop instantly, it was catchy, though she repeated the same phrase too much, that low-key made it better. I expect more for the next ones. Also the voice of her is soothing so can't complain about that. Well the fast cars is also sad in its way, Elton John vibes I must say, again catchy and I would definitely sing along to it. So far so good. Also she really loves repeating the chorus, and I'm here for it. Third song is literally about the problems of her time, racism and that kind of ugly stuff, love that. Even though the whole album, I think, will sound the same, it is soo listenable(sometimes it's just not for me). Also the song consists of "hook" and "post hook" haven't heard of that, unique for me. Okayy now domestic violence problem. And it's a cappella, made it better, the silence makes it more tragic to be honest. I was wrong about it having the same vibe, depending on this 4th song. Basically this drastic change was quite pleasant. Apparently her tone changed in the 5th song, since it's about her lover, and the fact that she wants to be loved some controversies about the lyrics made it more interesting and the fact that she perceives love differently. Oooh 6th one has a tropical vibe for sure, again wrong about the same vibe I said before. It's also about the philosophical problem, in particular being materialistic isn't the right choice when love exists. Apparently Beatles has a song about the same topic(not surprised). The instrumentals are soo calm and tropical, as I've said already. Hasn't been a song I wouldn't add to liked songs yet. The feminism/anti racist message is what 7th song is about. Tropical vibe stays, with some new instruments I don't know the names of. But this one is particularly optimistic, as "she's got her ticket" doesn't sound negative, especially in a song (could be wrong). On the other hand, there's this bridge between white and black people so this so called ticket it different for different race, quite sad still. "Why?" Already says a lot I should say, 8th song is about racism to sum it up. People still starving despite the enough food for them, the "love is hate, war is peace, no is yes and we'll all free" sounds like a powerful message, since it was also slogans from 1984 by George Orwell (that's what genius said). Basically global problems summed up in one song. I guessed this, and now I'm sure, she had a woman lover, makes this whole experience better I suppose, she was also arrested for it. She's trying to say that being dependent on social ideals is not a way to live a life and I guess one of them includes her being a lesbian, lovely, too lazy to check other deep meanings for now. Noo the chorus repeating in the 10th song is one of the best, since it makes me sad even more. But I haven't cried to a song yet don't know why I just can't, but I would have definitely if I was emotional enough. Also it has no Meaning written in genius so I took it literally and another reason to be sad apparently. Last song, the guitar in this one and throughout the album was definitely doing its job pretty well, loved every moment listening to it. The last two songs I think are about her love, she supposedly lost control, thing she didn't think would happen, quite relatable, no longer a master of her emotions she says. Ending quite sad, I still feel like this kind of sadness is caused by something, which I don't know, and I'm lazy to check it All and all, this was a great experience, couldn't have wished more, and idk if this will be shared to everyone (I only wrote this for me soo). Talking to future me to listen to this whenever feeling philosophical or anti delightful. Forgot to say, my rating is based on whether I'll listen to it again or not, not how influential or deep the lyrics were, that's not how I listen to music.