Reviews (page 13 of 14)
Didn’t really love the songs, and personally, the voice is really killing me
1988. Discovered by a fellow student whose dad owned a successful publishing company. She refused but he eventually promoted her recordings to radio stations. Got turned down by a bunch of record labels, until she signed a contract with Elektra Records.
ok not wow
It's fine, I really don't get why she's on here twice
Pass
not my thing, once again
I understand why people like this album but it's just not my thing. It's just not musically interesting to me and I find her voice and singing style kind of boring.
Otro exitosisimo disco que sono hasta el artasgo .Nunca me detuve ni un segundo a "escucharlo".Hasta hoy .Mi barrera idiomatica es un problema para valorar una obra que no esta en mi lengua y cuando el estilo de las canciones no me generar curiosidad ,pasa esto .Dejo que se me escapen hermosisimas obras con mensajes poderosisimos.(esto va ser copiar y pegar en muchos álbumes de esta lista por lo que veo) es una oportunidad de revisar mi mundo musical y agregar canciones revalorisadas de una forma que no hubiese sido posible de no ser por este juego.
i feel especially bad about this rating because i respect this album a lot but it's just not music i find myself enjoying listening. i'm sorry fave track: if not now...
I knew Fast Car going into this (who didn't?) and on the way out, I know Fast Car is all this album really has going for it. It's a good song; putting it in the context of the album doesn't make it better. Or worse, I guess. 2/5 then.
Bit dull
Heart breaking. Don't know if this is a throw on in the background type album
I've heard so many "political" albums in my life, nearly all of them by punk bands. Nothing wrong with that, but they're clearly preaching to the already converted. No normie is ever going to hear your message if you're screeching it over loud guitars which sound like cats are running up and down the strings. Which is why folk is a better medium for political messaging. At least you're not putting off normies with horrible noises. Tracy Chapman was huge for a couple of years. Her messages of hope may have cut through and converted a few people to the side of the angels, which is why she was important. Good job, Tracy! Having said that, I found this a little bit too "coffee table folk" for my tastes.
It makes sense this popped off in the 80s but I have never been a fan of Fast Car and overall I don’t really enjoy Tracy Chapman’s voice. I felt like this was kind of boring…
Pleasant enough but her voice does grate on me after a while.
I didn’t listen to the full thing but Tracy was boring me
I remember "Revolution" playing everywhere, all the time in the late 80s and early 90s. I used to love that song, and I still do, so I was kind of excited to hear the rest of the album. Unfortunately most of the other songs don't work that well for me. I really have nothing bad to say about this album or Tracy Chapman. She really has a voice, and she's really good at what she does. It's a beautiful album, but it's just too folksy for me ; I've never been a lyrics-oriented listener, so the "lone singer with basic instrumentation" configuration tends to bore me quickly, no matter how good they are. I can enjoy a handful of songs, but a whole album of this is just too much for me. A nice effort, but too far removed from the kind of music I love. 4/10
I can't stand Tracy Chapman.
I can understand why this record is on the list. Nonetheless, it's just boring to me.
Generic black lesbian whatever. Not interested
the album is simple and that is not a problem but to simple it must be well made and it is not but it is still okay on its genre which i am not a enjoyer nut kinda mid ngl
One good tune...the rest mediocre
Never liked 'Fast Car' and didn't like the recent remake. Thought it was a boring song and also feel that much of the album is boring. Couple of listenable songs, but it's just not for me. Sorry - also apologies to my wife (not a secretary) for not liking this, but you knew that already. I'll give it a 2.25
Not a big Tracy Chapman fan - liked one of her songs and that was it.
Just meh. To all those who say “but the voice, but the lyrics”, hear me out: there’s nothing particularly interesting about her voice, and there’s nothing particularly interesting about the lyrics (maybe for Americans there is, all that socio-riot themes, but not for me; also, rhyming “America” with “America” is ridiculous). And even you guys agree that the music here is nothing to write home about. So, voice - ok, nothing impressive, lyrics - nah, music - nah, so what’s in it then?
not my fav, pero me gusta que habla de cosas que le impactan. me sorprendio enterarme que era/es mujer!! me gusta su voz. no lo acabe al 100
It wasn't for me then, it isn't for me now. As I get older though, Fast Car still remains one of the most human pieces of art I've seen.
Bien, no me voló la cabeza pero esta bien a secas
Cara, bem difícil de escutar. O começo foi muito repetitivo, parece música aleatória de rádio. Só diferenciou na Mountains O'Things, que teve de fundo uma percussão diferente, parece a OST de rei leão.
This takes me back to cold mornings staring out the foggy bus window wishing I was anywhere but on my way to school. I hated it in 1988 and I hate it now. 2/5
no es mi estilo pero estuvo bueno
Very nostalgic album. I appreciate Tracys songwriting with the messages of social & political injustices. But im not a huge fan of the monotone singing song after song. I can only handle like 2 songs.
I don't know man, I guess it's fine. Seems like there are probably some meaningful lyrics and there's certainly sthg to be said for the minimalist aesthetic. But I just have no patience for it. Not right now anyway. Time & place I suppose. My watch says it ain't that time tho & looking around I can confirm this ain't the place. NEXT!
2 stars
not for me
Boring and pretty mid the entire time. Nothing special but not absolutely terrible
not my cup of tea , but i respect the artistry. 2/5
never gotten warm with tracy chapman :/ (vinyl)
Uh-oh. I’ve heard maybe two Tracy Chapman songs in my life. One I dug and one I didn’t. I wasn’t really a fan of her voice, but I wasn’t enthused about Everything But the Girl, and now I’m president of the Ohio County Chapter of their fan club. , Track 1 is Talkin’ ‘Bout a Revolution, which was the second single off the album. So far we’re off to a bad start. This song has that Hootie & the Blowfish type of soft rock sound that was huge in the 90s. Plus, I got sucked into the blow of the Fish and listened to their first album so much that I ended up hating it. This song has the organ playing softly in the background with the acoustic guitars. Talking about a revolution goes down easier when it sounds like Rage Against the Machine to me. But, otherwise, it’s a fairly standard 90s pop song. Track 2 is the big one, Fast Car. The song was a worldwide hit, but never reached #1 in the U.S., which seems unbelievable, as the song was everywhere in 1988. It got to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. I never really cared for the song. Let’s see if time can heal my ears. Again, it has that 90s Hootie production and sound. The tune also sounds like another popular song from the 90s, but for the life of me, I can’t place it. I thought it was She Talks To Angels by the Black Crowes, but it’s not. I can see why it had a comeback as a country song in the last year because it sounds like a country song. Though today it might be too country for country radio as it doesn’t have any club beats, rapping, or talk about drinking, screwing, and driving big trucks. Have I ever talked about how much I hate today’s country music? I know, I’m old. Track 3 is Across the Lines, and this one has a more R.E.M. feel to it, as I think there’s a mandolin added into the mix. Oooh, the bass in this sounds really good. I might like this one. Wow, this song is very powerful. It’s about segregation during Chapman’s childhood and the riots that broke out across the country during the 60s, and all the way up until today. I liked this song. Track 4 is Behind the Wall, and it’s barely two minutes long. Another powerful song about domestic abuse and how the children are witnesses to the fighting, if not part of it themselves. When the police arrive, if they even show up, they can’t do anything about domestic abuse, at least in Chapman's childhood. The song is just Chpaman singing with no music. Just a great, real, and raw song. Wow. Track 5 is called "Baby Can I Hold You," and it’s about being in a relationship with someone who finds it hard to open up and say they’re sorry, or "I love you." It’s a sad song as Chapman explains they can show their love through their actions if they can’t say the words. I’m getting past the music and more into the lyrics. As I’ve said before, I’m a groove or riff guy, so lyrics are always secondary to me. With folk, though, it’s almost all about the lyrics and message of the song. Chapman is very good at putting her emotions into words. Baby Can I Hold You was the third single from the album, and, for my money, it was the best of the three. Track 6 is Mountains O’ Things and I love this song. The music has a bit of an island beat. It sounds different from the other songs. The song appears to be about someone who dreams of being rich, but the wealth has to come to them rather than them working for it. Dreams are just dreams until you put some sweat equity into them. The song is satirical and great. It just shows that a song written 40 years ago can still shine a light on today’s society. Track 7 is She’s Got Her Ticket and it still has a bit of an island beat, but Chapman, who also plays all guitars on the album, is really showing her chops on the electric guitar. This sounds like it could have been one of those later bad Eric Clapton pop songs that became huge for some crazy reason. Which is a shot at Clapton and not Chapman. Track 8 is called "Why?" and it’s a song asking why there are bad things in the world, like violence, hunger, and greed. “Love is hate, War is peace, No is yes, We’re all free." "But somebody's gonna have to answer The time is coming soon When the blind remove their blinders And the speechless speak the truth.” It’s a good song, though it seems there have been thousands of songs written in the same vein. It’s nothing new to talk about the injustice in the world and how those perpetrators of the injustice will get theirs in the end, yet many don’t, at least in this life. This album is starting to bum me out. Well, that was depressing. The songs were either about her love life being crappy or the world going to hell in a handbasket. What’s more depressing is that the social things she sang about on this album haven’t gotten much better since 1988. It’s so dumb that as humans we’ve been evolving for over 2,000 years, yet when it comes to our fellow man, we’re still just monkeys ready to bash our neighbors with a stick to steal their bananas. I can see the historicness of this album putting it on the 1,001 Albums list, but I’d put it at slot number 1,001 for its bleakness. It’s funny, because once the album was finished, YouTube Music just randomly started playing Phil Collins’ In the Air Tonight, a song about revenge, or about watching a man drown to death, as some would have you believe. It’s more uplifting than most of what was on this album. If you like folk rock and music about fighting the power or societal issues, then this album is for you. Otherwise, protect your mental health and listen to some AC/DC.
Can't stand Fast Car, and that's probably objectively the best song on the album. Nice voice at times, but just found it boring.
tråkigt
Racial and cultural victim mentality expressed in song.
Gets old fast but some songs are great
Tracy er sikkert flink hun altså, men det her er ikke mitt tempo i det hele tatt.
Minimalistisk overproduksjon som minner meg om overprodusert singer/songwriters fra 2000-tallet. Tror det er derfor det låter litt slapt for meg
Okej album, ali ništa posebno. Dijelovi kul, dijelovi dosadni. 2/5, 3/10
Ta bien
Nice enough listen, even with some 80isms, but held back by poor, obvious writing and self-seriousness
Not bad, a bit samey for my liking. Production is non existent but works for the music. Fast car is great of course.
She has a great voice, but overall its not kind of music i like, folk and Singer-songwriter music its good if sometimes i listen 1-2 songs, not entire album - especially with such serious subject matter in songs. 5/10
before listening: Fast Car dropped when I was a high-school punk rocker, so no great memories there. I don't think I've heard any of the other songs and my tastes have shifted greatly, might end up liking some of the other songs... after listening: Nope. It sounds like Fast Car with 10 b-sides. Not unlistenable but just doesn't hook me at all.
I'm not keen on this album. Singer songwriter types are not my go to. Plus I worked in a record store when this came out so I have been saturated by it. My main problem is not even Tracy's fault. While I understand why people sing protest songs, I don't understand why a whole bunch of listeners can coo over how amazing they think this is and unironically vote the opposite politically. Must be because they are the scum of the earth. So an extra point for Tracy for making me angry and -1000 points to a whole bunch of you. You know who you are and you don't even care.
Generično i maltene svaka pesma zvuči na prošlu, ali nije toliko loše, lagano je
Fine singer-songwriter, but the tone of her voice annoys me and I don't particularly enjoy her music or lyrics. Sorry Tray!
Yeah, she has a nice voice and not everything has to be overcomplicated. Simple is sometimes an easier way to express yourself and she does express strong feelings. But I don’t know, it’s just not something I enjoy. I wouldn’t be able to listen to any of the songs on their own, let alone the whole album again. It wasn’t an outright terrible experience, so it’s not a 1-star, but it wasn’t a truly enjoyable experience either. The melodies are too similar, like I’m not sure when one song ends and another starts. It’s not the worst, but it’s far from good as well.
Not for me
Well produced bland instantly forgeable durge.
Too musically dated (1988) for me to enjoy, and although I like the sentiments of a lot of these songs, but I find them too all direct, with some exceptions, like Fast Car. But something like Why? is all surface-level, you can't fail to pick up on what it's saying. What it's saying is important, but there's more to a good song than that. Also, as I write in January 2026, her songs like Talkin' Bout A Revolution are tragically optimistic. Will there ever be a revolution? Workers of the world unite, please, we can't go on like this.
i’m not crazy about this one, it’s just not really my thing. some songs are good and i’ve saved a few, fast car obviously is nostalgic, behind the wall, she’s got her ticket and mountains o’ things. i quite liked that last one it was my favourite, but i don’t have too much to say. quite samey songs, but his voice is nice and behind the wall was quite different being voice alone. 5/10 for me, nice album!
Disco acústico, tiene buenos clásicos románticos de tractores chapman, es un buen disco, regular, con muy buenas melodías pero tal vez un poco plano. A pesar de ser un buen disco, no es mi estilo de música favorito. Si tuviera una colección de discos, probablemente no me lo compraría y no sé si volveré a escucharlo Canciones favorita: baby can i hold you
I hate the song Fast Car!! I hated it before Luke Combs did it, but since he did I hate it a million times more. Every time I’d hear the first few notes of the song on the radio, I’d immediately turn it off. I had to listen to it today. Ugh! I don’t like Tracy Chapman’s voice. I know her songs tell good stories and have meaning, but I can’t get past her voice.
Não faz o meu tipo musical.mas a voz da cantora e muito boa não posso negar.
I came into this listen with a bias due to the fact that I absolutely detest the song "Fast Car". I always thought that the main tune was a rip-off of John Cougar's "Jack & Diane." The album wasn't bad any more than dry white toast is bad. However......her voice, to me, is annoying. The songwriting is monotonous to where every song and vocal performance sounds the same on every single track.
Somehow I like this record less with every listen, even though it has great songs
Was carried by fast car, not a fan
One of the most boring albums I've ever listened to, which is a shame, because she is a good singer and fine guitar player, but the songs are boring, thin and samey. 2/5
Not for me. Not awful though.
Just not my thing. I obviously agree with the message of this record, but as far as the musical aspects go, I like her voice, but that’s pretty much it. It’s too minimal, too slow and melancholic for my taste. I enjoyed a couple of songs (Talkin’ Bout a Revolution, Fast Car, Why?), but overall this albums was still quite underwhelming. 5/10
I'm not into this at all. It's so boring, and it really drags despite being just 36 minutes. At best it's 'vaguely nice'.
Didn’t like it when it came out because of the same paced songs and her style of vocal. Listening to it now, I still struggle with those two things, but Baby Can I Hold You Tonight is a good song.
Sounds nice, but like Black Sabbath, not my type of music and not going to be revisiting this one again. Songs added to playlist: Fast Car, obviously
Not something I typically listen to. Not horrible. I’d probably give it a 2.5 stars.
Not for me even fast car is just too repetitive and long for me to like the song, I need a little more variety
It was good!! I mean, it wasn’t my favorite (not the biggest country fan), but still good!! 💗💗
I do not like this type of music at all idk
I have previously listened to "Fast Car" and loved it, so I'm really excited to listen to the rest of the album. After having listened to the album, I can definitely say "Fast Car" is my favourite song. I must admit I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. Maybe that's because I thought it was all going to be similar to the only song I knew: mostly acoustic, so it was pretty disappointing. Not to say it was bad, just not my cup of tea. It would be a 2.5/5 for me.
Fan of the hits, not the whole album though
This is a 1.5, but didn’t have the heart to give it a 1. It’s the annoying protest singer that got a major record deal. And she would be a talented vocalist, but she wavers so much. Sounds like they recorded her singing while on an overpowered massage chair.
Han mi selte so schlecht gfühlt wenn ich für es Album e schlechti Bewertig geh han aber isch mer eifach s melancholisch und z emotional das ganze - i'm sorry. zwei träne zum vergüsse hani aber no
I found this album very boring.
I understand that people liked this as an alternative to the kind of music that was popular in the 80's, but I like the 80's. My favourite track was Baby Can I Hold You and I really liked Mountain O' Things and Why?. I've never really felt anything towards Fast car. 2 Stars.
Lyricially talented, but straight forward without much depth beyond the surface level. Not something I would listen to on the regular.
It's pretty plain folk, imo.
What an overrated album. The vocals are one note and the instrumentals are painfully uninspired. You can’t slap on a “politically charged” sticker and claim the album is a masterpiece. Even if the songwriting is great to you, take the album for what it is: bland.
One hit wonder
Na
There is nothing interesting going on here melodically, vocally, rhythmically, harmonically, or sonically. Pretty much everything having to do with sound or music on this record lacks anything to hang on to. I mean look at the album art! Even the album art is boring! She looks bored as hell posing for this picture! Pretty much every song sounds the same- partially because of the production, partially because Tracy seems to only have one gear vocally. Everything kinda blurs together. Ps- the “Secretary Rock” review guy is insane but he’s also wrong. These songs are not inoffensive at all. Musically yes- but lyrically absolutely not. Anyways. I hated it. TWO STARS
This is a very good album if lyrics are important to you. I see the vocals and lyrics as an instrument and don't really pay attention to what they're saying unless it's something truly inane. Musically it's a very good album, I just don't tend to listen to singer/songwriter stuff
I feel like I'm supposed to like Tracy Chapman because I've heard so many talk about how unquestionably great and important her music is and one time i played a comedy show and the guy who went up after me was like "give it up for Tracy Chapman everybody" and like 4 people including me laughed. But i don't I just feel like her melodies and chord progressions are so boring and static and there's no dynamics it's like the music wasn't written so much as noodled around with and then called good enough. I was too bored to pay much attention to the lyrics but i guess they're about important stuff but subject matter isn't good enough. Why? was one that was musically interesting enough for me to tune into the words and then it was like this mess don't even rhyme! Plus i feel like if you wanna do 28 barely musical songs about economic struggle, inequality, and corruption in America why not just write essays instead? These songs didn't need to be songs in my opinion. But that's just standard me hating the 80s i guess.
Hello, my name is Matt and I think Fast Car is annoying. I think it insists upon itself. I think Tracy Chapman voice is annoying. I don’t think the lyrics are that good. I feel nothing when I listen to it. There’s dozens of us! I considered passing on this entirely but I want to listen to it all the way through just to be justified when I give it one star. I’m starting now, and we will see if I change my mind. This album has a lot to say about stuff. I respect the hell out of it for the messaging here especially for 1988. This kind of social commentary in the Regan era is bad ass. Why? Really does have some great stuff here. For My Lover is a really good song. The best part of this album is when Spotify auto played Give Me One Reason after it ended. I can honestly say I did not enjoy this album. But I do respect it.
Ended where I started with Tracy on this. It’s fine! Don’t love it, don’t hate it.
Am I the only person who was confused on the gender of this singer based on their voice when I was younger? My younger brother (who has a very questionable history with music) was obsessed with 'Fast Car' when I was a teenager. So, as a result, I've never enjoyed it (and I think new pop song that uses it sucks too!). So, no nostalgia goggles for me. Yep, she can sing. There's a few catchy songs in there. But overall it's pretty bloody bland. I did like the acapella number, but not enough to bring up review on this. It's a product of its time. She's got a strong social/political undercurrent that I respect, and it makes me feel something on one listen. So, nice one there, Tracy. But, still. It's boring. 2 stars.
Boring!
The original Ed Sheeran
Meh, forgot about it already. 2.3
One of those instances where I can completely see the value in what an artist is trying to do/say lyrically but ultimately just don’t like the music. Maybe if it had been made in a different decade and not produced with the clear intent of shifting millions of units there would have been a different, more sonically interesting album.
Fast Car is one of my least favourite songs of all time. Genuinely hate it. The rest of the album was boring (if Boyzone is covering it, it is pretty bland) but I could appreciate some of the lyrical intentions.
It’s a shame that this plays it so safe as I genuinely do like Chapman’s voice. The melodies and instrumentation are so MOR though, as if they are contrived to be middle class dinner party songs.
Boy, I really don't fuck with this kind of folk music at all. A 2nd star because Fast Car has a Dylanesque "if somebody with a decent voice and an electric guitar covered this it might go, actually" vibe to it.
Ihan ok tbh
I understand why this is important, but it's not for me.
Think I had this on CD, nice folky songs
He’s got a really nice voice and I can dig some of the song writing but god damn did this one just feel like listening to the same song over and over again.
Some songs are good, most are very monotonous. I think it's more about the message, which is still relevant almost 30 years later. Favorite song: Mountains o' things
An exceptionally uninteresting listen, other than many of the themes. 2/5
It wasn't really something I woukd listen to. It sounded very 90s.
Tracy Chapman's got a real unique voice, that i really like, but this album could have benefitted of bit rougher production compared to this quite basic 80's soundscape.
This genre makes me really bored. After 4 tracks I was ready to give up. I didn't make it to the end eventually. This is not bad but still boring.
I don't know ... I can see why a lot might like it. For me personally it's a earache.
Meh
ну фолк, что с него взять. В целом не худший образец. Не, кал
A lot of hits on this album, really good songs with music that stick in your mind
Lyrics are deep and depressive af. Good messages but the music is so fucking depressing I never want to listen to the album ever again.
Personally not my type of music, but nice lyrics and songwriting
Fast car is legit. The rest of the album this dumbass is complaining about the police. Groundbreaking
tried this like 5 times in my life, absolutely can’t get into it
Yo this would rule if it didn’t sound like Kohl’s. (Good hooks / songwriting but holy shit this sounds like it was recorded directly to Casio keyboard demo mode)
A lot better than I remember. Perhaps I've mellowed in my old age,
Middle of the road, like a fast car. I find "behind the wall" boring.
I like that it did not follow the norms of what was popular back in the late 80s, but I dont see why it should be an album that someone must hear before they die. Fast Car? Yes indeed, but the whole project nah.
4/10
Not my genre
Critically acclaimed. Much loved. So, it's me, not you, I just don't care for it, or her. Sorry. 2
Strong voice and story telling. One great song, some average, some derivative
Just not for me
Oh Man did this album Chap my ass growing up. Mom almost melted the CD with how much play it got...please stop! After this listen however, I don't despise it as much. "Fast Car" is actually not that bad and the rest of the record is pretty nice. Nice little jungly scene and pipes on "Mountains O' Things." I can't believe this was released in '88. Always thought it was a late 90's album. Ahead of it's time which now boosts my overall rating. I'm not doing a full 180 over here but I'll give Tracy some credit. At the budding age of 14 this would've got a 0.0 from me. At 43, it's getting 2.15 stars. Damn...I am getting old😒
Clever. Well crafted. Eloquent and perceptive. Dull.
This is very much not my sort of thing. Fast Car remains a jam, but for me this sort of washes over me like a lot of other socks-and-sandals folk records.
Ultimately these ratings reflect on my personal response to these albums, I'm not grading on an objective/historic basis. So while Tracy Chapman has a beautiful emotive voice and I empathize with these stories and politics... I just can't get into this album. Just don't connect with it and was glad for the relatively short run time. Standouts: Fast Car
I liked "Why?", interesting lyrics. And I have previously listened to "Fast Car" and "Baby Can I Hold You." Both are good songs and I like the acoustic style.
fast cars is pretty brilliant and i hate to be a jerk but really this record is a bit on the nose
top songs: fast car really cool album just not sure if i would ever listen to it again
Good but dull.
talkin bout a revolution ebe scho en guete song. sehr vo sinere ziit sehr naiv irgendwie? aber s arrangement ihri stimm und ihren gsangsrhythmus sind suuuper. fast car ganz gnau glich. de song hets irgendwenn müese geh aber isch scho huuuere seicht und chli midlife crisis musig. wennd drums isetzed isch schono cool moll. aber scho z viel ghört und s riff nervt mi mit de ziit. behnd the wall schön accapella ihri stimm super aber das macht nöd mol asatzwiis so viel wies sött glaub. mountains o'things cuute. ok syke finds recht nervig. she's got her ticket ISCH AU NO REGGAE MANN WA LAUFT. ich fühl mich chli schlecht zum uf sie hate well sie isch meeega cool eigentli mega politisch mega e lgbt icon und so aber ich finds bitz arsch? so sehr unspannendi songs d text sind au chli seicht wenn au mengmol no tüfgründig aber heeee isch das lasch?? ich ha würkli nöd so recht spass gha aber scheisse ischs etz au nöd. 2 oder 3
Ok acoustic stuff
2.0/5.0: Disappointing
Idk man I bet in 88 this was really something Lyrics are often very in your face about what is being discussed, which is definitely a creative choice to emphasize the importance and sort of "unmask" the sort of violence discussed. But more often than not it comes off unpoetic. Lyrics often do not flow with the rest of the instrumentation as if they are being imposed on to the instruments rather than flowing with them
Something very much outside my usual taste profile. I struggle with the idea that this is one of the "greatest albums of all time." Beautiful voice, but this just rings like 90's coffeehouse music.
nao gostei muito
Artiste connue de nom uniquement. Non, en fait j'avais déjà entendu "Talkin' 'bout a Revolution", sans vraiment l'apprécier. Et bien c'est pareil pour les autres morceaux. Quelques accords qui se répètent, vraiment rien d'original même si sa voix est plutôt intéressante. Pas de second écoute pour moi. =>2/5
I was familiar with fast car. Didnt love the songs althoigh they are nice
Tra-a-a-a-cy chapman.
Oof
This music is simply not for me, in every sense of that phrase.
Не понял
I’ve only listened to Fast Car, which is a great song. A lot of the tracks on here are charged with heavy social and political issues. Some good moments here and there, but aside from Fast Car not really a fan of the album overall.
Niks voor mij, helaas.
sad vibes. - fast car
I found this album to be very boring.
Didn't much like this, but I think that's only because I don't like her voice. I know the three hits, certainly, but I don't enjoy even them. Plenty musicality here, but I just don't like it.
Not for me.
This was fine, nothing to get excited about.
was never a fan
Thematically, I'm riding for the causes; sonically, I would like to be let out of the car, please.
Ehh
Unpopular opinion, but I can't fuckin' stand Fast Car. I don't get the hype. I know she's talented. Good voice, good songwriter, good guitar player, but I can't get into it.
This ’80s-style sophisticated folk just isn’t my thing. It feels too polished, bland, and watered down for my taste. That said, I did enjoy the organ, and a few tracks were decent, but overall, this sounds like the kind of music that plays in the background during the ending credits of a sleazy drama movie.
Sadly I did not vibe with this album. Fast Cars I loved, as legally obliged. Give Me One Reason wasn't bad either. But the rest of the album was dull, the lyrics were shallow and direct, and the songs sounded eh. Very underwhelming and boring. 2/5 stars.
I respect Tracy Chapman a great deal. She pretty much defies all stereotypes of the late 80s music scene, and even in her own folk field she stands out because her tunes just feel that more genuine. However, I still don't much care for most of this music. Fast Car is iconic, but I could go the rest of my life without hearing it, especially after that so-so Luke Combs cover, and every other song here is okay, but not all too special. It's something to admire, and if Bruce Springsteen was doing them I would dislike them a whole lot more, but I still don't care for this era of music, defying expectations or not.
I really like Tracy Chapman as a lyricist and songwriter, but I'm not into the sound, and the production, while solid, sounds at times very dated in the worst ways. I don't feel I'd ever reach for this album, but she's really great.
legal but not my cup of tea.. talvez meu mood, meu dia, o fato de que eu me mantive presa a poucos gêneros nos últimos meses. ou talvez só não seja o meu gosto mesmo. sei reconhecer algo bonito quando escuto, mas gostar é outro papo.
Not for me.
I'm more a music guy. I have trouble enjoying music that's supposed to be heard and rated because of the lyrics. I connect emotionally with the music mostly, not with the lyrics. Besides, I always had trouble understanding the lyrics on english songs. Igualmente escuché este disco leyendo las letras al mismo tiempo. Ella es una gran poeta, toda una trovadora. Y la música sigue manteniendo ese aire "pop" a pesar de que perfectamente podría ser puramente folclórico. Pero quizás solo lo estoy comparando al "canto nuevo" chileno que solo pertenece a mi cultura. No es música que me llegue emocionalmente a mi y no va dirigida a alguien como yo que no es de USA. Para eso preferiría escuchar Víctor Jara o Violeta Parra. Igualmente la voz de ella es muy linda y la producción musical es muy buena, very classy. Same as the mix and master (listening to the TIDAL versión). Doesn't sound outdated to me at all besides being such an old record. It just doesn't speak to me personally. But I can see why this album is in the book.
not for me, dont care for somewhat basic political messages if they are wraped in a singersongrwitersingalong wrapper YNN
Two stars, won;t listen again
Very dated
it was alright. 2 stars
Firstly, I'm impressed with how pertinent the songs from 1988 are in 2025. I've always heard Fast Car on EVERY list, and honestly was kind of over it. Listening to the entire album however I'm hit by how simple and impactful the songs are. I feel like it starts amazingly well and kinda trails off towards the middle. Any of the songs alone are amazing but one after another I start wanting something more. The simplicity of the songs that started off such a strength began to wear on me. I still think it is a solid album by an amazing writer with a distinct and incredible voice.
OK album.
I saw and lusten so many music and albums in my life, that was too easy and didn't touch my heart.
Not bad, but not my vibe
Nah these lyrics are just… bad. They feel incredibly cheesy as something that an angsty high schooler would have written. Love is hate / war is peace / no is yes / and we’re all free. The melodies are great and very catchy and her voice is just angelic. But I just don’t like the vibe. It feels like somebody is forcing me to like it because it is supposed to be protest music with important message. I wholeheartedly agree with the “secretary rock” review. It’s just too beige. 2.5/5
..
Pretty boring. It’s crazy how popular these songs were. I guess it was just the hippie resurgence of the nineties
Wasn’t expecting such revolutionary messaging in the first several songs, but my god what a snooze fest.
Do you like Folk music? Then this album is for you. I like this guy voice, lyrics are decent and the beat of the songs are pretty good. But would listen to his music all the time no but maybe If im cleaning. I would recommend this album if you wanna try something new.
1st song-i like it because the beat and singing was so good so yeah 2nd song-i dont like it because it so werid and more
Very 90s acoustic protest song. Artist: Tracy Chapman Album: Tracy Chapman Genre: Tracy Chapman
Well...I slowly recognise, that this mumbling arty-folk genre is not my thing. It is a merciful 2.
Inoffensive but not very enjoyable.
Not for me
Thought it was country, was folk
She earned a reputation with this album, but did she ever climb higher. 2 stars, also FM radio overplay sigh
Bleh, its alright but seems full of hot air. Lotta nothing being preached.
Not my genre, 3/10
Fast car is great, but that’s about it
I do appreciate the couple of tracks that most people are aware of. What I really enjoyed was the "She's got a Ticket" track, probably my favorite on the hold album. With that said, the sad girl album is just not my thing. I just wouldn't seek it out, even if I was in a column mood
This was ok. I like Fast Car it gets stuck in my brain. I don't feel like it's the saddest song ever like a lot of people do. The rest of the album to me is just more of the same.
I remember this album from when it dropped. I listened to it religiously for a short time, after which it slowly receded to the back of my CD collection, where it would remain if I hadn’t traded it in for Dungeon and Dragons supplies at our local second hand everything store. After another listen, I have no regrets.
pre-listen: I assume this is the one with Fast Car Talkin bout a revolution: pretty good folksy song Fast Car, obviously, is great Everything else except Behind the Wall sounds the same to me Behind the Wall doesnt sound great
Nice but maybe… too nice? A bit too cheesy pie for me.
Soft soft soft
not my cup of tea but chapman is undoubtedly a skilled vocalist. 🍃🚘💭💗📢 highlights: behind a wall. see also: alanis morissette.
mid
entirely distracted by a song with the word "talkin'" in the title and the word "talking" being sung
No offense to Tracy but growing up in the nineties and hanging out in bars throughout my life hearing covers of Fast Car and Gimme one Reason has kind of soured my ears to her style. Nothing personal just not my thing, they all kind of sound the same to me after a while.
Some good
Don't like singer songwriter shit. Also stfu kevn you're ruining the group ratings you're not funny
Not for me, but I appreciate it. I've got a real lack of love for early 90s and late 80s acoustic stuff. I really appreciate Chapman, and a few songs really stuck out. But this style isn't for me. She's obviously A+.
Meh. 2/5
I'm sad that I cant stand this kind of music. It was milked wayyy too much by all the fucking radio stations throughout my life to the point where I cant listen to it anymore without feeling a bit of anger. I'm also not the main audience for simplistic music where they talk about personal issues. However I will acknowledge that she has a really good and powerful voice.
"Fast Car" = 5 stars. A couple other songs were decent. I understand her background, but it came across as very defeatist, which is understandable. It did, however, make for a very difficult listen and not something I want to listen to again.
Fast Car was the radio single. The rest doesn't appeal to me.
I liked this music in the day. But after three decades it does not stand the test of time.
Not a huge fan
very soft poppy music. Acoustic guitar heavy. Musica de fondo en un restaurante mientrs hablas
Forgot about a couple songs on here. “Baby can I hold you tonight” is a good one that I never would have thought about again in my life. Other than that and Fast Car it’s pretty middle of the road.
I’ve only heard a couple of Tracy’s songs, one of which is obviously on this album. Other than that one, was pretty bored by the rest of this.
Love Fast Car. Struggled to get into the rest of it.
Not a huge fan of Tracy, but was excited to jump in after all the hoopla surrounding her performance at the Grammys. Figured maybe I misjudged her… I did not. Two things kept popping into my head while listening: adult alternative and Joni Mitchell. Not sure if either is an appropriate descriptor… but that’s immediately where my brain went and neither is a compliment (spoiler alert for my review of Blue whenever that album drops). Fast Car is good, but not sure it’s deserving of all the praise. Apologies to all the adults and their alternative music. Oh, and to my dumb ears it sounds like Edward Sheeran ripped off Mountains O’s Things for Shape Of You. 2.5/5
- Fast Car continues to be the most overrated song in history - good storyteller, unique voice
This review is For You. If Not Now… idk when I would listen to this again. It was ok
Not for me. It sounds too close to Christian rock.
a meme in the rough
It isn't that bad, i just never had a click with this kinda stuff. I was sure she was an old dude until now
It's ok. Really nice production and mix (streamed in CD quality). Some good recognised singles. Some of the album a bit non-descript and average. Way better than I could do of course.
It’s really not my music. But it’s great song IF you want to listen only 1-2 songs. Maybe I’m so broke, but this cycling and recycling of 3 to 5 chords through the songs makes the album monotonous for me. Some songs seem to run for 30 minutes, even if it’s just 2-3 minutes. She has a nice voice and there are some good melodies, but I don’t want to listen this album ever again in one sitting.
A bit too biased for me.
Yes, this is the album that has that one song about a fast automobile
boring
It was alright, nothing to write home about
it sounds nice but i didnt care much for it
eh.
Slow ; folkish type music. Great voice, great storytelling- just too slow for my taste
Generic
Very distinct voice but the music does not go anywhere interesting. The lyrics are meaningful in obvious ways. Not my thing.
No comecinho não botei fé, mas nas últimas virou pedrada. A voz dela e a vibe meio folk com violão e poucos instrumentos eletrônicos é oq vende a parada pra mim, mas mesmo assim não achei tudo isso que a pitchfork fez parecer n
Too slow for me but there was one decent track
The music was good but the lyrics were very racially charged. A little too much for me. I prefer my music to be happy
‘Fast Car’ is a banger though
I remember when this album was everywhere after the Nelson Mandela tribute concert and at the time I didn't see the fuss about it. It's one of those albums where you know someone else has already done it only better. I gave it another go but to me it is 11 tracks that are all pretty similar, there's nothing here to keep me gripped
It was OK. Would be happy to have on in the background but wouldn't purposefully seek it out.
never felt it
Like being stood up for a date at starbucks wishing this would end.
Not my cup of tea, after some time the music sounded a bit bland to me. Even after repeated listens it was hard for me to differentiate the songs. Except for Mountains O'Things, that's a certified jam.
Pretty boring sound overall. That sort of genre-less “easy listening” stuff that I’ve always disliked.
I have such deep childhood nostalgia for Tracy Chapman due to "Give Me One Reason", but nothing here really gripped me. A couple songs stood out like For You and Fast Car, which I know is an iconic song of hers, but not enough to give me reason to come back to this album.
I would say this is not really my cup of tea. She is an interesting guitar player, and there is lots of cool stuff on this record. But it doesn't connect with me very well I think. I told my listening group a story that I vividly remember hearing Fast Car for the first time and loving it - and then hearing it a 2nd time and being totally sick of it haha. Anyway I think I understand why people like this but it's not really for me.
Nice voice I suppose. Lovely song in “Baby Can I Hold You” the rest disappeared in a foggy haze of nothingness.
Not my jam.
I don’t really know how to rate this one. I didn’t hate it but nothing stood out which isn’t necessarily a bad thing however I can’t recall much. I think I know how big of a deal she was so I give credit for that, but I guess I don’t entirely see why.
Yeah this isn't my sort of music. I've grown to like folk rock music, but this kind of "gather 'round the campfire" folk is nothing but background noise to me. If the main driving force behind the album is the lyrics, you can count me and my ADHD out (unless your name is Joanna Newsom, because I have a strange obsession with goofy medieval music).
Not really my genre, but lyrically relevant to this day. I’d say the messages were a little on-the-nose, but I guess that kind of clarity is sometimes important. Either way, not my cup of tea.
Een oudje, waarvan ik dacht dat ik dat plaatje goed kende omdat mijn moeder 'm 'op CD' had, maar het zei me allemaal niet veel en bleef ook niet echt hangen.
It’s aiite
I just couldn't get into this one. I remember it being played a lot back when it was first released and, just like then, it never had any impact on me. I'd say that Ed Sheeran has been influenced by this. Not my cup of tea at all.
Just not my style. Definitely has something to say and a lovely voice, but far too laid back in its presentation for my liking.
This album is easy to listen to. The thing is, while it’s politically-conscious, straightforward, and well structured—all generally good traits—it takes zero risks at all. The acoustic backing is the definition of conventional and the writing is straightforward to the extent of superficiality (not that I think it was superficial—Chapman’s singing and songwriting definitely struck me as authentic, just that it really lacks depth). I get it grows out of the pacifist protest song tradition and that that genre almost mandates an easily palatable tone with broad, digestible lyrics but it really doesn’t interest me that much.
this one really seems to be more about the lyrical storytelling, but the harmonies, melodies, rhythms, and timbres just don't do it for me. It's a little too homogeneous and simple, seemingly in an effort to put focus on the lyrics.
Kun artistin itseilmaisuun sisään rakennettu kornius estää häntä saavuttamasta sitä, mihin hänen lahjansa riittäisivät, ja minkä hän luultavasti ansaitsisi.
I didn't expect this album to have such heavy and hard hitting subject matter. I only knew the song Fast Car, and figured it would be a general folk/singer-songwriter album. But it really got into some deep subjects that I really appreciated. Songs themselves were pretty good but not something that I'd really listen to too many times. Still an interesting listen though
2,5
This was alright. I’m not really into singer-songwriter music, but some songs connected with me.
this is a record i'd love to hate but the opening lends itself to a sentimental open-mic atmosphere a little bit and that i must admit gets to me but 'why' is really dumb. that naivety persists throughout the album the sound is like 10/15 years ahead of time though
meh to nah
Sorry, Chapman. You are a 2 star album in my heart.
Fast car is a slap, but the rest of these are not doing it for me. Strong two star.
Soothing 80s soft pop
Not really to my taste, but don't let that put you off!
I appreciate it for what it is; but it’s not my cup of tea.
It’s a bit samey isn’t it, Tracey? It’s a wee bit boring, isn’t it? Baby Can I Hold You and a couple after low-key slap. Tracey high-key Chap, man.
I can only say this is not for me. Thought she had a great voice and I enjoyed Talking about a Revolution and Baby Can I hold you. Other than that, thought many of the songs ran together or sounded very similar to each other. There's one song I recognized since they play on the radio, Fast car, but just not a fan..... Can't say I hated, but not a fan I'll give 2.5 since I was surprised by a couple songs mentioned above
OK, landmark folk song "Talkin' 'Bout The Revolution", "Fast Cars" and "Mountain O' Things" have aged quite well. Unfortunately, that's not the case with everything else. I agree with the reviewers using the word "beige" and "secretary rock" to explain what this record sounds like to listeners in search of an atmosphere that could be a wee bit more *thrilling* at least. Gosh, the mainstream eighties were so bland sometimes. Don't get me wrong, Tracy Chapman's heart was in the right place when it came to her topical lyrics. The thing is, the execution of these ideas is quite boring at times. And the same can be said about her music. Add the dull production values, and you have a half-baked album. In other words, Tracy deserves to be remembered for those songs I've quoted up there. But you need more than a couple of good tunes to make a fine LP. Number of albums left to review: 733 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 132 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 65 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important): 71 (including thisbone)
okay, not my favorite.
Another singer/songwriter album, again I found it ok. Fast Car is a great song but the rest of the album meandered along. Probably influential to artists like Lauryn Hill.
Like the Velvet Underground album, too mellow for me. I like “Fast Car”, but the songs sound a little too similar.
Pretty voice, soulful and mournful music, but kinda boring and sleep inducing. No higher than a3/5for me, probably a 2/5
I've never actually seen a picture of Tracy Chapman before, and I've always had it in my head that there was something going on. Like she was a guy (the name is ambiguous enough), a hilariously skinny methed-up white chick, or maybe a retarded mute who couldn't speak but somehow sang like a bird. But no, I was COMPLETELY imagining the something-isn't-quite-right-here vibe. To her credit, Chapman has a nice unique voice and in another context I'd probably be all over it. But the music is super bland. It takes that folk/alt rock sound a la the Gin Blossoms and somehow removes even more oomph. And pretty much nothing can justify the sheer fucking amount of play this album has received for the last 35 years. Sometimes I feel like it's following me around, or there's a committee in charge of making sure it comes on the radio when I walk into bars and cafes. 2/5.
I made it to track 7. No.
not my favourite. they play it at my workplace all the time so i’m kind of sick of her songs. she’s incredibly talented but i can no longer listen to her songs and enjoy them due to large retail stores. rating: 2.6/5
The way he vibrates his voice when he sings is so annoying. Best example of this is "Behind the Wall". Definitely not the sound I like. Also songs like "Talkin' Bout a Revolution" or "Fast Car" are just so mellow and...ad-friendly. Not my kind of album. Totally forgettable. Also I could have sworn this was a man singing. Not that it changes the fact I don't like the album. It's just a curiosity.
Adult contemporary is one of my least favourite genres and Tracy Chapman's self-titled debut is no exception, it's pretty slow and overall kind of unremarkable. Although lyrically, it is charged with social and political commentary, it fails to grab me in any meaningful way. Best: Fast Car Worst: For You 1.5 Stars
This is a good album, but I feel like Tracy Chapman is better in small doses. My sister REALLY loved this album and spent all of 1989 with this in her CD player. There are a couple of good tracks on it - 2/5
Rich voice and the feelings in her words are really good. The Album loses its momentum after Fast Car.
at least the boyzone cover made it two songs on the album i know. got a nice voice and all that jazz but in the end just another solo singer songwriter thing where the backing music is just bland as fuck and sounds like a sample backing track on a keyboard.
Не очень
Idk maaaaaan…. De både jamma int å va tråkigt i lyriken … tbh….
Wish this LP offered more of Chapman's vocal range - her vocals are stunning, but remain firmly in the midrange for the entirety of the record leading to a sense of monotony. Doesn't help that the instrumentals have aged poorly and read as quite dated.
Just not something I've ever been excited to listen to.
Didn't really do it for me. One of those albums that I forgot I was listening to, and I had no desire to go back and re-listen to the parts I sleepwalked through.
I have heard a lot of people rave about Tracy Chapman and this album in particular. Chapman is a decent singer, but apart from the opening track, I found it rather dull listening. It's obviously meant to be one of those profound singer-songwriter albums, but to my ears it comes across as a bit self indulgent. It's not bad but it lacks any real excitement.
Tracey Chapman's debut album made quite the splash when it released. It topped the charts in some countries, became one of the best-selling albums of all time, and has been certified 6 times platinum in the US. Just two weeks after its release, the album already sold 1 million copies worldwide. Then in total, it sold over 20 million copies worldwide and is one of the first albums by a female artist to have more than 10 million copies sold worldwide. This album made a statement by being a popular singer-songwriter album released during the rock/metal and dance era of the 80's. Tracy has a beautiful singing voice and her lyrics were politically poignant. Even with all of these good things going for this album, I personally couldn't find something I liked about it. Not awful, but not awesome either.
This is important work, but it's also incredibly boring. I had to break this up into three 'shifts' of listening to this album because it kept putting me in a funk. TC has some important tales to tell, but they only matter if someone is listening.
Wasn't very familiar with the record before this. Thematically it's definitely in the folk tradition and she covers some important political topics that are sadly still relevant today. Musically, it's not very folky in my view. The record sounds very much like the 80's. (Is it the reverb they were using?) While I think people might remember this as a simple acoustic record, it's got a lot going on, maybe some "world music" sounds even when it comes to percussion in particular. Maybe it just sounds back to basics in comparison with the other things being released at the time (Hair metal, synth pop, etc). Can't say I'm a huge fan of the production or instrumentation. She's got an interesting voice. Not very traditional but quite strong. Overall, I can see why it was an important record and why it's on the list but it didn't wow me and I probably won't revisit.
Not for me but I can see why it was popular
Fast car is alright, but the album as a whole is a bit lacking in ideas
Some of the songs that haven't been played to death we're pretty good
Can’t get on with her voice. Baby Can I Hold You is a classic. Feel I’ve heard better at open mic nights. Not for me.
She has a phenomenal voice. The production is really crisp too. I just have a hard time connecting to political folk music unfortunately especially as a white man listening to this.
What a cool but interesting sound! I really enjoyed it but I have decided to be super critical
Don't get it, at all really - Fast Car as never done it for me, and I found most of the album really unmemorable. Chapman has a good voice, but not a great one in my opinion. There's not much here that stands out to me... the track "Mountains O' Things" is one of the more interesting moments on the album, at least as far as the music is concerned (because the lyrics are pretty annoying). For My Lover and For You are also highlights, but still a lot of it is really pretty generic and unimaginative. It's not terrible. It's just not particularly good, and to my ears, really forgettable.
Oh interesting. Let's dive in. This sounds super 90s even tho it was 1988. She sounds like she was in her own musical world compared to what was going on at the time lol. This is def some Lillith Fair shit. I'm already tired of her voice and I'm only on song 3. Ugh I really can't finish this. It's so boring.
I think everyone has heard 'fast car' of 'baby can I hold you' a couple of times in their life, that is how much of an impact this album has had. Maybe I'm not in the mood for Tracy Chapman at the moment, because it is really nice songwriting, but somehow it just reminds me of combilation music for lovers or something like that, and nothing wrong with that... if your into that vibe.
Not my thing
Besides my car I'm not bothered
Suena muy bien y Tracy tiene una voz preciosa... pero me aburre el disco.
Sarah has a fast car
Production: 8/20 Songwriting: 9/20 Innovation: 5/20 Bangers: 0/20 Emotional response: 5/20 =27 SO SO BORING
meh
Not a favorite of mine but it's a good sounding album.