Tracy Chapman

This album gives OG Winnipeg weather channel vibes, where Fast Car lived and breathed for years. Until it was ultimately retired I guess, due to the invention of the smart phone and weather app. RIP to the glorious red/blue and green screen with the robotic looking white all caps text. Iconic if you ask me. Tracy is also iconic, but kind of gives you the same energy throughout, very easy listening though. A lovely (and very unique) voice with some jazzy, groovy backing instrumentation. Cant go wrong with Mrs. Chapman.

This hit me harder than I thought it would. Some tracks were definitely better than others but overall it was really nice.

Good songs and production - Perfect lenght too

Really good album. Strong messages and themes. Very clear singing.

Un album parfait pour le printemps. Une guitare, une voix et du talent. Belle expérience. Chansons favorites (pas dans l'ordre): Fast Car Baby Can I Hold You If Not Now...

oh i will be coming back to this one

maybe the first one of these pulls to make me cry? i can sense that if i was, like, a big folk enthusiast, this would be a perfect ten. even so, this is really killer. good show, ms. chapman.

Great album, you can tell a lot of authentic heart was put into this album. Very enjoyable and iconic, all around a good album.

Really good classic singer/songwriter album. Thematically, the album is very political and it's honestly pretty depressing that the lyrics are still relevant nearly 40 years later. The instruments do their job well of supporting and emphasizing the vocals when appropriate and staying out of the way when they should. Altogether, this is an exemplary album for the genre.

Album #83, Tracy Chapman, Tracy Chapman, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The only song I really knew going into this was “Fast Car.” Outside of that, I had no real familiarity with Tracy Chapman at all. So this ended up being a bit of a delight. It’s a really strong singer-songwriter album, and it feels quite unique in its sound. She’s a great singer, very hook-oriented, with loads of memorable moments throughout. There’s something about her melodies and those simple guitar patterns that just stick in your head straight away. It starts strong and ends strong, and I especially like the more straightforward love songs on it. The only issue for me is the middle section. Tracks like “Why?” and “Mountain O’ Things” lean a bit into being preachy. I respect the messaging, and It’s definitely a powerful album in terms of its themes, especially around poverty and social issues, but that stretch can feel a bit heavy-handed. That said, I don’t want to dwell on that too much. It’s a great singer-songwriter record and I’ll definitely be coming back to this one.

pretty much masterclass in songwriting. the first half is a triumph, and the second half gets a little muddled with the addition of other elements besides Chapman and a guitar. some 90s bullshit sprinkled throughout but not enough to break the vision. this is some good stuff

Beautiful voice, beautiful songs, lovely listening experience.

classic

277/1089 Fast Car is one of those songs that i’ve never gone out of my way to listen to but i enjoy it whenever it’s in a film/on the radio i enjoyed this album a fair bit, it’s a low 4/high 3 stars i think, the quality is there, the replayability is a bit low for me though faves: Fast Car, Mountain O’ Things, For My Lover 70/100

Heavy listen, but what a voice

lindo album, lindo mesmo, os sentimwntos na voz da Tracy, o violão e notas... lindo!!

I really liked this…even as an old white dude, the lyrics alone are really powerful. But I enjoyed this even more musically. An enthusiastic 4 star rating from me.

8/10 Was not much of a fan of this, and then Bloody Boyzone came along and made "Baby Can I Hold You" unlistenable. It still makes me feel a little nauseous... Reassessed, this is a great album of singer-songwriting - there is a tangible vein of sadness that runs through it, as well as a controlled anger. Still struggle to listen to that song though

Excellent 4/5

Que me toque este álbum un día de lluvia es todo lo que está bien. Lo que más me gusta de Tracy es su voz, es muy autentica y me parece que a su estilo de música le queda perfecto. Fast Car es un tema conocido hasta por las piedras. Baby Can I Hold You es una de las mejores canciones de los 80 para mi, me ENCANTA. Mi fav de este álbum claramente. Behind the Wall una canción acapella con una critica muy fuerte a la policía a través de una historia de violencia de género. Fuerte de escuchar. En general me parece un álbum que se deja escuchar muy bien. Las guitarras acústicas lo son TODO para mi. Me gustó la experiencia.

Overall: 8/10 Very powerful. Tracy's lyrics touch on social issues in a very beautiful way, and her voice is astoundingly beautiful. This isn't something I want to listen to very often because it made me uncomfortable at times, but honestly that's probably what Tracy was going for in the first place. Fav Song: Why?

An important album, that is quite interesting. Sometimes it sounds of its time and dated, (moutain of things is not great) but it taps in timelessness at plenty of other times. Probably nowhere more than with the political statements, that are still relevant today, which is incredibly sad. At the end of the day, I think she had stuff to say, said it in a simple way that is still vibrant. There is ambition and a point of view, but the album may lack a bit of originality musically to be a truly absolute standout.

This album will forever remind me of my mom. I can remember her putting on this cd to this day.

❤️❤️❤️❤️

What a lovely album. Ahead of its time for the 80’s and still great now. Fast Car alone 😍 4.5⭐️

Contemporary folk that still holds up almost 40 (!!!) years later.

Was haar tijd 20 jaar vooruit

Voz leve e mensagem pesada

Sólido, ouve-se bem. Tem uns clássicos, mas as outras músicas não destoam

Tem muitos clássicos. Bom álbum

Good writer, nice singer, seems like a few songs are great, other so so.

Classic American album through and through

mostly great stuff but weirdly overproduced at times. fast car is perfect though obviously

wonderful. tracy's voice is a joy to listen to.

Never listened to this album before. Some great songs and remarkable talent. Tails off a bit towards the end, but still enough to earn a 4 overall.

Favourite Songs: Talking Bout A Revolution Fast Car Mountains O' Things

I remember being very excited upon first hearing this (when it came out). But I haven't played it since. (Even being reminded of her part in 'LiveAid', I wasn't motivated to go and listen again.) And, while the album is 'worthy', it doesn't rock my world now. Lyrics are interesting in parts, but lots of repetition rather than development. Arrangements ditto. I’ll say it’s Good, 7/10.

4.5 stars

Yes, we all know Fast Car, but this was a surprisingly deep listen. A unique voice, interesting song structure and lyrics despite the very 80s production. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. A decent 4.

Superb

Tracy has an amazing voice and powerful lyrics. Was happy to listen to this album in its entirety.

I wouldn't say that I necessarily love all the songs on this album (some of the sound just isn't my thing), but wow this is a wonderfully composed album. There is a wide range showcased here and I enjoy the message of most of the songs. I was very impressed listening to this and even though I don't think I'll be revisiting the whole album any time soon I was shocked at how well made and passionate this was. (This was my first exposure to Chapman outside of Fast Car)

Some incredible and haunting songs - just shy of classic status

de esos álbumes que traen recuerdos del pasado, de los que te ponen a pensar bonito!

3.5 - Good The album itself is ok, Fast Car brings it up to a 4

There are songs of grest subtlety and restraint here. Fast Car, Baby Can I Hold You, If Not Know are all gorgeous. Talking About a Revolution is up there with Lennon's Power to the People, Smith's People Have the Power and Guthrie's All You Fascists. But some other songs - Mountains of Things and Behind the Wall for instance - do get a bit preachy. Absolutely heart felt and sincere.

Talking about a revolution! FAST CAR! 4/5

Des paroles engagés, des mélodies acoustiques simples mais perfectionnées et surtout le chant de Tracy Chapman, vrai bon album acoustique. Très chill et s'écoute bien de bout en bout

It feels like I'm on a roadtrip in south America. It's a mixture of hope that thrived in a simple environment. It's like the first sprout of spring. It's like lying in a field of daisies. It's like curious teenage years, sitting on the dance floor, enjoying the first prom you've ever had. You look up to the sky, and you feel like the stars are within reach... 'cause you're young and you're ambitious, and you're ready for anything.

un par de canciones podrían haber estado en la banda sonara de cars pero si tuviera escenas tristes o nostálgicas

Until I listened to this album, I did not know who Tracy Chapman was. I had heard her music before, but I'd never heard one of her albums in its entirety and didn't know about her activism. I certainly didn't know what she's won multiple Grammy awards. I knew "Fast Cars", but all of the other songs were new. The track about DV was really powerful and I had to pause and ask myself, "Why are we still dealing with this issue? It's 2026. This album is from 1988." But women's issues continues to be a problem and we are losing more of our rights under the current administration. I loved the musical style of this album, but I think part of the reason this album resonates with me so much is because of the current political climate. Her messages are poignant, wrapped in beautiful melodies and delivered in a way that you can listen on endless repeat.

liked the meaning behind the words, music and voice seemed contradictory? beautiful songs

own

love tracy’s voice, the songs are great

"Fast Car" is great, and so is the rest of the album. Lyrically the album may be naive, but as a whole it's definitely worth a (re)listening.

In the late 1980s, synth-pop and hairy metal ruled the radio, so it's logical that many producers turned down Tracy Chapman's requests to record her quiet, semi-acoustic debut. Whoever took on this venture struck it big – the singer's simple, soft folk ballads about love, dreams of a better life, and social issues resonated so deeply with people that the album remains one of the best-sellers of all time. It all sounds truly pleasant, though Tracy's vocals are a bit peculiar, and if you don't like them, you'll likely tire of them by the middle. Yes, in places the lyrics contain completely naive, leftist messages, based on the juxtaposition of rich and poor and black and white. On the other hand, the artist was 24 years old when the album was released. At that age, you can still fight for all that's good against all that's bad.

So sad her political songs got short shrift. I find them much better than the love songs. A beautiful voice always though.

Unbelievable songs. While not all the songs fantastic, Chapman is able to make them amazing through her sheer talent. One of the best singer-songewriters to ever live. Highlights are Talking about a Revolution, and Fast Car.

Not my usual fare but I did enjoy this. Can't deny she has a great voice and the tunes are solid. Wouldn't likely want to listen to a whole album but certainly happy to add the songs into my mix.

Reminded me of songs I haven't heard in ages. Great voice, although I found that it fits more with slower-paced songs.

This album feels like a musical and political counterpart to Sinéad O’Connor’s “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got.” Two albums from across the Atlantic addressing social issues through sparse arrangements, terrific songwriting, and powerful (sometimes a cappella) vocal performances. I really enjoyed the aesthetic range of this record, from keyboard drenched pop to snappy country grooves, and the occasional eccentricity thrown in for good measure (I loved the sitar riff).

A well-mixed album that has great production and still delivers raw emotion. One of those “right place right time” moments had it become so prominent but I believe it would become timeless based on merit alone.

3.5 ! Solid effort, lovely blend of activism, storytelling, and folk! Favorites: Talkin’ About a Revolution, Baby Can I Hold You, Across the Lines

I was surprised by this album. Fast Car is obviously a genius song - can't be denied, but this whole album is stellar. Great lyrics, good musicianship and a singer who MEANS it. Tracy's great.

I hadn't gone through this as an album before even if I'd heard the hits. Not every track hits, but the ones that do really do. Very enjoyable. Standouts Talking 'bout a revolution Fast car Behind the wall

Need to spin it back to catch more the story telling, but I see the passion.

Great voice and masterful storytelling. Particularly Fast Car. Also, a social justice thread throughout which gives it shape and meaning.

Powerful

Powerful messages in a fittingly somber but beautiful style

When this album came out I was straight Metal and Punk with some Grateful Dead sprinkled in. Of course I heard Fast Car. A lot. I really enjoyed this one though. Tracy Chapman is way Blacker than The Black Album.

excellent album.

An album of revolution and reflection.

fast car coded I wonder why this on here I will do some more digging. Ooooo I see this is classic it’s easy listening and it’s got that scratchy voice that defined the 90s. I like the bongos on a lot of these songs and her voice is just so smooth and easy to bop too. It’s still an incredibly simple and uplifting record why are babies starving if we have so much food. Why are they called peace keepers if they have to hide their faces interesting. I want this record bad now

I really like her voice, it's down to earth. I know about Fast Car but the other songs apparently have good lyrics, I haven't had time to listen closer yet but might do so.

Really good, definitely need to re listen

That was good

Really liked this album.

Undeniably string singer and songwriter. Not my typical cup of tea but enjoyable nonetheless. The hits are definitely hits. Overall. 3.5 to 4 /5

Depressing but good Standout songs: Talkin bout a revolution Shes got her ticket Why?

Simply direct, but not simple. Never has living in the suburbs sounded so promising. We pretty much all feel we need a fast car some time or another.

Unfortunately, the revolution where the poor rise up and take what's theirs never came, but this is still a very good album of songs with heart, meaning and soul. Fantastic singles in 'Talkin' Bout A Revolution', 'Fast Car' and 'Baby Can I Hold You'. The 2nd half is a bit less stellar, probably what holds it back from 5 stars.

Very gifted songwriting on display here.

Hele mooie stem, fijn rustige instrumentatie. Soms wel heel mellow, maar zou het album zeker nog eens aanzetten

4.7

m gustó pero no m mató

YES, BABY!!! I’ve wanted to listen to this one for a LONG time, and in fact started to last year, but never ended up making it very far for some reason. Anyway super glad I got this one because we all know it’s absolutely awesome. The first three tracks are some of the better tracks of all time, and fast car is nothing short of perfect. Some other highlights present are the striking a capella break track behind the wall, why?, for my lover, if not now…, and for you. Chapman brings a very existential, somber air to the whole album, and I absolutely adore it. 9.3/10

tracy chapman wrote “Fast Car” and the luke combs version is a cover and everyone knew that except for me until today. chapman has a lovely voice and this album gives me warm fuzzy feelings.

Some absolute bangers. Fast Car is timeless. Some solid social commentary in there too. Just a really unique voice and great album. Maybe I'm being harsh not giving it 5 stars.

really great; nice to have a reason to listen to this whole album

Cleveland’s own! Just an all around good album. And frankly needed especially right now. Always enjoy a listen to this.

Singing on the album is beautiful and the music itself is very hearty. It feels like the album to listen to when the world seems like too much and you need to root yourself down a little bit. I am imagining myself listening to it while staring in a fire in a fireplace and being relaxed.

Bob Dylan if Bob Dylan was black, female, and could sing. Good music, good vocals, important, powerful lyrics. Highlights: - "Fast Car" - stunning classic. - "Behind the Wall" - heartbreaking, haunting, powerful. Did get a little samey, but it was all pleasant to listen to (in a musical sense), the vocals are great, and the lyrics have actual meaning. Low 4.

begrudgingly, I have to give an iota of props to Luke Combs up top here for bringing Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" back into our collective consciousness. I had to endure a lot of bullshit from my local country station during the year I spent working as a bank teller, but his 2023 cover version served as four-and-a-half minutes of relative reprieve from the MAGA-coded hits that were circulating country radio's airwaves at the same time. Combs accidentally changed the lyric "We gotta make a decision" to "Still gotta make a decision," a choice which inadvertently robs that lyric of much of its meaning (although he performs it correctly these days); it's a testament to the stark power of Chapman's original, the song which she has become more closely associated with than any other. plus, it just sounds so much more real coming out of her mouth than Combs's. I mean, it's her song, so, duh. but, y'know, it's a song that has become embraced by queer culture for a reason! in general, a lot of the songs on her debut album avoid much gendered language when referring to love interests, and at a time like the late 80s, when homophobia was much more prevalent, listeners latched onto whatever they could get. (in recent years, author Alice Walker has alleged that she and Chapman were in a romantic relationship for a time; Chapman herself has not commented on the matter.) Chapman has chosen to mostly reveal herself to us through her songs; she's a notoriously private person, so we're left to dissect her words to figure out who she is and what she thinks. thankfully, she makes that pretty easy to do, even as her songs aren't necessarily autobiographical. tracks like "Talkin' Bout a Revolution" and "Why?" are pleas for change in the face of social injustice. the former is another well-remembered track of hers from this time, but I find it a little non-specific; the latter succeeds more in this regard by addressing the indignities of hunger (even as we have enough food to feed the whole world) and war (propagated by governments who claim to be acting in the name of peace). "Behind the Wall" is an a capella track about domestic abuse, and "She's Got Her Ticket" shares the same yearning to get away from a bad situation as "Fast Car", but in a way that feels more particularly coded along gender lines. as a songwriter, Chapman is bare-bones, confrontational, and often deeply sad about the state of the world. even over just 11 short tracks totaling 36 minutes, there's moments where I feel her repeating herself just a little bit, whether it's thematically or musically. if you've heard other acoustic female singer-songwriters from the 80s and 90s, you're not going to be blown away by the sound of this album, but the strong stuff here is very strong! shout-out to the bass work on this album by Larry Klein; he was married to Joni Mitchell at the time, a strange coincidence considering how much his playing here reminded me of Jaco on Hejira. strong 7/10.

vibey and like the meaning behind the music

Great album with solid vocals and songwriting.

Cool, i like it. Chill and relax

Beeeaaaauuuutiful !!!! Pleasantly late 80s comforting but with enough substance to feel meaningful. & what a voice ! Hadn’t properly listened to Tracy Chapman beyond the hits and found it such a lovely surprise.

lovely album. her voice is so gorgeous & distinctive & i rly liked that it's very much at the forefront the entire album, esp the acapella behind the wall (which my god that song is gonna haunt me for a while). the only damper on the entire thing was that even though for the most part the production is acoustic and stripped back, it still carries artefacts of that late 80s adult contemporary (gloop) type of production i really really loathe. i think part of the reason fast car has remained so evergreen is bc it's basically all just guitar and percussion & therefore can sound timeless in the way other tracks on the album can't (i think baby can i hold you is probably the biggest offender)

No me acuerdo pero fue muy bueno. Lo disfruté

gander at water lillies

The epitome of “adult contemporary”. Heartfelt and poignant. Perhaps irritatingly so at times.

Filled with sharp political critiques, this album completely surpassed my expectations. There’s this constant tension of giving and taking hope away. It starts with simple chord progressions, but the percussion and lead guitar make an appearance at the most needed moments. Highlights: "She’s Got Her Ticket": A change in tempo and a total breath of fresh air. "Behind the Wall": An a cappella track in the most "nude" form I can imagine. It addresses domestic violence in a way that almost feels like a haunting lullaby.

Starts with one hell of a run including maybe a top 20 song of all time. It can't quite keep up the pace (mostly due to moving towards some experiments that don't always work for me personally) but this is a great debut nonetheless

Pleasantly surprised by this. Impressed by the diversity of songwriting. Music needs more of this kind of thing these days. And I don't mean just white boy country covers. Music needs real lyricists with real perspectives. Good album.

9/10

Just go and watch her Wembley performance

escuchar fast car siempre es un si 😭🩷

Good tracks throughout. Chapman has a good singing voice, and her storytelling is effective. Instrumentals are pleasant and work well. The standout tracks for me are "Fast Car" and "Mountains O' Things". My only skip is "Baby Can I Hold You", and it's still a very listenable track. 3.5 stars

Every song is fast car. Insane vocals.

Deeply moving & motivating. Should be a required protest (?) album to listen to. Has elements of Tracy's wonderful writing style throughout & echos of generational trauma & the way it is ignored.

Molto bello, molte canzoni iconiche, ma soprattutto mi ha emozionato molto. Vorrei quasi dargliene 5

Amazing

4/5

Some great memorable songs. An excellent album to test drive new headphones.

Jeetje wat een mooi album. Helaas zijn de teksten na 40 jaar nog net zo relevant

Enjoyable from start to finish. Was impressed with the consistency throughout.

Am I going to make a McElroy brothers reference by referencing Faster Car? Just did. Either way, the musicality of the album is very pleasing, and Tracy's voice is beautiful, which is a wonderful juxtaposition with the tensions rippling in the lyrics. Behind the Wall in particular is striking as a cappella, Tracy standing against the world.

Very powerful lyrically, and depressing to note that things have not moved on very much since this was released. Love Tracy's voice. I struggle to fully connect with this album, though - not sure what holds me back. Maybe it's the simplicity of the arrangements. Anyway, I can appreciate the beauty in the lyrics particularly.

Very deep. Emotional album. Gets the point across and makes it listenable. I enjoyed it. Favorite track is baby can I hold you. It stayed strong through the entirety of the album I think comfortably a 4/5.

Have always loved Fast Car but never listened to anything else. Wow! What a great listen. Brutal though because you realize absolutely nothing has changed and we’ve made it all the way to 2026. This one holds a special place for me.

I like it. The percussion on some of the songs is interesting. Definitely want to hear again

Was looking forward to hearing this one. I only know Fast Car from her whole discography, so looking forward. Not really into folk music much from the 60s, I knew it had a resurgence in the 80s I guess due to this album's popularity. I talk about the sound as a whole being the subject of parody as I was growing up, but I really like the genuine thing. I would have excpected guitar only, but there's a band on most of the tunes. 1. Talkin bout a Revolution - she's got a very distinct voice. Kind of like Grace Jones with the slightly androgynous quality. I noted in my recording that I heard the style parodied a lot, but it's nice to know where it's from. The "finally the tables are starting to turn" line has soured, unfortunately. The tables are firmly on their legs and evil men laying on top. Maybe in 88 things were less bleak. Super cheap, fast music full of synth only was at its height in 88, so this must have been a breath of fresh air for some people. Not super poppy then, maybe, but a little poppy by today's standards. Short tracks all the way through. 2. Fast Car - did not know there was a band here, only heard her play this at Wembley Stadium the year the album came out. Melody is very nice, chords simple. Just a 6-5-4-1. Super earthy sound for the late 80s. The subject matter of this song was probably super tangible and relatable for some people. Melancholy lyrics that seem very personal to Tracy Chapman. On first listen, I'm pretty far removed from the subject matter so I can't connect as well as surely some folks did. That said, I still really like the song and feel a form of empathy for the characters described in the lyrics. It's not a bleak feeling, it's a bittersweet feeling. About her writing: it's sort of opposite of Taupin's on Elton John's albums. Both are story writing with a loose narrative, but Chapman's writing is a lot less removed from reality and an heavier on the use of specifics, many of which seem to be of personal experience. Taupin's are a lot more fantastic, and as a result his stories become vivid yarns instead of grounded, modern stories like it seems Chapman writes on this album from some sort of experience/perception of real life. Excited to hear more of that as a writer who is not good at yarns but is more inclined to lead with my own emotions. I want the things that I write to evoke an emotion in you that I feel in myself first. I have a hard time writing to evoke an emotion in a person that I don't feel myself. 3. Across the Lines - **going to have to edit this with the rest later. i recorded my thoughts while cooking and they are on google drive at work and at home. rating for now and will finish typing later. 2.

It reminds me a bit of early Dylan or acoustic Springsteen. Very good storytelling. Good album with a bunch of very good protest songs.

This is really impressive. I've slept on her vocal authority over a lot of other people trying to write about the same things she's writing about. It's one for the ages, and there's the right amount of variety on here to keep you active. In other words, having this as a background listen is a sin.

I love this record. Very defining for a very short period of my dumb last gasps of high school--but stupid nostalgia aside, gorgeous songs beautifully played. Saw her open for Bob Dylan in 1988: just her and a guitar and she completely owned the place. Riverting.

Konsistens og helhed 8/10 Albummet går ikke i alle mulige retninger, men alle sangene er cirka lige gode pop sange. Ikk nogen filler, alle sangene fungerer lige godt på albummet Innovation og originalitet 6/10 Ikke det mest originale, men man kan godt mærke noget jazz inspiration også selvom det er normal guitar-pop. Der er dog sange der har andre lyde, og gode interludes Emotionel resonans 8/10 Hendes stemme giver en god følelse og jeg føler det vækker de følelser det skal. Man kan mærke hun mener hvad hun synger. Tekst og tematik 9/10 Det er gode tekster om personlige problemer som er dannet af hvad der sker i verdenen. Kærlighedssange er sgu også godt skrevet Musikalsk kvalitet 7/10 Simpelt, men på den bedste mulige måde. Guitaren har indimellem nogle spændende akkorder hvilket er fedt. Hun synger godt og meget catchy. Også fedt der er Jamaica inspirationer. Tidsløshed 6/10 Jeg kender mange inspireret af hvad hun gør, og det er også et vigtigt album, men det ikke fordi hun er en alle snakker om pga det her album Subjektiv X-Faktor 5/10 En enkelt sang har haft noget betydning for mig. Hendes stemme er også noget der har betydning. Men jeg kan mærke det nu kommer til at betyde noget for mig Bonus noter: Vil helt klart komme tilbage til det her album og det vil nok med tid betyde mere for mig det her album. Hun er helt klart en af mine yndlings stemmer fra 80’erne. Ville ikke mene der var en eneste filler, men heller ikke nogen sange der stod ud. Min rating: 7 Bedste sange: Fast Car Across the Line Mountain O’Things Why? If Not Now

No. 107 Fantastic start to finish.

It never occurred to me how I listened to this as a child. Brought back nice memories :)

Chapman had the good sense to go easy on over-producing the album; nevertheless it can feel an album of the 80s at times (in the way some of the drum sounds are treated with reverb, or synth strings, or marimba) - but for the most part it's very nicely arranged, and avoids being over-engineered (highlighted by the last track, just Chapman and guitar). I can brush over the anachronisms (and the cod-reggae one). I can brush over that quite a number of these songs can be dropped into a Magic radio playlist. It leaves an album of 80% of high quality songcraft.

What a great album with great vocals. It gives exactly what it promises. Today´s bird: Chapman's swift (Chaetura chapmani)

Very good debut album.

Amazing then, amazing now.

The book claims there's a "nagging naivety" to the songs. In any social movement you can catalog the members by how radical/violent they were. Martin Luther King wouldn't have been listened to without the Black Panthers and figures like Malcolm X. Every doer needs a face to explain it to those not as far along. Chapman's work is more face than tip of the spear. If, as an American, you don't yet realize what a revolution would be for.. You might just not want to hear it.

Great voice, and lyrics relevant as ever

Overall, I really chill and really great album. I have heard Fast Car plenty of times but had never listened to this album, for some reason.

I've always known and loved 'Fast Car'. I was surprised to find out it was released in 1988 as it sounds much more modern. Chapman's poverty anthems are brought to life by her powerful voice and show that very little has changed since this album hit shelves. This record is a reminder that poverty is cycle and things aren't always going to get better. This album is strongest when the production is stripped back and just focuses on Chapman's strong voice. There's times when things get too busy and distracting, with the synths aging an otherwise timeless record. The cheesy 'Baby Can I Hold You' and the reggae-infused 'She's Got Her Ticket' are a few tracks that show their age. Chapman can sing acapella and still demand your attention, as seen on the harrowing 'Behind The Wall'. If every song on this was even a fraction as great as 'Fast Car', this would be an easy 5.

7.5/10 very powerful words in the songs, i never really listened to the lyrics of fast car before but had heard it a million times before

Her voice and lyrics are like none other - expressive, beautiful, and raw. I remember hearing Fast Car when I was a teen and distinctly realizing how she could, with one song, speak to so many human experiences - the yearnings and losses. She has a unparalleled honesty in her style.

A few classics followed by some sleepier stuff that I had a hard time engaging with. Maybe just my mood.

Just as good as I remember. I should listen to this one more.

Great album. Mountain's o'things favorite song

Finally, FINALLY hearing this one. I've been almost afraid to listen to it, as any record with a song like "Fast Car" is prone to failing to stack up to the power of its singular smash hit masterpiece. Thankfully the rest is quite great, but man, there is a REASON that song is still brought up and listened to today. Incredibly powerful songwriting here throughout, highly impressed.

Quiet passion and dark intensity

Beautiful album. And a few classic tracks outside of the ones we all know. Enjoyed it

I had never listened to this album, and really had not given Tracy Chapman much though. Fast Car was the first song I heard by hear when this album came out, and i was like 9 years old so I hardly identified it, preferring more the popular stuff at the time. Listening to it now, it sounds fresh to me, because its with mature ears that I can understand the messages she is trying to send through the albums songs. The messages ring as true today as they then, which says so much more about how things do not change and in some ways get worse.. Biggest Hit - Fast Car Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - IF Not Now.... Hidden Gem - Across The Lines

This album should have been MUCH more popular than it was. And it was pretty popular.

This was so good. Tracy Chapman is such a good singer. These songs are all great! This is a fun album from top to bottom. The acoustic songs were also a lotta fun! Liked Songs: "Talking Bout a Revolution" , "Fast Car" , "Behind the Wall" , "Baby Can I Hold You" , "Mountains O' Things" , "She's Got Her Ticket" , "Why?" , "For My Lover" , "For You"

tracy chapman is a great songwriter and has a terrific singing voice. what ultimately does this album a disservice most is the production, which sounds really dated and cliche at this point. there are moments of masterpiece on here, it's a shame it has to be weighed down by some crappy late 80s keyboard instruments.

Super solid album with super solid songwriting.

Sometimes a little clunky but always lovely with at least three perfect songs.

love this

Her voice is so calming and cool. I like it for what it is. Just not my type of music.

very deep messaging and display of emotions on here

Este álbum no parece de los 80s. Da toda la sensación de haberse adelantado a su época. La producción está hecha de tal manera que se sienta organica y creo que el fluir de las canciones le da un sentido y no aburre el álbum

Really good album. I can imagine taking the Red Line to Harvard Square and listening to Tracy Chapman perform these songs for people waiting for the subway

This is an album straight out of the "less is more" school of thought. One lone voice and a guitar. Other instruments, when present, are low enough in the mix that the voice and guitar still stand out. Still a great record.

Good, OG quality. Easy listen. Good for creative flow work. Inspiring. 3.5/5.

Tracy Chapman heeft de juiste stem en de juiste storytelling skills om dit album tot een klassieker te maken, onderwerpen zijn tot op de dag van vandaag relevant, behind the wall vond ik erg sterk. Het album had veel tijdlozer kunnen zijn dan dat het nu is. Dat heeft te maken met de toen moderne instrumentale keuzes, bij baby can I hold you begint dat voor t eerst op te vallen. Hoewel ik van die glassy achtige 80s synths hou vind ik t bij dit album minder passen. Mountains O’ things klinkt haast geproduceerd door Toto en dat is niet vet (vooral die synthetische triangel die je het hele nummer door hoort). She’s got a ticket klinkt ook als een beetje goedkoop reggae achtig liedje. Daarna wordt het gelukkig weer wat akoestischer wat beter uit de verf komt. Cijfer: 7.7

Is a really good album

ok, this one is a little bit harder for me - not only for the ubiquity of some of the songs but also because vast majority of album touches on female issues. I'm a man, I consider myself a feminist and it's 2026 so it's hard for me to judge it. Anyway I will try. The album is almost perfect singer/songwriter LP in my mind - there's just some discrepancies between the melodies and lyrics. I'd give it a 4.5 but I can only do 4 or 5 so four it is. But it's a really strong one. An album that is needed. Even today.

Really loved this. Baby Can I Hold You is a personal favourite of mine

Another great/worthy album.

quite a depressing album really, Behind the Wall is kinda chilling. i have heard this album before and it is really good but i think outside of Fast Car theres a specific mood you need to be in to listen to this and thoroughly enjoy it. 3.5

Beautiful voice. Great music. Never realized fast cars wasn’t a more contemporary song.

While the lyrical themes and mood of the songs were different, I feel similarly about today's album as I did yesterday's. I only like this one a little less.

I listened to Behind the Wall on my way to guard a police training facility. Of everything on the list, this album has given me the most difficulty so far in terms of trying to summarize my thoughts or justify a rating, and I eventually just had to talk and process my thoughts out loud until I worked my way back to a conclusion that felt right. I have an incredible amount of respect for Tracy Chapman, whose songwriting and musicianship are both beautiful. Her voice is unmistakable with restrained power, and she has a knack for lyrics that touch on societal issues with a specificity that keeps them grounded. There are many songs on here which are absolutely incredible to me, most notably the simple acapella track Behind the Wall (I am always a sucker for a good spoken word / acapella piece). However, there were a couple which just didn't grab me as much; usually these were songs where the instrumentals had a little less power and energy to them, or where the lyrics leant a little more general. These songs weren't bad by any means, and they had all the ingredients of the great Tracy Chapman songs I loved, they just got the formula out-of-balance for my personal tastes. These songs happened to come at just the wrong moments in the flow of the album, or at least in the flow of my first interrupted listening experience, to really throw off my perception of the album in a way that didn't feel right. But with another listen or two for everything to settle in, I came back around. This list is going to be a very illuminating experience in terms of how I form thoughts and opinions on art, trying to balance subjectivity with my own sense that I've given something a fair shot; and for my troubles today in grappling with my own perceptions, I was able to appreciate the work of a truly powerful artist. Highlights: Talkin' Bout a Revolution, Fast Car, Behind the Wall, Baby Can I Hold You, For My Lover, For You

Album 11/1001. Listened 1/20/2026. Such beautiful songwriting and singing. Definitely a sad album, but in a beautiful way.

knew a couple of these beforehand, only bc they're so famous, never really listened to her. but she has a really nice voice and this album is a vibe overall, will def listen more

After the first track, I can already tell I’m gonna like this one. I really can’t wait for that revolution. “Fast Car” goes to show that it is up to us to break that cycle of generational trauma so that our children don’t have to suffer because of it. “Behind the Wall” is a very short track but gets the message across very well. How many times will domestic violence get swept under the rug before it’s too late? “Why?” asks a wonderful question, why? I am hopeful that there will be a time where peace is not bombing someones home. The message in “For My Lover” is very clear in that you should be able to love someone no matter their race, gender, or sexuality. If you think other wise then you are silly. “If Not Now…”s message hits so hard. Show your love before it’s too late. The last track, “For You”, describes that feeling of being so madly in love that you can’t really describe it. A love so big that it transcends all logic and reason. I’ve never heard of Tracy Chapman before but I’m glad that this album was chosen from the list. This album is really relevant in today’s world. Repeating what I said earlier, I really can’t wait for the revolution to come. We really need it.

Heartbreaking and still resonant today

I didn’t know this was a woman solid 4/5

love this! I had never actually listened to the full album before.

Clearly stellar, but just didn't enjoy it that much.

Nina contains a wonderfull ability to create soft folk ballads with her guitar. I’m a big fan of simple albums with just good and simple songs but my favorite albums are more experimental or crazy so a 4/5 from me.

Great album, really was only familiar with Fast Cars, but every track was good... really drives home how little things have changed for the better in the almost 40 years since. There were moments, but real progress on so many of the issues she sings about has been fleeting at best.

un muy buen albúm, mis canciones a destacar son: talking bout revolution, behind the wall y baby can i hold you

ew i was such a hater before, this album is beautiful - smooth and raw at the same time. good shit.

Classic

Funny that this came up after CTTE. The most excessive bombastic over the top style of rock music vs the most sparse and thoughtful. I'm sure many will be horrified but I'd take this TC record over CTTE every day of the week. Really incredible songwriting here, I was only familiar with Revolution and Fast Car before but this record is stacked with great songs. Needless to say, these songs from the mid 80s all address social issues that are still issues, without a hint of improvement or resolution. Talkin’ bout a revolution indeed

Perfect folk/roots rock album. I really thought it had come out in the early 90s for some reason. Lyrics reflect Bush era for a young black american girl. Not necessarily my personal favorite genre, but some real gems in there.

The music itself is pretty bare, but her voice and lyrics are just so impactful and affecting. Feels very raw and real

smth cool, so 80s coded, but not my slyle btw title track is the shit!

Distressing how relevant Chapman's lyrics are now, given this was released in the 80s. A very politically prescient album.

Tracks I've heard before: Fast Car Top 3: Talkin' Bout a Revolution Mountain O' Things Why? Bottom 3: Across the Lines Behind the Wall For My Lover

Hard to separate this album from the 1988 Mandela concert, which helped make it a success. I like it now more than I did back then. It seems that some of the underground alternative music became mainstream in readiness for the 90s. A distinctive voice and writer

Very good album! She's also a very good artist! And had some good songs on here

Cracking voice

As someone who finds Fast Car grating I was expecting to dislike this but it was engaging. A beautiful voice and lyrics as relevant now as ever.

Much more than just Fast Car

180520 11:39 5

Really enjoyed this one. Have heard a few of the more famous ones before, but to get to hear the others on the album was a refreshing take on a great artist.

Had no idea that Tracy Chapman wrote 'Baby Can I Hold You Tonight'. Really loved this album. Fast Car is an obvious classic, but the songwriting is incredibly strong throughout and Chapman has a wonderful voice.

I really enjoyed this one. It offers more than many of the other singer-songwriter albums on this list.

before listening: I think I only know the song fast car from her and I also just recently found out she is a women, from only hearing fast car I thought it was a man after: I really like fast car honestly, mountains O'things sounds so cool the instrumental almost sounds like steel drums or organ pipes or something like that it feels like it could be used as music in avatar, liked for my lover, why? very political song love how she's standing up for women yes love it, rating: 7.5/10 I think its a good album and if someone played this album I would enjoy the listen but not all the time

Sehr schönes Album, einige Banger drauf.

Tolles Album, ein paar bekannte ikonische Songs, dafür war mir der Name gar nicht bewusst. Werde ich mir merken.

Fast car is 10/10 song, rest of it is like solid 7/10.

Love the album. definitely need to add songs to playlists. Follow up on entire discography

I've heard of this album many times, but shamefully never checked it out. It's a great album, with the focus squarely on Chapman's excellent songwriting and amazingly expressive voice. I like the balance between socially-conscious lyrics and love songs, which results in a rounded album drenched in lived experience. The album sits across folk, pop, and soul, with little aspects of country and rock. Sometimes the sound (or production?) of the album gets a little far into polished 1980s schmaltzy territory. And although there are no bad tracks here, the most striking songs (Fast Car, Across the Lines, Behind the Wall, Why?) make a few of the lesser tracks feel forgettable by comparison. Great album though! I will check out more of her work. 4*

I like it. It feels like Ive been feeling recently which was very comforting.

I was already familliar with her song fast car and knew how political songs were but was kinda suprised to also hear that she had regular love songs too. Its kinda sad how a lot of the topics she sings about are still issues that we face nearly 40 years later

Strong songwriting and powerful lyrics. Great stuff!

Good album with lyrics hitting on both societal and personal issues. She hits race, poverty, substance abuse, interpersonal relationships, ect. It’s a strong album, deserves to be on the list but doesn’t quite make it to a 5 star.

Very soulful and at times painful subject matter beautifully composed and classic for its era. Fast car was an anchor for me after a bad break up and it was very pleasing to hear it and many other good tracks in this album. I don't think many people bump her tracks nowadays, but its a good drive down memory lane that I very much enjoyed.

Very easy and listenable album, the quintessential singer/songwriter.

Some of the production sounds a bit too much like the type of 80s soft pop that I do not like, but the songwriting is there and Chapman is so good

It quite surprised me, but I really enjoyed this album, I'm not aware of Tracy Chapman, except I recognise Fast Car. I think she has a great voice, will definitely listen to the album again.

Wow this brought back high school memories

I can't believe she copied Luke Combs 🙄

slatko promucurno melo melo

Mountains of things hat eine sehr eigene (schöne) Melody Allgemein sehr schöne Musik, wenn auch nicht was ich sonst höre. Fast Car mein favorit. Fokus mehr auf der Stimme als auf Instrumenten? Shes got her Ticket und for you auch sehr schön

Mesmerizing voice, nice guitars, good lyrics

7.5/10

I really thought this album was awesome. Fast Car was good, but honestly I like some of the other songs better, Talkin' Bout a Revolution, Across the Lines and Mountain O' Things were all highlights. Why?, For My Lover and If Not Now... were all good too. I though Behind the Wall was really cool as well, and just a little different. I liked all of the songs, they were all really heartfelt and each had their own deep message about struggle and doing better, it was awesome.

Beautiful and heartbreaking songs.

This was surprising to me as I actually never listened to this album despite the rave reviews it had when it came out. Realizing nothing has changed since 1988 and all these songs are just as relevant now is depressing. This isn’t an album I’m likely to put on much if ever but I definitely appreciate its value on this list unlike many other records here. For that it’s 4 stars.

Gorgeous rich voice and the two singles I remember are beautiful. Could become a 5 but for now, 4.5.

I really liked this album. The songs are thoughtful, really earnest lyrics about important topics, and musically enjoyable.

Astonishing voice and some great songs

Of course the first two songs on this record are classics! The rest of the album really held up much more than I expected. Love the themes and messages across the whole album. I really wanted to give this album a 5, but felt like there were a few skips so I ended up giving a 4.

A delightful listen. Tons of emotion in the songs, and her voice is perfect for what she has written. Not much else to say on it. It’s a really good album that I enjoyed thoroughly. 4/5

ahead of its time

4/10 bekannt 8/10 fast car trauma, sonst gut Beste Songs: Talkin‘ bout a Revolution, for my lover, for you (kenne ich schon) Das is ne Frau??????? Genre: Soul, Pop (emotional)

Just loved this. Favourite song was ”for my lover” as well as ”fast car”

Love this album

capa FODA e mto bão o album viu, apesar de acústico. as letras são super atuais xDDDDD definitivamente um dos maiores e mais bonitos, hein. tem que ouvir antes de morrer memo!!

Didn't expect to like it, since I've never dabbled in folk music. But this was great. The reason I started this journey was to discover music outside my favorite genre. And Tracy Chapman will definitely stay on the roster. Easy 4/5.

Was surprised how many originals came from this album

What are you talking about?" Pony and trap, "You got a pony and trap," that'd be all right.

Stark! 4.4 denn ein anderer Produzent hätte noch mehr herausholen können aus dieser tollen Künstlerin

4,1 - Jedes Lied strotzt vor Emotionen und gerade auch am Anfang vor Energie, die dann leicht verloren geht. Insgesamt aber ein starkes Album! Highlights: Talkin' Bout a Revolution, Fast Car

Good album. Kind of a county vibe. Interesting

It was really good. I liked how it was deep messages while also having more fun songs. Added 6/11 songs to my liked songs.

When you are on the fence between a 4 and a 5 star rating for a record maybe you ask: WWTCD? She'd want you to follow your heart. And despite the capacity of some songs to move me to tears, the album ultimately doesn't add up to a 5 for me.

Such a powerful album. It radiates the peacful politics that most people had in the sixties, but here it actually feels genuine. The vocals are almost like a lullaby, and paired with the acoustic guitar its just wonderful.

So raw- vocally, lyrically, you can hear her soul! It’s very autobiographical lyric-wise, a snapshot into her life and the world she lived in. It hurts knowing that not much has changed politically since this album was released. It was a hard album to get through for me but the last few songs really drew me back in. Gorgeous piece of work, a classic.

fast car 10/10, this album is so amazing. mb not my taste in music but its so beautiful and lyrical! 8.5/10

I can see why this album is on this list, it's a strong album of acoustic protest songs. So I'm rating the album on that. but it's not an album I'd ever really play - not to my taste.

I obviously knew "Fast Car" coming into this, but man I was still blown away. Her storytelling is excellent and makes you feel the heaviness of the stories she's telling, while also making them catchy as hell.

calming as hell

I know more than one song on this! And both are really good.

Didn't finish but loved what I heard. x

Gamechanger

Good throughout, doesn't last too long and the lyrics stay decently convincing, sounds good too

Sad, realistic album with little vote for hope. Beautiful lyricism.

She definitely drives a fast car

Songs with powerful auras

Enjoyed. Fantastic voice.

Tracy Chapman offered a quiet lament, and requested that the promises of America be fulfilled (or at least that the police might show up on time), and told the stories of those who still felt stuck, trapped, forgotten. Not the only socially conscious music of its era, but distinct in its style and gentleness. At the Grammys in 1989, this album would be honored and, for the first time, the rap performance category was added. It was awarded to DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince for their suburban protest that “Parents Just Don’t Understand” while bands like Public Enemy sat out of the untelevised affair. Back to Tracy Chapman. This is a very good album with songs that bid you to listen. Not only to the music but to the voices behind the songs. On the second side the lyrics and story telling aren’t quite as strong, but this talented artist was in her young 20s when these songs were released. A worthy album for sure.

I remember discovering Tracy Chapman on a huge benefit concert for Nelson Mandela in 1988. I was blown away by its simplicity and arresting narrative. I bought the album a few weeks later and l have been a fan of it ever since.

Fast car is overplayed but this is a solid album. Not crazy about the vocal quality but still a 4

Fantastic, blistering songwriting. Absolutely stunning record.

Great memories from the 80s when this came out

There’s no way the Secretary Rock review is real, I refuse to believe we live in a world where Comic Book Guy and Ben Shapiro are capable of procreation. What's the Mount Rushmore of car songs? It has to include Fast Cars, right? Probably something by Bruce Springsteen (I'd pick Thunder Road but know some would probably be more partial to Born to Run)? Are the trucker songs of the 1960s and 1970s like you're Convoys and Six Days on the Road qualifiers? Does the car have to be a means of escape like it is for Tracy and Bruce or a means of returning home like it is in so many country songs? It probably has to be by an American given the automobile's place here after the war, and there are personal bonus points if they mention the make/model and Detroit. This feels back to basics for the folk genre when a lot of the giants of the genre were trying and failing to experiment with synths and creating ill-advised super groups. This feels as forward looking as the Joan Armatrading album we got earlier. Extremely fresh and modern sounding even 40 years on. After the first two songs there's a bit of a drop off but that doesn't diminish the power of those first two.

chapeau madame chapman drüü offesichtlichi banger, rescht au sehr schön (wenn au liecht eitönig) talkin' bout a refourlution

Compulsive listening. The late 80s answer to: Too Many Protest Singers, Not Enough Protest Songs

Obviously I know Fast Car but it was really an experience to listen to the album in its entirety. Beautiful lyricism, everything feels the same in an individual way, it very much belongs together in the same project. Big fan.

Not listened to the whole of this album for many years - chance now to put that right! Very good album - Singing along to songs I’d not heard for ages

Probably another that I heard a lot growing up from my parents. Been shown her performance at live aid loads times. Is pretty special in fairness. A few great tracks on this album. Feels very genuine. Im not the correct demographic for a lot of it I suppose. It's still very good 4

Good lyrics, not my style of music

Fantastic album, great songs, heartfelt.

Tonally and lyrically a little redundant but Chapman’s vocals carry it through and Fast Car is brilliant — combining the class commentary she’s after throughout the album with a genuine emotional impact and bittersweet search for connection in a lonely world

Never heard of Tracy Chapman, but I feel like I have heard some of these songs before. Anyway, I really enjoyed this.

8/10 Favorites: Talkin’ Bout a Revolution Fast Car

Oh wow, these are some seriously beautiful and heartfelt songs. Not only so well written but also performed by such a beautiful and passionate voice.

Bright back funny memories and still resonates strongly lyrically

Great album start to finish overshadowed by the behemoth that is fast car

If I didn’t hear “Fast Car” in various renditions 100x a week I may have given it a 5.

Classic and comfy.

So ya, I'm into this album, what of it... fast car is great but this is a solid album. Tracy's voice is soulfuland fun.

Great album. Soothing, powerful voice.

Vipper mellom 3 og 4 for meg. Noen knallsterke, de er denne gangen gode nok til å vippe opp.

Such a powerful voice. What a power move to include an a capella track in the middle of an album, and so wonderfully done. Obviously I've heard the bigger hits, but this is my first time hearing the lesser known tracks, and they contain every bit of her talent as Fast Car. But she's such a powerful singer. Insanely powerful, subdued, and pensive voice and lyricist. I could listen to this album for a while and still be flabbergasted by it. A couple of the songs seem dated to the early nineties, but I feel that is heavily outweighed by the rest of the great songs.

Gostosíssimo de escutar e, pelo pouco que peguei na primeira escuta, com várias letras interessantes.

Classic stuff - Fast Car not even the best track on.

solid song writing. Fast car is one of those songs that can transport you back 30 years to when we really did speed so fast it felt like we were drunk.

Quite the debut album!!

Oh how much do I love her voice! A very strong (debut-)album with the three mega-hits "Talkin' Bout A Revolution", "Fast Car" and "Baby Can I Hold You" plus a bunch of pretty solid tracks.

My hill to die on: NOBODY has any business covering Tracy Chapman. NOBODY.

Emotional vocals with acoustic guitar that's kind of depressing, but appealing

Good album, but didn't give it a proper listen due to work. Did enjoy revolution etc, will listen again to the full album.

Loved this. I'm a big 80s/90s fan but had not heard this entire album before. Much appreciated, will definitely listen to this album again.

Music is a place where you can pick up a guitar, and expose your feelings in a song. In that way, the job here was pretty well done. Her voice is powerfull and beautiful at the same time, giving emotional credit to every single word she sings. No masterpieces here, just a really good amount of good songs. 4 stars.

Admittedly I'm not usually a fan of the 'typical country artist with an acoustic guitar' sound that's been driven to death, but this one stands out on its own. Only ever heard its most famous track, but the whole album is full of Fast Cars. Beautiful, expressive vocals over excellent songwriting. fav tracks: Fast Car, Why

Behind the wall is chilling. Goosebumps. Baby Can I Hold You is a TRACK. The wood/pan flute and marimba are ear scratchers. Beautiful voice, topical and sad lyrical subjects.

Even though I'd never heard the entire album in its entirety before, I do recognize most of the songs. What a fantastic album this is.

What a voice. Fast Car is probably up there with one of the songs ever written.

Stripped back, minimalist, socially conscious, folksy singer songwriter vibes. A few great tunes and a few reasonable ones. First half of the album was pretty stacked. Vocally good but not the greatest. Musically good but not the greatest. Lyrically, pretty great - no buts about it. I enjoyed this album but it didnt excite me the way I had hoped. Favourite track - Baby Can I Hold You. 7.5/10

I can understand why Tracey Chapman's self-titled album is so beloved. The music is well-crafted and her voice is warm, inviting and captivating. Oddly, though, it doesn't translate into an album I seek out. By all logical measures, given my enjoyment of this musical style, it should resonate with me, yet there's a certain undefinable spark that I can't quite detect, preventing me from fully connecting with the record. I enjoyed listening to it but I doubt that I will revisit it. Overall a good listen, just reaching a four star rating. Stand out tracks - "Fast Car", "Mountains o' Things" . 1 "Talkin' 'bout a Revolution" (4/3) 2 "Fast Car" (5/3) 3 "Across the Lines" (3/3) 4 "Behind the Wall" (3/3) 5 "Baby Can I Hold You" (4/3) 6 "Mountains o' Things" (4/3) 7 "She's Got Her Ticket" (4/3) 8 "Why?" (3/3) 9 "For My Lover" (3/3) 10 "If Not Now…" (3/3) 11 "For You" (3/3) Total - 39 Average - 3.55 146/1001 76/146 albums reviewed were new to me.

Full review on tiktok @1001album

Fast Car is really good of course, but For my Lover is very REM coded, and Why is also really good

What a voice.

damals schon super

Such a classic voice. Who doesn't like Fast Cars? I have some new favorites from this album that I never heard before.

I really only recognized “Fast Car” off the track list and that is unfortunately because of a country singer so I was apprehensive going in; but Tracy Chapman was just a phenomenal album as i’m sure she is a phenomenal person. it was clear from the first few songs that she is a huge advocate for black and women’s rights. it ended up being an absolute blast to listen to

Fantastic album. Great voice and lyrics over simple and clean melodies. I was a fan then and still am now. Great debut album and still holds weight today.

Lovely voice!! Fast car is a BANGER!!

Nice, folky compositions with a very pointed social commentary.

Enjoyable.. would definitely listen to Fast Car and one other I can't remember the name of over and over again.

One of the best examples of a singer-songwriter. The songs are great and sung with so much emotion, it really feels like these songs are her own experiences. It’s pretty surprising that this is one of the best-selling albums of all time given it was released in the 80s and doesn’t sound much like the popular music of the era. However, there are moments of very dated sounding production, usually with the drums, that take me out of the moment every time. I don’t hate 80s production, but it doesn’t fit this music and this album would likely be a 5 if it wasn’t for that. 4/5