Reviews (page 8 of 15)
If I ever have heard this whole album, it's been a long long time so I think other than Fast Car this is going to be a new one for me. God damn. This woman can write some words. I wasn't really ready for this today. This is a beautiful and sad record. I mean I kind of knew what I was getting into having heard Fast Car so many times but this whole album is just brilliant songwriting. A rating is really hard for this one, another example of why this needs to be out of 10 instead of 5. This would be a good 9. 5/5 it is.
kinda depressing
Really good and really sad
Great discovery at the time. Still love the album. Same league as Joan Armatrading.
Such a classic!!!
This goes against my generally lukewarm feelings on folk because it actually incorporates other creative elements, like the fretless bass (or are they keys?) on Across the Lines and the Runescape ass keyboards on Mountains O' Things. Helps make the album more memorable and gives it personality. I like Tracey Chapman's husky voice, she can fairly belt it out I don't typically pay much attention to lyrics but they're very interesting here, worth giving a mention Highlights: Across the Lines, Mountains O' Things, Fast Car
A couple of great songs, but not a whole album.
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.
Classy. Beautifully conceived, written and delivered. Stunning debut.
Not my usual vibe but clearly something great and unique going on.
Soulful, thought provoking, timeless
Good to see Tracy on the list! (We are on a first name basis.) Shame on me for never listening to this album before. Other than the first two tracks, of course. I liked it. It was good. But if I'm being honest, it was a scosh underwhelming. Solid debut, though, for sure. 3.65
Приятный фолк второй половины 80-х с негритянским певцом с легким воздушным вокалом в духе Don McLean, Cristopher Cross. Довольно короткий альбом (36 мин), есть акаппельные стихи. В целом неплохо фоном на раз, но не моя музыка
Obviously very soulful and heartfelt folk roots rock music. A great voice for sure, I just find it pretty boring.
Lovely voice. Some really bleak songs on here. Not really my thing
Better than I thought it would be and definitely worth another listen
Great album and great songwriting. Very moving and definitely the most straighforward social comentary album so far. I would definitely safe this for another listen.
A stunning first album. Chapman is grounded in her voice, solid in her musical powers of advocacy. Most will know "Fast Car" and while that is a classic American anthem at this point, that is not the best track on the record. The run of "Mountains O' Things", "She's Got Her Ticket" and "Why?" is the strongest part of the album. Every song has its own weight and depending on my mood or what is on my mind that day changes which is my favorite.
3.36
I don't think I've listened to this album since it came out, but damn, is it good. Great songs, great voice. Favorites: Talkin' Bout a Revolution, Across the Lines, Baby Can I Hold You Would I listen to it again: Yes
A classic. Very nice. Listen again.
I'm not a great fan of this genre of music, the vocals are so good though. Just not something that I would listen to in my free time. But overall it is a good album and I completely understand that many people like it
That voice! This album is very much of its time, but also timeless.
PEAK PEAK PEAK PEAK PEAK
enjoyed it - a few classics and some new tunes
A pretty clean and fun album.
She has things to say, i enjoyed the connection with the music - felt produced but still real
Listens: 2 Standout tracks: For My Lover Ehhh. This album is not really of any interest to me. It's not bad per se, in fact it's not bad at all - its quite good - but it's not particularly exciting. I do not find myself wanting to listen to it again. Most of the tracks sound virtually identical. The album too bare bones. Far too acoustic. If I were to evaluate the tracks individually - if I were to have heard one of the tracks on the radio for example - I would say the certain songs are quite moving. Most of the songs tell a story, Tracy is sending out a message. The songs are passionate and soulful. There are political connotations. There is empathy. There is sadness. There is real life. There's just too much of it concentrated into a single 30-somthing minute package. I give it a 4. It's powerful music. Music I might find subjectively unappealing, but which may be objectively highly relevant in today's society (not to mention 1988).
I’m bad at rating, I’m gonna hate this part of the project. Not only do I change my mind a lot but coming up with a number is really hard for me. However Tracy Chapman’s self titled album was great, the catchy and heartfelt gutair was good to listen to. Her vocals where very folky and original. Unfortunately I wasn’t paying the closest attention to the lyrics, but I understood her critique of materialism and struggles of being a woman. Some of my favorite songs are Why?, Fast Car, and Talkin Bout Revolution. My favorite instrumental was “She’s got her ticket”. Out of 5, I’m pretty lost. I don’t have my complaints for it, if I had to come up with one, maybe it was a bit repetitive. But that’s unfair for me to say considering I could’ve payed much more attention. Phenomenal album, I guess I’ll punch in a four.
Nice acoustic guitar sound, soft sound but political, authentic, raw In the middle theres a slight durchhänger but overall its nice to listen to, nice slow outro More fast/upbeat start . Nice vocal only track
Other than Fast Car I couldn't name another Tracy Chapman song, so I was curious to listen to this one. None of the other songs are bad, got a strong Heart of Gold vibe from the intro to For My Lover, but nothing else really resonated with me. It is a good album of folk rock that was not a slog to listen to. I wanted to like it more, but it is just not music that I like to listen to. Whether you like it or not, it is clear Chapman is a talented singer and songwriter.
Her voice is like a warm blanket
Fast car Baby can I hold you Mountain o things
Powerful and heartbreaking. What an amazing album.
nice - very laid back singing style
fast cars is pretty brilliant and i hate to be a jerk but really this record is a bit on the nose
Super good
top songs: fast car really cool album just not sure if i would ever listen to it again
When I was in high school I had a punk rock friend who had a leather jacket with "TRACY CHAPMAN IS THE ANTICHRIST!" scrawled across the back. I don't know if he thought that was a good or bad thing. Anyway, Tracy is alright with me. 3/5 #84
Decent but I wasn’t blown away. I’ve always loved Tracy’s voice and she does really well on this album with that. Songs topics are political and interesting, but I think the lack of catchiness/melodies let the album down a bit. 7/10
Good but dull.
No complaints
Scho legendär und ufe und abe glosed. Hüt seits mer nümme gliich vill.
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
OMMGG SO READYYY die erste paar lieder sind 10/10, mag mich aber nümme so ah die 2. hälfti erinnere ihri stimm iach eifach fantastisch talking bout a revolution gitmer au wieder so es heimeligs gfühl fast car hetmer natürlich gnueg hüfig ghört aber es isch jedeees mal soo herzerwärmend, für mich v.a. wenns schlagzüg nomal richtig innechunnt mitem drivin, drivin across the lines gaht au eifach DIREKT IS HERZ WIE SIE SINGT OMG ich bin so nöd ready für behind the wall😭 würkli han across the lines gad nomal müsse lose, unglaublich guets lied LAST NIGHT I HEARD THE SCREAMING baby can I hold you findi zwar au schön aber ischmer schochli zuu kitschig leider find de beat vo mountain of things so villschichtig she's got her ticket hani jz sooo voll ok gfundr aber nöd meh why isch fast scho depressing mite berechtigte frage wo sie stellt :( if not now isch wieder so schön, ihri tüfe lage sind so fucking schön jaa die zweit hälfti hani würkli weniger packend gfunde, wenn au immerno sehr schön, ellei für die erste 5 lieder muss es 5i geh
Tracy Chapman’s self-titled debut arrives like a solemn sermon whispered through an acoustic guitar—stripped-down, heartfelt, and heavy with purpose. It’s the kind of record that demands to be listened to in silence, the Very Serious kind of silence. “Talkin’ Bout a Revolution” kicks things off with a simmering urgency that defines much of what follows, while “Fast Car,” the standout, pairs a hypnotic riff with lyrics so stark they’ll leave you quietly wrecked. Chapman’s voice is clear and haunting, a vessel for pain, hope, and social conscience—but sometimes the weight drags. “Baby Can I Hold You” offers a rare, if modest, emotional breather, unburdened by politics, and the curious “Mountains O’ Things” and reggae-tinged “She’s Got Her Ticket” show her experimenting just enough to keep things from going grayscale. It’s a thoughtful debut, if a bit too reverent for its own good.
This album was a favourite when i was in my teens … listened again and I still love it (but not quite 5 stars)
A great debut album, thought she would be a big star. I read that she was very successful, but I don't remember any of her music. My bad.
i like it!! summer’s vibes,
Adore Tracy Chapman on a molecular level
Legendary
Beautiful, at it's best when really pared back.
platitudinous, but charming. very pleasant voice and soft instrumentation.
Not really my style of music, but she has a nice voice. This is a good length for this type of music too, any longer and I think it would have suffered. Low 4.
Easily one of the best singer-songwriter records I’ve come across on this entire list. I enjoyed every song and I was particularly impressed with the balance of the personal and the political. Heartfelt, urgent, soulful. I have no issues with this album, and I’ll be coming back to it for sure. Must-listen #149.
Great
5/5. Tracy Chapman! Actually an album I’ve bought. Love her voice, love her songs and intensity. “Fast Car” is one of the best songs ever and I loved the duet she did at the Grammys a few years back. Classic.
Very heavy, couple of listen-on-repeat songs
Did not listen to this yesterday. However, this is one of my favorite albums of all time.
Apparently all you have to do to write folk music is tell some bland story, mumble some surface-level thought about social justice, and optionally make the lyrics rhyme. "Why?" Was by far the worst song.
ery personal. I like the 80s sound of the drums and the reverb used on the voice.
Good album. I could listen to it again.
Really enjoy her voice
What a beautiful record. What a beautiful voice. I’ve genuinely only ever heard “Fast Car” from this album before, I am starting to regret that fact. I don’t believe there’s any bad songs on this record, and the style is so dynamic and engaging. This is one of those records that demands your attention without ever feeling overbearing or aggressive. Tracy Chapman’s voice is just so stunning, her vocal style is soft and smooth, but there’s this occasional vibrato that packs a real emotional punch. It’s funny that an album can be so chock full of political and social commentary without ever coming off as preachy or obnoxious. That seems to be a rare talent. I really enjoyed listening to this album, and I’ll likely listen to it again. 4.5*
Wow... what a fantastic album. I was familiar with "Fast Car" and "Give Me One Reason", which are both immaculate records, but had never listened to a full album from Tracy Chapman. Her self-titled debut is full of substance beyond her most popular single and absolutely does not disappoint. To begin, the merits of her voice alone are worth highlighting. In the two singles mentioned above, Chapman works in a beautiful, rich contralto that is probably her "signature" sound, but on this album there is quite a bit of range. It's beautifully soft and airy on "Across the Lines" and "Baby Can I Hold You". Overall the breadth from tenderness to power in her vocals on this album are really impressive and wonderful to listen to. Something else I loved about this album is that it balances, in my opinion very successfully, the personal and the societal. It feels like a protest album at its heart but is interspersed with beautiful love songs, often tinged with at least a bit of sadness. It's a balance that I think makes the album feel more sincere, makes it less one-note for the listener, and lightens the mood a bit compared to an album that's all songs about war and poverty and racial injustice and domestic violence and other terrible things. Some songs like "Behind the Wall" and "For My Lover", and to some extent "Fast Car", mix the two themes a bit to great effect. This is the best new album I've gotten from the list in a while and will be in heavy rotation for the next couple weeks. Excited to listen to more of her albums. Playlist pick: I want to go with "Mountains O' Things", "For My Lover", or "For You", but it simply has to be "Fast Car".
Simple songs, with great song writing. Sunday album 4/5
Pure, authentic, heartbreaking at times
i want to hurt the op of the "secretary rock" rating. it's a modern revival of the folksy political commentary of the anti-vietnam war era. let the woman be softspoken in expressing her discontent goddamn it. behind the wall hits like a ton of bricks with just the vocals and no instrumental. i think if i had a million dollars by the barenaked ladies is a cheapo rip off of mountains o things lol. she was a college student dreaming of social and political change with a guitar and a dream, and i love her for it.
4.5/5 Overall excellent with important social justice messages. -0.5 because I found some of the songs too sappy for my taste.
First 2 tracks? 6. The rest? 2.
Ok acoustic stuff
She’s magic. Fast Car are you kidding me?? Baby Can I Hold You Tonight???
Some truly haunting and beautiful stuff on here. The rest is okay.
Tracy Chapman's voice is simply beautiful. The music wouldn't be what I would normally go for but the pureness of voice elevates it to a higher level.
Great singer songwriter musicianship. Lyrics that are poignant and never corny. Super authentic. Not my speed.
Perfect
2.0/5.0: Disappointing
this is not the type of music i like but tracy does an incredible job making it a compelling listen.
incredible album!!
Started off strong with two songs I was very familiar with and absolutely love ! Unfortunately for me, the rest of the album didn’t really live up to expectations based on the first two tracks. Don’t get me wrong it was still good and I still very much enjoyed it. I do feel that there’s a reason why those two songs were the only ones I’d heard from the album! 73/100
I've heard most of these songs as either covers or on the radio in the wild. I feel like I had whiplash with some of the more somber songs but it was much needed. Its EXCELLENT and everyone should definitely take a listen to this album at least once.
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
lesbian excellence. such strong songwriting and a voice unlike any other
Wanted to hear this for a while, so glad to finally have. Its really great, VERY ahead of its time singer-songwriter stuff, I can see how this has influenced SO much of modern pop and I guess Indie music. Vocally amazing, while not always being totally conventional, which I like. The lyrics are great, often very surreal and artsy, but also very deep and political. Instrumentals are fine, very simple. Favourite songs: Talkin' bout a revolution, fast car, across the lines, why?, for my lover, if not now... Overall around 8/10
Favourite: Mountains O’ Things; Why? Rating: 4/5
Great album, great political messaging, and a lovely soulful sound overall. Fast Cars is an incredible track, restrained yet powerful, letting its hook play out softly between verses. Talkin' Bout a Revolution and For My Lover are two other big highlights. The music, sonically, isn't anything extraordinary for the late 80s - apart from shaking off the extremely hit-or-miss production that came with the new wave and electronic generation. Chapman's singing is really good and ties the whole sound nicely together. Solid album length too. 36 minutes is pretty much perfect in my eyes. The artwork reminds me of a proto-Miseducation album, which is probably partly true - Lauryn Hill's material does sound inspired from Chapman's. The guy who wrote the "secretary rock" review needs to get off his high horse. Reiterating one weak point over and over ("it's for women, I'm not a woman, wahh") based on the genre rather than the strengths and quirks of the artist is silly - and goes against the point of this project. Man really said "Music with a female vocalist that's easy to listen to? Better give it a low rating." ..."No dissonance"? Okay. Most music doesn't have dissonance, and that doesn't stop it from sounding great. "Very weak eroticism"? Fine. The vast majority of music doesn't attempt to be erotic, and I would argue that's a good thing. "It lacks any bite"? Boy, have you seen the lyrics? And this guy has the gall to claim that Chapman is advocating only for "better school and hospitals" (instead of, you know, racial discrimination, police violence, inequality of pay and employment, housing, healthcare, and so on). People this tone-deaf shouldn't be listening to music at all. I digress. Don't do this project if you aren't willing to understand the context of each record or enjoy music that pushes lyrical boundaries instead of sonic ones. 4/5 Key tracks: Talkin' Bout a Revolution, Fast Car, For My Lover
I get why this has a lot of good ratings. It's not your usual singing about breakups and love album. So I'm not saying the lyrics arent good But I just found this album a bit bland. Apart from Fast Car the songs all kind of blended into eachother, nothing really stood out Very unique voice though 3 ⭐️
Fast Car is so affecting and the way the perspective shifts during the song is quietly devastating. I also absolutely love For My Lover.
Loved it
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.
Insipid MOR bollocks. Like a homeopathic Joni Mitchell.
Great
a delight of an album to listen to. this reminds me of 2016 when the jones brothers made that... cover of the song, and finally seeing how much better the original was. Whole album is wonderful, the messages are just so in your face and honestly we need more of these sorta albums to make people realise injustice. esp now with trump (yuck) in power.
What a beautiful way to discuss the highly systematic issues that are so prevalent in society. Discussing the issues of racial discrimination, domestic violence and wealth inequality whilst balancing the album with songs that showcase how brilliant life can be. Society then and society now can’t understand how prevalent these issues are in society. The way that she chose to use the music with such a simplistic but still fascinating way is exactly how these issues are needed to be shown in. However, the people that actually should listen to her properly are the ones that will discredit her something that today would be regarded as “woke”. I’m just glad that people still listen to this to this day, when these issues are no where near being resolved.
Vilken röst! Men inte det jag skulle lyssna på själv.
Good solid 3/5
really good
FYRE
Nydelig album med sterke låter og fantastisk formidling.
It’s clear from the jump on Tracy Chapman that the singer wanted to bring to light some serious and heavy issues. Realized this is not a typical “pop” album. I only knew Fast Car and I’ve always liked that song so to dive into the full body of work was interesting. Tracy is very concise with her songs, meaning she says what she needs to and you’re in and out in like three minutes. Three other songs really stood out to me besides Fast Car here; Talkin’ Bout A Revolution, For My Lover, and For You. The rest of the album is good. I was afraid I might have an issue with the recording production and the producer making it too slick and sanitized. But, they allowed Chapman’s earnestness and energy to shine through. At first, I leaned towards giving Tracy Chapman a 3 rating but the back half of the album was strong and swayed me up a point. This is a 4 rating for me. 4/5
I wasn’t longing to keep listening to this, but it’s a lovely piece of work. Heavy lyricism music isn’t quite my jam, but respect for her talent!
More variety than expected. Authentic, heartfelt lyrics.
You tend to forget what a great album this is overall. The attention is obviously given to Fast Car - but Talkin' Bout A Revolution, Baby Can I Hold You, For My Lover are also fantastic songs.
nao gostei muito
Listened to it twice. Lyrically it is superb, and tight, no wasted words.
I thoroughly enjoyed this album. The songs are catchy, unique, and I vibe with the message in the lyrics in these songs. I feel like I've heard a few of these before, like the first two songs, but I can't pinpoint where. Overall an enjoyable album and I'd listen to it again.
Talkin bout a revolution works. Fast Car slaps Otherwise pretty okay
Fav: Fast Car..gotta be Vinyl: Yes Notes: Mountains O' Things sounds a helluva lot like an Ed Sheeran arrangement...I always knew that guy was a fraud 😄
Tracy's voice is still unique, and the songwriting is pretty powerful. I remember the year this one came out and some of the conversations this one sparked about the social divide in the country. Sadly, not much has changed in that regard.
Its wonderful how Tracy Chapman can turn her political anger into something so uplifting. Its a small shame that Fast Car, the most repeatable of all the songs here is the only one that lacks a political bent. Despite being emotional, her music is an unambiguously positive force. The front end has the hits and they still feel as fresh as ever. The latter half is less of a rush, but eminently listenable.
Good album, and while it’s not my type of music I can see why it’s a classic
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
It's Tracy Fuckin' Chapman
Aqesome
As fresh as it was in 1988
This was a really smooth album to listen to, enjoyed it a lot.
I had my worries going into this album. None of them were any concerns that the music would be bad, but just... Well, it's a folk singer-songwriter album that addresses social and political causes. Typically, I haven't had too much luck with those — and of course it always comes down to the lyrics. They're usually always just a bit too flowery and dense for my tastes... And, heck, my general understanding. I know these words all **something**, but heck if I can figure it out. I'm no poetry major, y'know? And I don't come to music to decipher poetry anyway. Which, yeah, is a problem I've faced with every folk singer-songwriter album I've come across, but with this one specifically... Well, it felt like not getting it, and thereby not having anything to say about it, would've just felt wrong. Like I was actively doing the album a disservice by not getting it. And, y'know, it's not like I **have** to "get" every album I hear, nor do I even hold that much reverence for Tracy Chapman beyond "being that woman with the really good song Luke Combs covered." But this just feels to me like one of those big, important albums of all time, y'know? Like I **have** to get it, or else... Y'know. It's just my luck, then, that this album isn't that hard to understand. There's no big, deep cut literary references I wouldn't get unless I was an actual English scholar. No, it's all very direct and to the point. Of course there's some embellishments here and there, but it's not like these are Dylan lyrics, y'know? And to the imaginary people in my head would say they're simple as a result — hey, sometimes it's just nice to have messages and themes stated clearly and directly. Especially if you're AuDHD like me. And let's be clear here: how directly understandable these lyrics are is **why** this album is as good and acclaimed as it is. I don't think "Fast Car" would be as world-renowned as it is if its lyrics were all flowery and complicated. Or, heck, "Talkin' Bout A Revolution" wouldn't be as... Well, in 2025 it's pretty tragic, given that we're nearly 40 years away from this album and it still hasn't happened. But seriously, it's a great thing that you don't need a college thesis in order to "get" any of the songs on this album. That's fantastic. And y'know what else is fantastic? Tracy Chapman doesn't have the greatest voice in the world, but for this kind of "truth to power" material, oh, it hits so well. "Behind The Wall" is the specific highlight here, since it features only her voice, and it carries so well for the, like, quietly harrowing story it tells. Goodness. Then there's the instrumentation that's usually behind her voice. With most singer-songwriter folk albums — and I realize, I'm generalizing about them — I don't expect much variety. Either it's a big "singular acoustic guitar" party, or if there are more instruments on the track, they're usually pretty repetitive to keep all of the focus on the lyrics. And I'm not gonna act like that doesn't pop up on this album at all ("Fast Car" had its repeating riff between lyric chunks), there's still way more variety here than I'd normally figure. Hell, I never would've expected "Mountain O' Things" to have this kind of... Island thing going on with it? That's the biggest swing this album takes, but for real, if you played me a buncha random snippets of songs, I'd be able to tell them apart. I can't say that about most folk singer-songwriter albums. So yeah. It's just as good as I'd assumed it was. Like... Dang, y'know? Honestly one of, if maybe not the best, folk singer-songwriter albums I've heard so far. And, yeah, it **is** because it's uncomplicated to my mind, but after as many of these things as my group has gotten in these last 500 albums... It's just nice, y'know.
Not including Fast Car, this is already a pretty damn good selection of folk tracks. But that track just make the album a complete package. 4.5 bumped up to 5.
I’m at a 10. This is our group’s 500th album, and I truly cannot think of a better one to get. Obviously, some level of personal bias would have adored to get, say, “Thriller” or “Songs in the Key of Life”, but this feels like the perfect album at the perfect time, and I’m so, so very grateful that the randomizer has dropped this one to be the big halfway mark. Going in, I knew it was the one with “Fast Car”, and that’s really about it. Tracy Chapman’s entire legacy is made by that song alone. Very rarely can you call something a “perfect track”, but if there ever was one, “Fast Car” is that. It’s transcendentally good. With that said, the rest of the album is absolutely spectacular. As far as my ability to write anything that can do any of these songs the justice they deserve, I don't think I can do it at an individual level. Frankly, you could probably write an entire essay about each track on this album, and it would be a fascinating read. I do, however, have broad strokes – I think the social messaging present throughout this album consists of some of the most sadly prescient lyrics I’ve ever heard, made all the worse by the fact that we haven’t really done a damn thing about it for 37 years. Perhaps it’s those political undertones that leave me somewhat wordless, as I think Tracy Chapman presents them here in such a clear & digestible way – these are really easy to understand, & these are songs that were so desperately needed in 1988 that it makes this album’s popularity just as easy to understand. It also makes the current state of everything in 2025 all the more baffling, as we’ve strayed far, far beyond the empathy and hope this album tries to portray, even in its most grieving moments. As far as the instrumentation goes, I have positive comparisons; lots of R.E.M.-esque soundscapes, hints of Matchbox 20, Bob Marley, and oddly, Peter Gabriel, especially on “Mountains o’ Things”. I think these are perfect types of soft soundscapes to let the lyricism shine through, perhaps at its brightest on a purely acapella track like “Behind the Wall”, or the brilliantly defiant closer that is “For You”. It’s the exact sort of style that I tend to gravitate towards for heavier albums like this, and I love every track’s instrumentation here because of it (though perhaps there could’ve been just a hint more to “She’s Got Her Ticket”). Those are my broad strokes though, and my broad strokes aren’t able to paint the picture this album so clearly lays out. I can’t do it justice; you just have to listen to it for yourself. I’ll grant this, as a sort of concedement – I do think if you listen to this without giving the lyrics their due, then this will not hit in the same way. Hell, if you listen to this without the right amount of empathy, it’ll feel like empty platitudes for worst-case scenarios, but that’s the sort of defeatism that this album tries to push back against. That’s literally the entire point of “Fast Car”. At the very worst, I think this album has the floor of a 4, and I can totally understand why. As far as my tastes goes, it has truly everything that I could want in an album, and I’m at a 10 for that very reason. It’s 36 minutes of socially conscious brilliance, and I truly can’t believe I haven’t given Tracy Chapman the full extent of her flowers until now. It really is the perfect way to mark the halfway point. I can’t wait to get some awful bullshit tomorrow.
Muy buen disco, temon Baby i can hold you y if not now, ademas de fast car. Inspirada Tracy
An absolutely fantastic album, I wish some of the other tracks had as much love as ‘Fast Cars’ does. Highlights for me was ‘For My Lover’, ‘For You’ and ‘Across the Lines’.
A solid listen that covers a breadth of heavy social and personal topics. Some of the songs hit harder than others, but Tracy's rich alto voice is a constant throughout. Would give a 3.5. Standout track: Across the Lines
# Album Name: Tracy Chapman # Artist: Tracy Chapman # Rating: 5/5 # Comments: Great album. Thoroughly enjoyed TC's voice and acoustic driven soul. Theres several big songs on this as well. But importantly, the album is sprinkled with good content. Low 5 for me. # Top Tunes: Revolution / fast car / across the lines / behind the wall / baby can i hold you / why # Would I listen to it again? Yes
I can’t really get into this. This is radio music for a car I don’t want to be in. Boring and doesn’t make me want to tube into the lyrics, which are apparently worth listening to.
Enjoyed it. Nothing crazy but had a few songs that left an impression. 3/5
Lempparit: Fast Car, Baby Can I Hold You
Whoa this was so good
En klassiker. Minns så väl när den kom. Den golvade oss då i slutet av 80-talet. Och den är fortfarande relevant nu nästan 40 år senare. Femma!
Basically a meme at this point but no denying Fast Car is a banger. First track is good too. The rest feels a bit more like spoken word poetry. Light 4.
Haven’t heard this in a very long time. What a great album. Heartfelt songs all the way through. Nice that she’s being “rediscovered “ now by a new audience.
Wow this was powerful. The righteous indignation resonated with me, and the music itself complimented her lyrics well. Some of these songs hit like a gut punch. I now feel the strong urge to listen to everything she’s ever written, and if that doesn’t get an album a 5 idk what could.
Being someone who doesn't always pay the most attention to lyrics makes it a bit difficult to really fall in love with a lot of folk albums, for which the lyrics are a big deal. Of course, even *I* know a perfect song when I hear one, and this album starts out with two of them.
Just impeccable
A bit sad and slow, but good
I’m glad “Fast Car” made a comeback so that a new generation gets to enjoy Tracy Chapman.
Tracey Chapman was talking about me on my drive back to my apt from work on Fridays when she wrote fast car
One of the most powerful live performance videos I’ve seen is when Tracy Chapman, very early on in her career, had to fill in for Stevie Wonder at a festival in Wembley, and just the total command she had over the thousands of people watching. That’s what this album is: it demands your complete attention for its short runtime and you daren’t even breathe. Beautiful stuff.
Very beautifully composed record and presented very tastefully. It touches on subjects that are important and delivers in a gentle, yet provocative way. This was really nice.
Flawless
fantastic folk album with introspective lyrics. great debut.
I was familiar with fast car. Didnt love the songs althoigh they are nice
I think this album really excels in its simplicity. The voice is nice and expressive and tells compelling messages. The accompanying instrumentation does a good job supporting the vocals and is relatively simple, not overstepping the main driving force of the songs. The songs are all pretty relaxing and laid back and is great for casual listening.
Good
I never knew who the artist of Fast Car was. pretty cool
Fast Car is one of the greatest songs ever written in my opinion. It was also very cool that she released it when she did. Honestly, it's cool she released the whole album when she did. I absolutely love Fast Car even though I've heard it so many times over the years. There are a few other tracks on this record that are very good but honestly most of the album doesn't quite grab me.
This is pure gold. The song writing, the composition, the lyrics, the vocals. I love all of it. Some songs are hard to listen to, others are dreamy and vibrant. More than anything, Tracy paints a picture with her music. It’s easy to get lost in her storytelling and totally sucked in. It’s like reading a novel.
Good but I prefer her album "New Beginning"
One of the reviews called this secretary music FFS! Have you even listened to the lyrics? Stone cold 5 star classic with not a single bad song and only 36 minutes long! This is how you make an album.
Beautiful.
3 stars for fast car. The rest was good but didn't hook me like that one
This is a great album, but I'll be ranking all these albums hard. The back half I enjoyed more than the front due to the more complex sound though the lyricism stayed strong throughout. Little slow and sometimes boring. Standout track: mountain o things
I own this but haven’t listened to it in so long.Very solid album! Only song that didn’t do it for me was the last track, For You. She was all about saying damn the man.
Beautiful vocals, beautiful lyrics and an all round beautiful album.
Meh 3/5
Enjoyable album, but nothing really stuck out from it.
Shame that it’s as relevant some 30 years on. The voice and guitar sound make it as accessible today as then too. Fantastic sound, not a record I know but going to change that, 4 Star.
Beautiful story telling and voice, just a very good album.
Profound lyrics and beautiful melodies, but I just don't like listening to Tracy Chapman's voice. I will give three stars in recognition of her talent as a songwriter, though.
Where there's a Fast Car, there's a magic feeling.
C'est doux, c'est folk
really good
really good after the first listen, will probably get even better with every listen
Classic album with 2 really great hits.
I have come to truly appreciate this more than I ever expected
Vackert singer - songwriter album. Vacker röst och en gitarr, man behöver int mera
Debut album. Many producers turned her down. Eventually it got done and became one of the biggest selling albums ever. Talkin Bout a Revolution has great lyrics and vocals. The whole album does really. Baby Can I Hold You is beautiful and the classic track Fast Car is just wonderful. Behind the Wall is an acapella song about DV. Why? Is a very good political and social track. Amazing album.
Unbelievable. Fast Car is the obvious hit, but every song is delightful. Depressing album lyrically but powerful and diverse sonically — has everything from a capella
Good soulful messages
What an amazing ability to story tell and really pull at the heart. Very easy listening, which in part is due to Tracy's amazing voice. It gets a little samey at some points but I can't really complain. Love the run time of the album too. Nothing feels forced at all. Will definitely be revisiting this often.
3.2
Good album, strong songs, folky protest. The sadness is that all the issue she was singing about thirty years ago are just as pertinent and potent today. Will listen again.
Good album.
Talkin’ Bout a Revolution For My Lover
S meischte esch scho rächt guet inklusive es paar banger, jedoch esch zom Teil e chli wierds züg debi won ech jetzt ned so verstoh und halt relativ ruhig wasi zwar ned ongärn ha, aber ned grad so fescht.
Some classic songs, but ultimately a bit monotoneous
I really like Tracy Chapman’s voice.
A few lovely songs in there but the consistency of this across the whole album isn’t there for me. But beautiful vocals!!
Loooved this, can't wait to listen to it again.
Норм
She’s so good, as others have said the lyrics are just as poignant today. I would like to add that the one reviewer dismissing anything women like as “secretary rock” should keep those sentiments between himself and the other members of No Ma’am
Amazing album. All of the songs on this album deserve as much recognition as Fast Car. A unique blend of genres, with some raw, cutting lyrics. Chapman’s delivery is everything. Stand outs: Tallin’ Bout a Revolution, Fast Car, Behind the Wall, Mountains O’Things, Baby Can I Hold You, Why?, If Not Now…, For You. Pretty much the whole album, what can I say, it’s that good
Mild background blues, used in soundtracks for a reason.
Timeless
Album is quality from start to finish. Not normally my style but definitely a solid album. At times sounds almost like a 2010-ish indie rock era album, which is impressive for an album from 1988.
Tra-a-a-a-cy chapman.
Good
A song like Fast Car due to it’s commercial success has seen and continues to experience a lot of air play. Which in some cases with similarly regularly heard songs become forgettable because of hearing them so frequently. However Fast Car is always a day stopper for me, this songs delivers pain, hardship and hope all wrapped up in one song- excellent. The whole album is packed with emotion, troubles, love, & protest in a very powerful way. Lyrics almost 40 years old now, still (sadly) very relevant & musically it’s aged relatively well. I’d say it’s a 5 folks!
The pain The agony Dripping from The songs Instrumentally brilliant Brilliantly instrumental
pleasant music - brilliant voice - wow
Fajne
90/100. Stunning songwriting with tracks that carry beautiful meanings, addressing inequality in the world. For a debut album, this was absolutely mind-blowing.
Oof
I enjoyed it, but probably not enough to listen again. Favourite tracks: Talking About a Revolution, Fast Car, Mountains O’ Things
First time listening to this all the way thru, being obviously very familiar with Fast Car. The stripped down coffeehouse feel of the album is great, it makes you realize how much Fast Car is doing with really minimal instrumentation.
Talkin' Bout a Revolution - Cute, catchy and I'm a fan of her voice. 8/10 Fast Car - I mean...it's such a main character moment of a song. 10/10 Across the Lines - It was a good song, nothing too remarkable I could pick. 7/10 Beyond the Wall - Kind of a interlude kind of song. I actually like it, acapella style. 9/10 Baby can I hold You - This actually pops off. I know this went fucking hard in the 80s. 10/10 Mountain O' Things - I really like this groove. 10/10 She's got her Ticket - I forgot what i was going to say, but it was a good song. 7/10 Why? - I enjoy this song a lot, has a fun melody. 8/10 For my Lover - I really like this song. Gives me The Highway Man energy. 9/10 If not now... - This gave me very nice feelings, I like the vibe of the song. 9/10 For You - This is a really nice ending to the album. I really like this. 9/10 Overall: 8.72 - A great album. As a debut album it shows off such a strong songwriter and a powerful independence that I'm sure only matures as her artistry progressed.
Love, war, and truth
great selection of music. fast car is fantastic
Went into this album having only ever listened to fast car. Don't think I was in the right mood to listen to this album and will definitely listen to it again in the future. I need to look into tracy chapmans politics as the lyrics were pretty powerful. Talkin bout a revolution, fast car, and behind the wall really stood out to me. For now I'll give this album a 3/5 but will likely change that in the future.
Fast Car is such a GEM!
Tracy Chapman - S/T A light 4 for me, took a couple of listens for the fairly subtle arrangements to grab me but there’s something undeniable about the songwriting here. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Feels ahead of its time for 1988. Like this would’ve smashed in 2004 just as hard. Trendsetter.. also some somes with no instruments. Her voice is that good. Some interesting songs too. Kinda like Mr morale and big steppers where he really gets creative with a few story telling songs. Honestly really beautiful. Lots of range. Beautiful voice and intstruments. Can really play it front to back and it’ll be well received in most places.
A bit quiet and melancholic
Some familiar iconic songs but a few duds in there too.
This music is simply not for me, in every sense of that phrase.
Fav songs: Fast Car--who doesn't like this song; For My Lover I remember when Fast Car came out and it was playing everywhere. I wasn't into it as an 11yo but it has grown on me as an adult. It's a great song. I feel like TC became accidentally famous and it wasn't something she really wanted. At least we all got a great song. The album is super easy to listen to and the songs do not blend together. It's not generally my thing but it isn't bad either. I really like her singing style.
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.
5/5 - A devastating series of personal observations where the promise of America is wholly undelivered to a large segment of our population. Each song laments in very straightforward and simple phrasing what should be but isn’t the reality for many people in the land of the free. The saddest part is that all the pathos of social and economic injustice in 1988, when America was at an economic peak, is even more bleakly present in 2025 as we stumble towards a precipice.
Really liked it!! Such a nice, calming yet still very deep album.
A handful of amazing songs and some meh songs
Niks voor mij, helaas.
Absolutely first rate. Fast Car was highly overplayed in my opinion, but the album is fantastic. And with time, Fast Car has come back to be the hit it always was. Don't skip a track.
Ok
Poignant
The unbelievable voice of Tracy Chapman! God, she's so good. I remember singing along to Fast Car as a child, as if I had any understanding of hardship. As an adult, the sadness mixed with hope, is so much more poignant. If only we really could get in a fast car and have a feeling like we belong. This is a short, tight album at only 36 minutes. Behind the Wall was a surprise - haunting. Baby, Can I Hold You was a meh spot - but considering the play count on Spotify, I'm the only one who thinks this.
Tracy Chapman is a once in a lifetime voice, by every definition, and Fast Car is one of the best songs of all time. I'm failing to find the words I want right now, but she inspires me so much, and this is a hell of an album from a hell of an artist.
Zoom zoom
A glorious protest record from the 90s. It’s a shame that it’s still relevant.
Tracy Chapman’s debut album is a powerful mix of soul, folk, and social commentary. Her alto voice is warm and steady — the kind of voice that instantly pulls you in. I grew up hearing “Fast Car” constantly on the radio, and even though it’s the big hit, the rest of the album proves she’s far from a one-song wonder. “Behind the Wall” is a chilling a cappella track that still gives me goosebumps, and “Why?” keeps that thread of activism going with some biting questions about injustice. There are several really strong songs here, both musically and lyrically. It’s a thoughtful, emotional album that holds up decades later. Favorite song: "Fast Car"
The highs are so insanely high on this. There are a couple of forgettable songs but overall this is an essential album. 4.5/5
Another banger, two in a row!
”Don't ya know They're talking about a revolution? It sounds like a whisper” I mean yeah, it describes itself perfectly. A pleasant whisper I suppose, but then again that might be counterintuitive.
talkin' bout a revolution - really good, like the instrumentation on this fast car - know the cover of this song, knew at some point that it was a cover, but had never heard the original... it's great. a little long, but I liked this one. not sure on if I like the cover or this original better, luke combs did a great job at this song, but they are both great! across the lines - great song behind the wall - another great song, I'm sure that these were greatly important when they came out baby can i hold you - another good song, no misses so far mountains o' things - great she's got her ticket - good why - really good, like the instrumental and slightly faster pace of this one for my lover - love this one, great instrumental, great lyrics, great performance (favorite) if not now - definitely heard this before, great song for you - great closing track, great overall song my general thoughts so far are that this is one of those albums that has no skips or bad songs, but still isn't a 10/10 for me personally. There's something about it that while I'm listening to each song, I know that they are good, high quality songs, but there's still something that's not clicking with me personally... a song "give me one reason" from her album New Beginning came on right after this one, and I liked it more than all but maybe one or two from this album, so maybe this one just wasn't for my ears. Again, these songs were all great and its a high quality incredible project, but maybe just not for me. I'd give it probably an 8.5/10
This was really good. I like pretty much the entire album but wasn’t a massive fan of the more generic radio ahh songs like behind the wall but they were still good. Favourites were talking about a revolution, across the lines, why?, mountain of things and she’s got her ticket. Which is quite a lot of highlights which reflects in the rating. Also, the overall messages on these songs were powerful which is why I wasn’t a massive fan on the ones which were more simplified love songs. Overall, 8/10.
Partially listened before Favourite tracks: Fast Car, Across the Lines, Talkin 'Bout A Revolution
This is #day242 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... it's been a hell of a week. I've been moving apartments, running around transporting stuff, so I'm exhausted and anxious. It's the third time this year I've had to listen to an album the next day instead of the day I got it. Kind of a cheat, right? This way, I end up listening to two albums a day. But hey, I'm just catching up... As I write this, the place is fucking chaos—boxes everywhere. Mountains O' Things, if you will (pun un/intended). But my wife and I always get it together, so fingers crossed it happens sooner rather than later. The album itself? Well, she's definitely got the vocals and a peculiar delivery. The instrumentation seems out of place for the year the album was released, which is fun. Across The Lines is my highlight. This is a 3 out of 5. Looking forward to #day243.
Talkin' 'bout a Revolution" is great. "Fast Car" is great. "Behind the Wall" being acapella is... a choice. "Baby Can I Hold You" is great. 4/5
The Good: Album named after the artist… again The Bad: Nothing really… The Ugly: I am not going to say it… Like most people of my generation, we heard Fast Car first, and then we probably heard one more tune of the album, and then we forgot about Tracy… Paint me pleased and happy when I listened to this album from start to finish… Though I don’t like songs that are too political, Tracy just get’s away with it. The songs, as many have pointed out in their ratings, have stood the test of time… and even regretfully, it seems that Tracy was not able to make much of an impact on how society treats its citizens… Personally, I feel bad that I never really paid attention to Tracy her work, and I am glad that this is, rightfully so, on this list, as it will now be part of my 5* list for sure! Go on Tracy, tell me about the revolution!
Amazing album! Powerful lyrics, easy listening, nice variety of melodies.
This album was a smart listen, musically interesting, and Chapman is very talented. For me, personally, it is unfortunately not the sum of its parts. I simply can't put my finger on it, but there is just something that turns me off of the record. It's one of those albums your friends enjoy and swear by and you know they aren't wrong about it at all. It just isn't for you. I may have sung a different tune had I been older and heard it upon release (I was 2), but in 2025 I just can't sign on for this one. Perhaps that is my ultimate takeaway - like a movie that is just too old to hold your interest, it is a highly respectable pass for me.
Had this album when I was young and I enjoy all of it, it’s more than cars! More good songs!
Decent album. Fast Car is a great song.
Such an easy 5 for me
Excellent, if a bit short. Lovely vocal work and instrumentals. 'Fast Car' is such a great and easily my fave!
Absolutely sublime, what a special, individual and great voice. I know of fast car but never gave the full album the attention it deserves. 8.5/10
Singer-songwriter done well, although sort of depressing how true these songs ring almost 40 years later.
dit is zo'n verborgen pareltje... kende dit toevallig door mijn vrouw... zelf meer fan van het hardere genre, maar deze kan mij toch bekoren
fast car is so peak. idk how i've never heard it before, it literally has a billion streams this might be my favorite singer songwriter album, i love the songwriting on this so much. great album, idk how i've never heard of her. Side a is crazy good, side b is a bit weaker
Fast Car is great but so are other songs on here as well. Good album.
I liked Fast Car, and if the rest had been anywhere near as good this would have been a solid 4, maybe even a 5. Alas, this but a humble 3.
Not bad. Simpsons: No
Really liked this. Especially Baby can I hold you and she's got her ticket. Would mabye make a 5 star after another couple of listens.
Good shit. Hit pretty hard.
sad vibes. - fast car
This is a beautiful album with a unique sound
Beautiful album, no skippable songs.
Chilled, soulful vibes. A lot of the songs sounded similar, but flowed well together. Tracy tells a good story. ‘Fast Car’ is obviously iconic.
This album was definitely not made for me. Album Cover: 5/10 Top Songs: Fast Car Behind the Wall
wow, pretty powerful
This is who wrote fast car?
Pretty solid album, I thought it might be a bit samey but there was enough variety in there to keep things interesting
I found this album to be very boring.
Wow, more than the car
This is a spell-binding piece of art. Her voice, clarion calls for justice, and that guitar. Hard to believe she was just 23, there’s so much wisdom here.
Decent
3.7
Wow, what a great record. Outside of Fast Car, I don't think I had heard any of these songs before, but this is definitely going in the rotation. 8/10
Those first three tracks are peak mom-core, but afterwards it delves right into very average, very 80's mom-core.
Obviously the amazing song "Fast Car" is on this album. That song alone is top notch. Overall, a decent album. Not my favourite, but still was good to listen to while working.
Super album Great voice. Awesome music. And lyrics that have good meaning and insight into the world.
Fantastic start to finish. Few songs that didn't grip me as much to warrant a 5 but great record!
Some really beautiful songs but I don't think I'll go back to it, so it's a 3
Enjoyed it but can't say I'm likely to listen to it again
Nice album and clearly a talented musician but the songs didn’t grab me and I doubt I’ll return to it
3 1/2 stars
Alltid syntes Fast Car e sånn passe irriterande
4* 87%
Love this one. Fast Car, Behind the Wall…so beautiful with such sad themes. I’d forgotten what a great album this is.
Love her voice. Fast Cars is one of my favourite songs ever. Liked a lot of songs on this album.
obviously Fast Car is 10/10. the rest of the album very 90s but I liked it! Improves on re-listen as well. Just an immense amount of talent.
I’m always shocked that this came out in the 80s. timeless and very solid all around
Folk/singer song writer og også lidt politisk. Det er meget råt, simpelt og tidsløs, kom ud i 80’erne som var domineret af synths osv.
Amazing songwriter and voice, and sub phenomenal songs
Very impressive debut, and it opens with possibly the two biggest hits of Tracy Chapman's career. The rest of the album never quite reaches those heights again, so having it be that front-loaded is a bit of a double-edged sword. That said, the rest is fine, just not as good. 'Behind the Wall' being acapella really makes the message stand out Standouts Talkin' Bout a Revolution Fast Car Behind the Wall 4/5
So good. An honest and authentic folk rock album with a distinctive vocal that sticks with you long after it is finished.
Beautiful melodies and moving storytelling.
Mix of good and not so good songs.
- Behind the Wall broke me. - Had no idea she wrote Baby Can I Hold you - much better version. - Fast Car not the best song on the album (in my opinion)
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.
A really mature album, lyrically and musically. Thought-provoking and powerful lyrics overlayed with tender guitar melodies and incredible vocals. First half of the album is nearly perfect, but the second half does start to taper a bit in quality; it's still good, but not great like the first 5 tracks. Top tracks: Fast Car, Behind the Wall, Baby Can I Hold You
there was a story to be told and she did it quite well 3.5/5
Not for me.
3.5/5. The top half was excellent and of course Fast Car is timeless. The back half of the album didn’t do as much for me.
Loved. Icon
Some classics on here. Enjoyable but not sure I'll listen again.
Sucker for a cheesy love song by a lesbian icon.
I don't like 'Fast Car' anyway, but this album is very much not for me. It's far too boring and the production is terribly dated. I think it's the first album I couldn't finish?
I knew that she had written Fast Car, but didn't know her work besides that. I enjoyed her vocals on this album.
This is a great album that I enjoy every time I listen to it! I liked it more when I was younger.
This is an unequivocal 5 star album. Great song writing, great singing, great instrumentation, great recording and production.
solid album! so simple in instrumentation but so complex in lyrics and voice. tracy is awesome.
Solid 4.
Yes!!!!! Music!!!!!!!!!!!
Favourite: Behind the wall or Why
Love, her voice is just so good. fav = for my lover
***A good album, some tracks sound alike
Enjoyed it, political, and great voice
Good album. Came out when I was in high school. It was a good listen.
Ok
в целом - норм, но не в моем вкусе. прослеживается вайб музыки для романтических комедий...