Reviews (page 8 of 15)
Great voice. Never got credit, and acknowledgment that she deserved. Some great songs. It’s an honor when others sing your songs, and takes them to number one.
Hated Fast Car when I was 16. At 53 I’m upset with my younger self for not realizing how beautiful this album is.
I never really pay attention to lyrics but it's really hard to overlook the masterful storytelling and poignancy of every track in this album. These are the kind of lyrics that make you wanna drop whatever you're doing just to make sure you're hearing every word.
The album starts with Talking about a revolution and Fast car, which is a great strong start. I like the other tracks too, so I'll give it 4/5
Astounding.
What a voice album is great.
A lovely Wednesday listen. Have never listened to this album all the way through but god Tracey is good, and such a trailblazer. Fast Car obviously god tier but I also really enjoyed Why? and Baby can I hold you.
Lovely album
Iconic! Endlich mal eine Frau, eine Gute!
a beautiful album that fights against the injustices of the world
This was a really challenging record for me, as I had never heard anything from this record beyond "Fast Cars". I expected Chapman's lyrics to be more autobiographical, but surprisingly, Chapman is more of an observer.
SO I REMEMBER WHEN WE WERE DRIVING, DRIVING IN YOUR CAR SPEED SO FAST IT FELT LIKE I WAS DRUNK CITY LIGHTS LAY OUT BEFORE US AND YOUR ARM FELT NICE WRAPPED 'ROUND MY SHOULDER AND I-I HAD A FEELING THAT I BELONGED I-I HAD A FEELING I COULD BE SOMEONE (Heard it before. Wonderful album. 4/5)
Chapman’s discography was (allegedly) never better than her debut, a claim I’ve yet to verify myself. But some go further to say that even within her debut, nothing could match Fast Car. And yes, it’s the standout on the record, and certainly my favourite if I had to choose. But this album isn’t just a mish-mash of supporting tracks, it’s a genuine heartfelt compendium of songwriting. Opening with the subtle call-to-arms of Talkin’ Bout a Revolution, and of course followed up by the stratospheric strumming of Fast Car, such subsequent tracks as Behind the Wall, a no-nonsense near-spoken word track taking domestic abuse head-on, Mountains O’ Things, the other track above 4 minutes, and For My Lover, with the second-best chorus on the record, are not to be dismissed.
9/10 Favorite Tracks: All of them Least favorite: None
Tracy's voice is everything. And "Fast Car" is somehow even better than I remembered, which is saying something since I hear it on the radio pretty constantly.
Okay, other than the fact that I don't like the song Fast Car (and I hate that cover which is constantly on the radio) i quitr liked this album. Tracy Chapman has a great voice, which is nicely complimented by slightly ascetic guitar sounds. Definitely my favourite song is the opening track - Talkin' 'bout a revolution. Rest of the record holds a quite high standard, so very enjoyable 36 minutes (minus Fast Car).
Ja die stem, fantastisch he. Goed album, maar geen vijf sterren ofzo. Fast Car blijft een banger en Baby Can I Hold You is ook echt een underrated nummer. 3.8
really good
Never has an album been more deserving of the renewed recognition this one is getting.
Depressing but good
I have no idea why every Boomer Dad was so into this record. It’s kind of insane, when you think about it. Like, a bunch of white cishet middle managers in the suburbs were vibing to a black lesbian’s folk songs about revolution? Crazy!!! The ‘80s were fucking crazy!! Anyway, Tracy Chapman’s self-titled is still a very good debut album. I think the first 4 tracks justify its inclusion alone, and justify a strong rating. After that, it does start to wobble a little bit, as the synths on “Baby Can I Hold You” and vocal choices on “Mountains o’ Things” both feel very of their time. I think the back half has some strong cuts, particularly “Why?,” but it never reaches the heights of “Talkin’ ‘bout a Revolution,” let alone “Fast Car.” That doesn’t mean anything here is bad– actually, all of it is great– but I think Tracy Chapman’s debut is a bit overhyped in popular memory, especially since her critical reevaluation over the last 2ish years. To me, people today in 2024 and people back in the day in 1988 may have been overly kind to this record. When I first heard it in the early 2000s while picking through my Dad’s CD collection, the consensus was that it’s an incredibly strong album with high high peaks and no valleys, but a few plateaus, and that sentiment aligns more with my own feelings about this record. Tracy Chapman deserves flowers, for sure, and this album is still good, but not as good as the hype suggests. That said, if it had one more track like “Give Me One Reason” from later in her career, I think I’d be singing a very different tune.
Absolute classic.
Chapman’s break out album - several hits
Soulful great album
8/10 such a good song writer. I like stripped down folk music and Tracy does it well. 1-15-2025
I have this album! (#2!) And I still like it just as much as I did when I got it*. After Luke Combs's's cover of 'Fast Car', I feel Tracy & this album are having a (small) renaissance, which is nice. The lyrics certainly still apply, which is not nice. *When I first heard Fast Car on the radio, before my Internet era, it was one of those ":o I must learn what this is" songs (and luckily it wasn't too hard to find out because my parents knew what it was when I asked about it). She had such a unique voice compared to the other songs I was hearing on pop radio. It did take me a while to appreciate the non-Fast Car songs, since they're a lot more acapella (which I found boring at the time), but I got there eventually. Highlights: 'Fast Car' (duh), 'Baby Can I Hold You', 'Why?', 'If Not Now...'
Very nice indeed. Very sad also. I know this reasonably well, but it's never a chore to listen to well written, melodic, melancholy songs.
Great one, sounded familiar to me, Ed Sheeran has kinda similar style
A soft and easygoing album with an extremely strong message throughout. The less is more and acoustic approach is done phenomenal and perfectly fits the concept pf the record. I liked how the emphasis was on the vocals and the lyricism of the album making it all the more powerful. Near the end there was, for me, a slight dip in quality, but nevertheless the complete picture is rather excellent. Favorite song: across the lines. Overall score: 7.4_10
An impressive debut album. Her writing and voice are fully-formed, assured, and vulnerable. Honest and timely.
Very enjoyable album, "Fast Car" is a classic but the entire album is great and you can really feel her personal emotion in the songs
i enjoyed the album. i already loved and knew fast car, but listening to the album’s entirety really served me well. Tracy’s got a beautiful knack for storytelling, and her warm voice really lends to that. Tracy does what music is built for; sharing a story, giving feeling.
Great and revolutionary
Beautiful! So soulful and emotional. Tracy has a very distinct voice and her music will live forever
This was a beautiful as well as an incredibly sad album.
The lyrics are good and the main focus. The instrumentals are simple, which can make the lyrics more pronounced but sometimes leave something to be desired
Really really good. I could do without hearing fast car ever again, but the rest is really strong Mountains o things- superb
I’m always up for Tracy.
definició de tia moderna/tia guai raw vocals omg em puc obsessionar fort jo vull seguir la revolució si la dirigeix tracy chapman final rodó
I remember when this record came out. It was a bit of a revelation, a glimpse of a different sort of life led by someone who was on the same planet as the rest of us. Really excellent songwriting. I'm tempted to give it five stars, but not everything can be five stars.
'Talkin' about a revolution', 'Fast car' and 'Baby can I hold you' all on one album. Solid.
It was pretty good. Not my usual type of music but it ended up being very good. I love Fast Car and Baby Can I Hold You. I really enjoyed how everything progressed in the album through each track from start to finish. Pretty solid album!
Love her voice. 4/5
This album is nice and sounds great. The themes it touches on are powerful. I went in having only heard Fast Car and it’s still a great song. Overall this album wasn’t for me but can I still say it’s a good album, just probably not one I’d listen to again.
I’m so sad now.
Some truly exceptional songs and some filler.
Absolutely beautiful. Raw emotion.
Timeless album. Very strong lyrically. She explores some very deep topics in American culture, which are still relevant today almost 40 years later.
fast car still one of my top tier songs
It‘s pretty gospel‘ish within the structural iteration/repetition of some very strong lyrics.
So sad, so angry, so beautiful
Familiar as ever. That gated reverb tho, amirite.
Nice
I was in a fast car once
Interessant album! Groot deel is protestnummers a la What's Going on? Maar qua muziek pakt ze inspiratie uit traditionele pop, folk en zelfs wat Afrikaanse invloeden op bijvoorbeeld Mountains o things. Het helpt dat ik Tracy Chapman niet goed ken buiten de grote hit om, maar dit is als eerste kennismaking een zeer prettige. Nummers gaan richting het einde wel iets te veel op elkaar lijken en het is in elk geval duidelijk dat de sterkste nummers op het begin zitten. Die conclusie maakt het een heel erg prettig album, maar niet een 5 sterren dit is perfect album. Geen schande, alsnog een lekker album! FAVO: Talkin bout a revolution, Fast Car, Baby can I hold you, Why?, For my lover, For you
It was good. I liked it. After hearing it 1000 times, though, I have to say "Fast Car" is still the highlight of the album.
For me, this is the best of its genre of its time. Beautiful vocals and arrangements.
I was a bit reluctant to review this album as my dog had died today. That meant I wasn't in the mood to listen at all. "Fast Car" is a banger and always will be. Some other songs were great as well. Better than a few other albums I reviewed in the last few days. 4 stars for "Self Titled".
Tracy Chapman is clearly a very good artist. Some really good songs on here with strong messages. However, I don’t see myself listening to this pretty much ever.
Not my first listen, won’t be my last. Obviously it starts with two certified hits but for a short album it’s really solid. Doesn’t feel preachy when she talks about revolution or reform and you really feel the experiences that have shaped her are genuine. Tracy Chapman is the type of person others pretend to be.
Tracy Chapman is silky smooth. This album reminded me a lot of the Norah Jones album. I recognized one song, but I let the rest just take me on a journey. The acoustic guitar in this is beautiful as well. Her voice just pairs with it so well. Easy four stars for me
Really enjoyed this album. Her songwriting is very interesting and distinct. It’s super cool, like the lyrics and the actual composition of the songs are not over produced or bogged down in symbolism. It’s simple yet powerful. She’s very “to the point” which allows for an engaging listen (as evident in the song Behind the wall). And Jesus fast car. What a freakin powerful heartbreaking song. The light nature of the acoustic guitar makes you feel that it’s going to be a happy ending but then she hits you with the final verse “see more of your friends then you do your kids” and you see the vicious circle of growing up around alcoholism. I know this song is everywhere now but something that I feel needs to be specifically pointed out and praised that people can take for granted is the songwriting ability to make the most memorable part of the song (the eye-ee-eye of the chorus) a completely original way to just say the word “I”. Top tier songwriting.
Really great. Her songwriting and voice really shine through. Another thing that I think this album does really well is the production aspect when it comes to the singer-songwriter genre. She has a lot of unique accompaniment in the album, but it feels natural and fits in extremely well with the minimalist style. It is very crisp and timeless, despite being unique. Fast Car is such an amazing song. I’m not sure if it’s the right interpretation of it, but I imagine it as a child singing it to an adult. In the way they address an impossible problem with a seemingly simple solution. It is heartbreakingly sweet and earnest. It fills you with hope while also recognizing the beauty and sometimes futility in that hope.
There are very few artists that have been and will be on the list that have a singing voice that I enjoy listening to more than Tracy Chapman. Combine that with the composition and the social commentary in the lyrics and it’s really something special. Not quite a five, but a strong four.
This was a tough one to come into because I felt obligated to give it a high score especially with the recent resurgence in "Fast Car". I'm glad to say that I really enjoyed it! Chapman has an awesome voice and is tackling some seriously deep subject matter with racism, unjust responsibilities, and domestic abuse. This is why I love debut albums like this because they come from real world experiences and a place of relatability, unlike later albums once an artist is successful. I'm not going to say this album is perfect. It trails off a bit on the back half, but it's short enough that this isn't really an issue. This is another album that would be a 9/10 if we were on that scale.
Awesome.
Sad that she kinda disappeared only to resurface when a Country cover of Fast Car was so very successful. She has a lovely voice. I get her and Joan Armstrading confused although Tracy is 10 years later, discographically
gran disco, y qué tema "baby can i hold you", por dios
Up there for the best cover of that Luke combs song
What a surprise. Excellent. Great voice, intelligent lyrics. Catchy tunes. Sound quality very good. Nicely mastered. 4/5.
7,09
4 - the first half of this was especially great, got a lot of songs where I said “oh this is where this is from”
I did not realise just how good this album was the first 2 times I listened to it. Chapman has a golden voice, and the songwriting is superb. Really really want to give this a 5, but there are quite a handful of songs that have the instrumentation too busy to truly enjoy fully. Chapman's voice begs to be front and center, this would have easily been a 5 star acoustic album, or just a more subdued instrumentation
It is a good piece of work, very evocative of a time for me. Some great songs. Overall a little too background music at times but stands up well.
What a great album. Having only heard the singles this is a revelation.
I’m in awe with the amount of care that Chapman puts into her songwriting as she tackles such difficult topics with grace and makes it look effortless. Favourite tracks: Fast Car, For My Lover
the only good thing luke combs ever did for music was get people listening to tracy chapman again. i had never listened to the full album but really enjoyed it
Really good stuff overall, very prescient
This album was Good. Its lyrics, while simple, were pretty good. They went good with the music and overall makes it a pretty good album. I recommend this album.
have you ever heard a song and thought it reminds me of something like to friends hanging out in a movie and think its good also I feel that what talking bout a revolution made me think of it and I started liking it because of how the instruments are and the singer I think this song was good and recommend listening to it
Incredibile album
LOVE IT
Fantastic voice, some great songs but a little repetitive
Has to be the greatest busker --> superstar story of all-time?
Most songs are a little slow for me - but Fast Car is an all-time greatest hit.
Many albums on this list have one song that is truly remarkable, and then others that don't come close to it; almost like that one song is so important to music as a whole that the album that it exists upon must be included here. I've hopped back and forth about whether or not this is one of those albums, because "Fast Car" is really a legendary piece of music that needs representation on this list for the song alone. That this album has "Talkin' Bout a Revolution" and "Baby Can I Hold You" on it as well is a big help in dispelling that idea. "Fast Car" is such an amazing piece of music; one of those songs that you could go your whole life and never find someone who dislikes it. The melancholic guitar parts, the poetic lyrics, the emotive vocal performance; it has so many elements that make it truly incredible and timeless. I also find it to be ahead of it's time. This album came out 4 months into 1988 but it is so inherently 90's. The soft singer-songwriter acoustic storytelling style has been around for decades (millennia if we are going back to some baroque bards?) but it is really so antagonistic to the 80's, and the sound is so impressive for this 24 year old to accomplish. I'm not entirely smitten with the rest of the album and in fact I'm re-writing my review here because I was going to slap a "5/5" on it but after re-listening to a lot of the "other" tracks, I'm kind of left wanting more. It definitely tries to do more, like "For My Lover" has a cool country twang to it, "Baby Can I Hold You" utilizes a sitar in a really tasteful manner, "For You" ends the album on a really strong vocal performance where she shows off her range and agility. But these other ones are really kind of really just that- "other ones", and after a day of listening to them I sat down and looked at the list and thought "how does that one go?" for too many of them. It's still going to get a really strong score, just not as top-tier as I initially thought. 4.2/5
Great story behind this album
Great folk, the deep lyricism that touches social justice as well as personal emotion, and Tracy’s vocal delivery that is touching when it needs to be and powerful when it needs to be.
Classic
Pretty good. Behind the wall is creepy and sad
This was great! Never listened to the whole thing before and certainly would again!
Great album. Well written songs. Some diversity in musicianship too. Lyrically brilliant.
4.5
This was great. I like Tracy Chapman a lot. 4/5
Tracy Chapman & Cat Stevens - so far the only artists to survive the Boyzone Test. 4.2
Lots of classics on here, very solid complete album.
Starting off w/ a cover of a bob marley song (I think) please don’t set the tone for a political type of thing Fast car is such a fucking cool song. no wonder everyone wants to cover it
That voice. The way she builds songs that are full of tension and swell to a sense of triumph or at least hope. And the songs that feel like they've lost hope. They just make you feel. It's beautiful.
The first time I remember hearing a Tracy Chapman song was in the mid-nineties, when "Give Me One Reason" stormed up the charts. That song felt like it was everywhere for a solid year or so. I don't remember having heard "Fast Song" until around the same time, and for years and years, I assumed they both came from the same album. I can't remember when I first learned about the chronological distance between those songs, but it blew my mind. I hate that I've never listened to this album before, especially now that I'm seeing a lot of rave reviews for it. I guess there's no time like the present to fire this one up! I was worried that this album would lead-off with a few strong tracks, and then have a steep drop off in quality, but thankfully that wasn’t the case. Yes, “Talkin’ Bout a Revolution” and “Fast Car” are the best part of this album, but the songwriting is incredible throughout the whole album. I’m always caught off guard when an album from the eighties really pushes the envelope with social and political issues (especially a pop album), because I think there’s been some revisionist history that’s sanitized a lot of what was going on in the U.S. during that time. This album really manages to tackle those issues in a sincere and tangible way. I love that this album really harkens back to some of the folk rock of the sixties in terms of lyrical tone, but the music is soft, and blends in well with popular sounds from the era. There arrangements on these songs are really great, and I like the variation, but the bouncing back and forth between acoustic guitar songs and songs with more African influences was a little jarring to me. On top of that, there were some moments later on in the album that dragged a bit, but this album certainly never lacked for quality of songwriting and vocals. But, overall, this is a great album, and “Fast Car” is an absolute masterpiece, which still carries all of its emotional weight over 35 years later.
When I started listening to these, there were always a few iconic albums that I just KNEW were going to come up. This album is so iconic, the lyrics are so genius and precious to me. I’m really sentimental over this album.
Good album. Hadn't heard most of the songs before. Tracy has a beautiful, soulful voice.
Such a soulful voice
I didn't realize she had some reggae influence in her music! Really enjoyed listening to more of her. She has an effortless voice
Some moving lyrical commentary on social and political issues. I enjoyed the acoustics on songs. Some quirky melodies but overall an awesome album.
Unique and beautiful vice, capturing and poignant lyrics. A bit confused by the island/yacht rock vibe in the middle of the album.
Folk rock. Un megahit. Un 4.
I wouldn't put Chapman's style in my list of gotos - she is skilled beyond a doubt in her playing, composition, and lyricism. I do think this one is an actual must hear, for people in the United States in particular.
Sounds modern and stylish
Really really enjoy her voice a lot. It almost seems as though if this was any other artist there would be a lot of belting out the tunes, but Tracy doesn't need to do that at all, her voice absolutely carries this album. It dips a little bit for a couple of songs in the middle but ends just as it started. Fast Car is the obvious highlight but I'm glad the rest of the album matches up to it. Across The Lines is the other best song. If I could give it 4.5 I would, but alas, it's a 4.
Ok
Great album
A beautiful record which is so evocative.
Tracy comes out of the gate swinging. The album loses some steam as things go ahead and it can be a bit preachy at times but Fast Car alone makes it all worthwhile.
Always remember my GCSE English teacher forcing the class to listen song after song on repeat in a lesson Great album
I had almost completely forgotten about "Talkin' Bout a Revolution", "Fast Car" and "Baby Can I Hold You". Tracy Chapman has a great voice. The music is great, even if I don't particularly like conceptual folk/roots rock. All in all, an album that I liked very much, that I heard in its entirety for the first time in this project and that I want to hear again. 4/5
My mother LOVED this album and I used to dislike it because she played it a lot, so I made an effort to try and move past my negative reaction and actually it is a quality album with a couple of absolute classic songs. It wouldn't be something I'd choose to listen to, but she does what she does well. Fave Track: Fast Car Rating: 4
Loved this. I had never dove into Tracy Chapman, but loved the strong messages and the simple yet deep musical creativity.
A beautiful voice, and knack for storytelling, courage to write about difficult topics such as racial and economic inequality, and then the audacity to lay down one of the best Americana songs of all time. Tracy is aptly underrated for her contribution to music with this album, and that was reflected as she became the first black woman to top the country music charts with the presence of a white man. Tracy broke barriers and wrote some incredible folk on her way.
Great singer, great album. Front half slaps harder than the back.
Fast Car might be the perfect song. The rest of the album reminded me why Fast Car is the only Tracy Chapman song I can name. But goddamn it is it a great son.
One of the best opening two tracks on any album. Fades a little toward the end
Better than expected. And a good story, what with the recent appreciation for her
"You got a fast car And I want a ticket to anywhere Maybe we make a deal Maybe together we can get somewhere." Great lyrics. Great guitar. Great voice. Great talent. Love this.
While this album is musically very satisfying, it always leaves me feeling devastated. Thirty-six years have passed since its release and not much has changed; there was no revolution. Certain songs definitely make you think about the state of things, and why we're not doing enough to fix it. Anyway... Musically, this album aged very well. It's not only lyrically relevant, but also sounds like it could've been recorded this year. The only reason why I'm not giving it five stars is because I consider this album very heavy and I can't listen to it often. 4 stars
Great album, so many popular songs, and it's not like you can party with it, but it's just an enjoyable album to listen to.
The name Tracy Chapman makes you think of a certain voice… a certain sound. This album is why. 4.5 out of 5
Tracy Chapman's self-titled debut album is a poignant and powerful collection that blends folk, rock, and soul with raw, emotive storytelling. The album's most iconic track, Fast Car, captures the desperation and hope of escaping a cyclical life, showcasing Chapman's ability to craft vivid narratives. Talkin' bout a Revolution serves as a call to arms, highlighting the album's underlying themes of social justice and change. Throughout, Chapman's voice is both tender and fierce, a perfect match for the introspective lyrics that explore love, struggle, and resilience. The minimalist production allows her voice and guitar to take center stage, creating an intimate, almost haunting atmosphere. Tracks like Behind the Wall strip back the instrumentation entirely, relying solely on Chapman's a cappella delivery to convey the stark reality of domestic violence. The album's emotional depth and timeless relevance have cemented it as a classic, resonating with listeners across generations. Tracy Chapman's debut is a masterclass in storytelling and an enduring testament to the power of music to inspire change. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 4 STAND OUT TRACK - Fast Car
Amazing album, great lyrics. Very good songwriter
This was a great album. I only knew fast car beforehand, which is honestly still my favorite song, but the whole album has a similar vibe
Despite some of the more unfortunate 80s-ness of this record it’s a banger. Despite being close to 40 years old it feels fresh and new.
That kind of albums should be on this list. I knew some songs from years ago, haven't got a clue who sang them, and now I know. The whole album is a great experience.
When this came out I thought it was so lame. Now with age and wisdom I see how good it is.
Очень хороший альбом. Удивлен приятно. Я люблю такое в целом, а здесь еще и 1) невероятный голос и 2) интересные истории. Лучшая песня - Fast Car.
I was surprised at how many songs I knew from the album without realizing it. I don't find her voice particularly pleasant, but it definitely sounds unique and gives her already very personal songs an even more personal touch. The songs are the highlight anyway. If you don't listen closely, it's just solid singer-songwriter acoustic music. If you listen closely, Tracy Chapman will break your heart.
This album really starts off hot. Fast Car is definitely one of those songs that I feel like I have heard too much already but its just undeniably awesome. I was not aware that she wrote Baby Can I Hold You - there are some real heavyweights on this album. The end tails off for me, but still a pretty solid album. Fave Tracks: Talkin' Bout A Revolution, Fast Car, Baby Can I Hold You 4/5
Always love me some Tracy Chapman
A modern Bob Dylan. An album for a revolution, and boy, do we need one!
Ein sehr schönes Album. Wunderbare Songs, sehr kritisch, aber geht wunderbar ins Ohr. Tolle Stimme. Ein Genuß
Outstanding vocalist. Essence of story telling via music. Feels like a lot of later artists tried to model themselves after Tracy. Ed Sheeran in particular seems like He took a lot of inspiration from her. Song highlights: Talkin' Bout a Revolution, Fast Car, Baby Can I Hold You, If Not Now
Überraschenderweise waren mir einige Lieder bekannt, obwohl ich den Künstler gar nicht kannte. Sehr weiche Stimme, angenehme Melodien, Lieder abwechslungsreich.
Never heard this before, and want to re-listen!
This is a very strong album. It just isn't an album I'll really ever put on. That would lead me to giving it a 3. But!, it has Fast Car on it. That is like a top 25 song of all time. So I'm giving this a pretty easy 4.
This is one of those albums that I like in spite of the seemingly similar albums that I don't like.
Fast Car is a classic, don't think that can ever be taken away. Sadly the rest of the album isn't as good, but it came close enough.
Beautiful performance throughout, I think I need to become more familiar with tracks that aren't Fast Car to properly judge this one.
还阔以
Really solid album. Not a bad track on the whole thing. I remember when this came out, Fast Car was everywhere. Glad to have listened to it.
Fantastic debut. Excellent lyrics. Social consciousness and good music.
Low 4
Another incredible record. More like what I can listen to when WFH. The album is a great journey through heartbreaking scenarios and hope.
8.5/10
Interesting time capsule of what mainstream “protest-y” music was talking about in the late 80s. Obviously Fast Car is goated, but I was struck by the bleakness of the rest of it as well. Really clear why she blew up so big back then.
Gear: Fostex TH610 Artwork: 🤷♂️ Mix: 🎧😘🤌 Musik: 🎸🎙️📃💎 Wertung: 🏎️🏎️🏎️(🏎️)/5
I don’t usually just listen to music, instead have it playing in the background of whatever I’m doing. However, within the first minute of this album starting (as I had just added it to my queue) I went to check my phone. I wanted to know the name (Talkin’ Bout a Revolution) and to add it to my current playlist. I mean I shouldn’t be surprised really, we are referring to the artist and album of ‘Fast Car’. So review: this album is great, Tracy’s voice is easy to listen to and there is so much truth and thought behind the lyrics
Brutal, beautiful storytelling over simple guitar arrangements. I would normally be bored by how simple the guitar work is, but the simplicity of it really amplifies her lyrics, and it works really well. The latter half of this album falls off a little bit with the lyrics, but a very strong album nonetheless.
Classic iconic album!
Musically, the first songs are the most interesting, and this is a three star album; however, the socio-political nature of the lyrics take this up a notch. Unfortunately, still relevant today. “Talkin’ about a Revolution” is worth a listen.
Great album, and still sounds good. Fast Car has been unfortunately played to death.
Was really enjoying this… till the song that Ronan Keating covered from this album (Baby Can I Hold You) pops up and now I can’t get his version out of my head…. that’s not the original albums fault though…..
I'm running on no sleep, otherwise I'd type a little more here, but I found it to be an excellent work of auditory art.
Meio que não tem como ficar muito melhor no gênero do Folk. Uma voz linda, com instrumentais quase sempre austeros e suaves, com letras às vezes de amor, às vezes críticas à sociedade de seu tempo (que infelizmente, apesar do cinismo que algo tão frontal seria recebido hoje, não deixa de ser atual). Ótimo álbum de estreia da Tracy Chapman.
Powerful songs on this album has a great sound that is deceptively sparse which I think gives it a more universal feel given the time it was released.
That was great. Talkin’ Bout a Revolution and Fast Car are classics. I was surprised by a lot of the sounds of some of the other songs. Very powerful lyrics too. 8.5/10
I both really enjoyed this album, and wanted to enjoy it more. Chapman's voice is a powerful and Fast Car is a helluva song.
Amazing songs that tell stories that break your heart.
A pleasant reminder of how good an album this is.
Words don’t come easily.
Tracy Chapman
Nice little acoustic album
A few duds (Mountains of Things), but overall great. Kicks off with two masterpieces in “Fast Car” and “Talkin’ Bout a Revolution”
Simple, great voice and lyrically brilliant. Covers race, politics and relationships, much more than just fast car.
A nice, easygoing yet politically charged acoustic album. The Standouts are Fast Car, Across The Line, Mountain O'Things, and Why.
this was a nice album to listen to, the intro had the right amount of energy to get me invested for the rest of the album, the second track Fast Car was amazing too, all songs held up with standard and it was a nice listen overall.
This album is a true representation of what American folk is. The lyrics and storytelling are vivid and play like a cinema to the listener. Poetry at it's finest not to mention the clean heartfelt strumming of the chords on the guitar. Tracy is an artist too far overlooked. Her artistry and honesty in her music make the listener feel a bit anxious and heart broken at what she felt when composing this music, something very few artists have the capacity to do.. If you don't believe me listen closely to the mainstream hit Fast Car, or the hidden gems in Across the Lines or Behind the Wall.
This was a solid and memorable listen. Musically, it mixes folk, rock, and soul with powerful lyrics and a soulful voice. The simple arrangements keep the focus on the lyrics. Lyrically, there are some hot takes on social issues.
An all-time classic from Tracy. Silky voice and simple melodies make it an extremely easy-listening record, like Tapestry by Carole King, but with a terrific voice. The fun fact is that Spotify always recommends Rumours songs afterward.
For too long I thought Tracy was a man. Part of that is my main association with the name Tracy is my uncle, and then also Dick Tracy (which I don't quite know off hand if Dick is a title or thier actual name.... probably a name so that doesn't count) At any rate, I also didn't realize Fast Car and give me one reason were on different albums, so I suppose the former could come back around on the list here. Tracy does have a unique and lovely voice, so smooth. The album was over before I knew it so I'll have to come back a second time and take some better notes. It's just one of those unobjectionable voices that can be on in almost any situation. A perfect department store sound, and I mean that as a compliment. Favorite track "Fast Car" 4/5
Fast Car is a classic and a couple of other quality songs on here, but not something that I would ever add to my regular rotation. Very country feel on a 90's style alternative sound.
It's understated with a powerful message and that voice is so unique!
So nearly perfect but not quiet
De très belles chansons folk bien exécuté, ya rien à redire
Pretty decent and definitely an album with a lot to say. Have always loved the haunting melody and plaintive way Tracy sings Fast Car.
4/5
Calming
I enjoyed her voice and the style of song, but I think there could have been more energy. I'd listen again though.
yeah baby!! sad lesbian music!!
first listen in entirety. I'm glad I had finally listened to the full album. I've been meaning to do it for a while and I really liked it. Will definitely come back to it.
3.5
Xiu Xiu covering fast car is wild
Always a good song writer, great singer and super popular. Might be a 2 to 3 hit wonder. But she definitely has talent.
Such an unbelievable voice. Not every song is special, but there are just enough to push this into four-star territory for me. And "Fast Car" is one of the 20th century's great ballads, period.
powerful
A very thoughtful and well-constructed folk album. Maybe lacking in energy here and there, but largely engaging, reflective, and rewarding with a couple genuine classics. Best song: Fast Car
During multiple listens the album really grew on me. There are really nice songs on this that have a really clear political message as well! 4/5
This album is the reason we can give 4 stars.
Hadn’t heard this in full but very good! Impressive as a blend of catchy singer/songwriter fare and blunt, poetic lyrics - I loved her vocal textures on Behind the Wall and would have loved more experimentation with a cappella but as I said, the music is a very strong vehicle for the messaging!
Fast Car is an all-timer! Surprised by how successful this was given how explicitly political it is
tracy chapman is looking like a ghost on this album artwork - kinda matches the sad ass proletariat music in which it contains!!
8/10 una sorpresa que me gustó mucho
Great album!
Great singer song writer album. The three singles are absolute classics. With fast car one of the best songs ever written. The rest of the album does get a bit repetitive though musically and lyrically, hence doesn’t get the full 5 stars.
Excellent record that contains one of the finest songs ever recorded in Fast Car. Is there a line that evokes as much emotion as “your arm felt nice wrapped ‘round my shoulder”? To me the album is good start to end with Fast Cat being a masterpiece of a track.
beautifully observed stories, told with an amazing voice - delicate or powerful as needed.
Really, really excellent. On the verge of five stars, but there's not a ton of range here, and no real bangers outside of the already mega-famous tracks. It's all great, but nothing popped in a way I was hoping it would.
I'm not much for singer/songwriter music, but at least this is genuine. Unlike T-Swizzle, I am not rolling my eyes throughout the entire album. 3.5/5
After 1,000 tepid copycats since its release still one of the best singer/songwriter albums out there. 4.5*
Have always liked Tracy Chapman sound. Don’t love every song, but love the overall vibe of the album.
Talkin' Bout a Revolution Fast Car Baby I Can Hold You
Has clear peaks that are much better then the rest, but those peaks are so high that its still a 4
I’m a known hater folk. And I don’t know if it’s nostalgia (Tracy Chapman’s music was everywhere when it was released) or not but something about the combination of her voice and guitar work is just captivating. Her lyrics are powerful and moving without ever seeming forced or contrived. Her ability to impart desperation as well as hope feels unique.
Great album. Hard to believe this was released in 1987. I listened a couple of times and enjoyed it.
Songs that are intimate enough for the coffee shop with ideas big enough to propel a revolution.
I've loved this album dearly since I was a teenager.
Really powerful voice with a powerful personality, the project speaks on deep issues but can get boring at times
This was very good and it will get another listen some day. 4 stars for me.
I'm glad this album's on the list, as otherwise I probably never would have checked out Tracy Chapman. I initially wished there was a little more pace, but I ended up really enjoying the chill vibes on this album. Great vocals and overall an enjoyable listen.
Really good. Enjoying the sound and her voice. Will come back to this. 8/10
Folk rock. Un megahit. Un 4.
.
Enjoyed this classic. It's on the border, but can't put it in five-star territory.
Fast Car is an all time classic song. Overall great album just not exactly what I seek out. Huge respect for Tracy as a lyricist and vocalist. 3.5
"Tracy Chapman" is a stunning debut album that introduced the world to the soulful voice and poignant songwriting of Tracy Chapman. Released in 1988, the album is a masterclass in folk-pop, combining Chapman's powerful lyrics with her emotive vocals and acoustic guitar. The standout track, "Fast Car," is a timeless classic that resonates with listeners to this day, exploring themes of hope, struggle, and the desire for a better life. Other tracks like "Talkin' 'bout a Revolution" and "Baby Can I Hold You" showcase Chapman's ability to tackle social and personal issues with grace and sensitivity. One of the album's strengths is its simplicity. Chapman's stripped-down arrangements allow her lyrics and vocals to take center stage, creating an intimate and deeply affecting listening experience. Overall, "Tracy Chapman" is a landmark album that solidified Chapman's status as a talented singer-songwriter. Its enduring appeal lies in its timeless themes and Chapman's ability to connect with listeners on a profound level.
Sometimes less is better, simple songs can be profoundly moving, and just a voice and words can be the forefront of a piece of music. This album didn't fit into what was going on in the mainstream music scene of 1988, yet was a breakthrough success. Truly gives you a feeling that she is speaking from her heart in every note.
One of the best storytellers of a generation. Tracy Chapman successfully tackled injustice when the rest of the pop chart was filled with love songs and hair bands. Her voice is mesmerizing. Mountains O Earth is a standout.
Some really killer songwriting here. It's not my favorite album of all-time by any means, but I can definitely return to this one. 3.5/5
LP
Pretty good, some lesser tracks but overall enjoyable
Overall it’s a good album. Some classics like Fast Car and Baby Can I Hold You, and some great songs I’d never heard like She’s Got Her Ticket. Liked the bouncy, reggae ish feel of that one. Very clearly political and motivated by her own experiences as you can hear in Tracy’s voice. Happy to have listened: 8/10 Would listen the whole way through again: 6/10
Nice, the Fast Car album! There have to be other good songs besides Fast Car right?! No idea where I know Talkin' Bout A Revolution from but what a great song. It inspires revolution or more importantly just change. And it is so sad to me that a song (and album) like this is still absolutely relevant (and perhaps always will be) 36 years later. This album came out a year after I was born and we still need to talk about a revolution because our society is still failing so many people and it is not right. For this universal song to lead into a song that is also universal but moves to a more singular and personal level is an amazing transition. Fast Car is not only a very deep song but frankly it is über catchy. In sitting and reading the lyrics and really trying to comprehend the story Chapman is telling I can see the depth of the lyrics and the multiple meanings she has instilled within the song. After this the album kind of deflated for me... on the first listen. I listened to this twice because I was walking my dogs and didn't feel like getting my phone out to change the playlist. On the second pass of the album I found some of the rest of the album to be more beautiful and interesting than I first found it to be. There are still a couple of songs that feel out of place on such a political album, but I also realize Chapman is also interested in the politics of private relationships and love and the ways in which humans treat each other. There aren't many albums that are so straight to the point about what they are trying to say but also as layered and varied thematically as this. I can't say I want to listen to every song again, but as a whole this album is very good.
I liked this, obviously fast car is very good but the rest is also very solid imo!! 8/10
7/10 - Good and relaxing music. Fast Car is probably the best song by far but the other songs arent bad
Really nice voice, chill and enjoyable album
# Playlist track - Baby Can I Hold You # Notes - Impressive vocal control, interesting range. Sometimes a bit TOO minimalistic. - Great album.
She is a great song writer and vocalist. Certainly not afraid to tell her opinion on all sorts of social aspects.
I knew fast car and she has a great voice along with some interesting lyrics
Very solid album. I love Tracy Chapman's voice and the guitar is great too, very melodic and fits the feel of each song, and has nice variety too. Her songwriting ability is tremendous and she does such a good job of telling a story and making you feel what she's feeling from the song. That's a powerful gift. The only reason this album isn't a 5 is because I have to hear enough about racism, violence, and how broken the world is regularly on the news and I don't necessarily want to be reminded of that in the music I listen to. However, Tracy Chapman does such a good job of making it personal that it doesn't feel preachy or showboaty, she sounds very genuine and that is something that is also very difficult to do in the music industry.
Fast Car is an absolutely fantastic song. Enjoyed listening to rest of album-did feel that the songs with just her and her acoustic were much stronger than others.
This album is already going to get a high score just based off 'Fast Car,' it's such an amazing song. I haven't spent much time with the rest of this album, but man it's such a powerful work. I love that there is an interesting mix of production choices - acapella, folk work, African drums. It's really interesting and every choice seems to fit beautifully both as a whole and to each individual song. Really great, will definitely listen to this again and again. 4/5
Good Acoustic Stuff
Tracy just has so much emotion and aching in her voice that she can bring so many songs to life. The first 2 were hits. And then she got a lot more recognition when Luke Combs did fast car. But the rest of the album is very good too.
I was not familiar with anything Tracy besides Fast Car, but this is a really good acoustic album. It doesn't stand out as a best ever, but it is very, very good.
Excellent. My toddler was even singing along “run run run run run run.”
‘Fast Car’ is obviously the big hit here, but there’s heaps to enjoy, and as much as I want to say this album’s renewed popularity is due to the Luke Combs cover of the song and his duet with Chapman at the 24’ Grammy’s, the reality is this record has always been loved by seemingly everyone. Classic AOR production coupled with politically and socially charged lyrics, but with vivid and compassionate storytelling from Chapman ensure this record will remain universally relevant and popular forever.
Really good
Know many of these songs, but never listened all the way through. Very solid top to bottom.
Her beautiful, hypnotic voice is the best thing about every single track. The hits are bangers, but the album overall is a little samey and I didn't hear a standout track that I hadn't heard a million times on the radio. Nonetheless, enjoyable through and through
very groovy
Good stuff
I was expecting a very solid album here, considering how much I love the song "Fast Cars", and well that's exactly what I get from this self-titled Tracy Chapman debut. As a vocalist, Tracy's certainly expressive, and honestly it feels like she's been ripped off quite a bit. Not sure why, but it feels like many pop and folk vocalists, especially in the 21st-century wave sorta sound very similar to her. I haven't listened to every 80s album, but from what I've heard, her style seems unique for the time. She has a deeper vocal style but with enough variation to keep it interesting while still remaining relatively subtle. As a songwriter, Tracy's very direct with her lyricism, it's like she's trying to get her message through to the listener as clearly as possible, with no hiccups or room for misinterpretation. I think this is a good thing honestly and works wonders for this album's themes. Tracy tackles themes of poverty, racism, love, and other forms of injustice. Again it's all very direct, especially on the opener "Talkin' Bout a Revolution" and "Why?". I hate the general idea that good songwriting is almost synonymous with abstract and symbolic writing, I find the writing here to be very powerful. The songs themselves are really good too, just as songs. "Fast Car" may be one of the greatest folk songs ever, a tragic tale of yearning for escape and freedom from one's living situation. "For My Lover" is a great depiction of a chase of forbidden love. "Across the Lines" and the acapella "Behind the Wall" tackle the issues of police brutality, with the latter being the most haunting portrayal of it I've heard in a while. I'd say the biggest thing that holds this album back is its lackluster production on certain songs, I just think it's tacked on and generic when extra instruments are introduced to try and fill up the sonic space. The mostly acoustic-only songs are the best here, painting melancholic images that are soft and comforting. I just think it gets sort of repetitive after a while. I don't mind it too much, after all, it spotlights Tracy's vocals more than anything. Really enjoyed this album, pretty much just as much as I thought I would.
Maybe my favourite so far…
Ja, mooi
Between 4 and 5 just given how original and explosive the whole album feels. Spoken word, culturally explicit and harmonic all come to mind.
phenomenal lyricism 4.5/5
It’s good to see Tracy getting some kudos all these years later. I wasn’t familiar with this album besides Fast Car and a few other radio tracks but all of them are pretty decent. Sadly they’re all just as relevant today as they were when they came out. Songs added to Spotify: 5
Two albums in a row that I had been looking forward to and that didn’t disappoint. I thought this was a really strong album. Realistically, I’m not sure how often I’d listen to it, but I think it was really good. More of a 4.5.
That was pretty good. I liked Fast Car and the beats in Mountains O Things
👍🏻
Great album. Fast car is super hot right now so it was nice hearing all the other songs I haven’t heard before. Really liked the songwriting
Very clear memories about how different this album was when it was released.
straight heat
Never heard anything from her but Fast Car. Great collection of songs. I'm not one to pay as much attention to lyrics as I do to music, but she has a way of bringing life to the words that really make each song hit.
Loved it
Easy listening. Again, I'm not lyrics-forward as a listener, but the music is good. The lyrics I did catch were still painfully relevant now as they were in 1988, and were still quite thought-provoking. Favorite tracks: - Fast Car - Mountains O' Things - Why?
7.05/10 Top 3 Songs 1. Baby Can I Hold You 2. Fast Car 3. Why?
This is a great album. Almost forgot that it exists. Great storytelling with music to brake your heart. Love her voice! She clearly was ahead of her time. This album is still great and important. Fast car is not a song it's a little gem. One of the few records I've listened to so far that 100% belong on this list.
M'encanta Tracy Chapman. Potser parlo amb una mica de nostàlgia però aquest disc em sembla gairebé perfecte. L'únic que li falta (per mi) és tenir un parell de temes més icònics enlloc d'algun que falla una mica. Expected Lorenzo rating: 3
Album evokes a big range of emotions while staying artistically and aesthetically consistent. Behind the Wall was a revelation on this listen. Why? did remind me of parody protest songs though (looking at you, Flight of the Conchords).
Fantastic album. Always enjoyed her work.
Mesmerizing songwriting. Fast Car was a classic before Luke Combs brought it back to the charts. Talkin Bout a Revolution and Baby Can I Hold You are excellent and showcase Chapman’s ability to craft protest songs and pop songs with equal aplomb. The second half of the album has a mix of hits and misses, but overall a very strong debut.
Way better than I expected for some reason. I knew the album a little, and expected something very middling, but there's such a lyrical power across the album, and really great musicality, that it has to score very highly indeed. A lovely Saturday morning album.
She has such a beautiful voice! Apart from the well-known songs off this album, I really liked Mountains O' Things and For My Lover!
Sometimes, an outburst can have outstanding results. When Stevie Wonder refused to go on stage on Nelson Mandela's 70th Birthday Tribute concert because a piece of sound equipment went missing, a fresh, young Chapman swooped in and never looked back. Tracy Chapman's debut album warms up the room and cozies up to you, but at the same time she shakes it with her straight-to-the-point wordplay. Opener "Talkin' Bout a Revolution" sets the tone of the album, in which she says that the word of a revolution doesn't come with a scream, but with a "whisper". Chapman tackles racism, domestic violence and poverty, but does it from a homely perspective and genuine innocence. "Fast Car" is still one of the most earnest and authentic songs of all time: she sings about a very much real fantasy of getting promoted, saving up for a car and buying a house. There's this magic in her mellow voice that sounds like a hand-warminf cup of coffee that makes me want to feel the city lights laid out before us, an arm wrapped round my shoulder, and the feeling that I belonged and I could be someone. While not very profound, Chapman still manages to deliver head-scratching one-liners inbetween verses, and surprise audiences with chilling moments, like the accapella rendition of "Behind the Wall", in which Tracy's voice narrates the heartwrenching story of a mortal victim of domestic violence from the porch of the adjacent apartment. Her lyricism leaves very little room for metaphors and understatements, which is very much appreciated. But while I could go on saying that some of these songs lack depth tackling these issues, I wouldn't say, as a white Western European man, it is my place to say. Rather, you can see how Chapman's debut album doesn't want to overcomplicate things. Instead, she speaks in a quotidian conversation with you and you only. She never intends to get loud with you, but rather lets her music do the outburst for her. Her revolution comes, indeed, with a whisper, and very refreshing whisper to revisit from time to time. 8/10 Favorite songs: Fast Car, Behind the Wall, Talkin' Bout a Revolution
Pretty simple formula, no whizzbang gimmicks but all the better for it. Can't help but belt out Baby Can I Hold You.
Atmospheric and emotional but lacked enough zing for a five.
Good. Lots of bangers. Forgot how good Talking Bout A Revolution is.
Very good. Excellent voice.
Me encanta que éste desafío me muestra discos de artistas que o no conocía o sólo conocía por sus hits, como es el caso de Tracy Chapman. Una tipa de voz envidiable. Profunda. Sensible. Pasional sin esforzarse. Disco ideal para bajar un cambio, para arrancar el día con mayor paz.
Ik dacht dat het een man was. Lekkere muziek verder. Echt chill vibes
Leuk album, goeie platen, maar geen perfect album voor mij dan he, wel erg mooi. Zou hem zeker nog een keer luisteren. Had ik maar een snelle auto, of bedoelt ze er toch de Daihatsu mee>
I remember buying this on vinyl when it came out so full disclosure, much of my review probably leans heavily on nostalgia. Still, the 1988 timing of this album is pretty pivotal right at the peak of hair metal. And yet 3 months later it was already platinum. Don’t get me wrong, I loved rokken with Dokken like the rest of ‘em, but there was something that always stood out for me with this one. Most likely rooted in its simplistic approach, both in songwriting and production which completely went against the over the top glam of the time.
Acoustic protest album. Fantastic. Great songs, great playing, great emotion.
Really good album.
Vecka 9
Great meaningful soulful lyrics, this man can SING too, just a fantastic artist/album. 3.8
So much more than “Fast Car” and asks poignant questions about class issues, particularly as they pertain to poverty, women, and the “have nots.”
Lovely cool suave music. Always actual
Amazing debut from a gifted song writer.
Beautiful voice and lyrics, very unique and emotional.
One of my oldies but goodies!
digg å høre på starten av dagen
Good soulful more modern folk music that you can appreciate for what it is.
Bursted on to the scene. Very talented on this album. What happened. No doubt any Saturday afternoon in the village someone is playing this in the west village
Not much has changed since this album debuted years ago. Urgency of the lyrics still resonate today. Deserves the accolades from yesterday & today.
Immediate thoughts: it will be a lowkey vibe that will be enjoyable, however, I do not believe anything will stand out immediately. Half-way thoughts: I understand the hype now; this is incredible. Done: I LOVED IT:D
Um álbum com uma forte componente de crítica sócio-económica. É muito mais do que "Fast Car."
Maybe it was that I was listening to this in what seemed like the perfect conditions (crisp, morning trail walk with Karma), but I really loved this one. Her voice is amazing, and the themes she touches on throughout still resonate today.
Thoroughly enjoyed this album. Chapman is a poetic storyteller and observer of the human condition. Her songs resonate and often strike somber emotional chords in a sharp way but portraying scenes you can almost visualize.
Glad for den var på listen, det er en af dem jeg altid har villet lytte til men aldrig har fået gjort. Fantastisk stemme, gode sange. Synes måske godt produktionen kunne være lidt mere rugged eller sådan noget, synes ofte det lød lidt for fint
Rating: 4/5 stars Pros: - Beautiful, distinctive voice - Wonderful accompaniment & instrumentals - Good variation in energy throughout album - Powerful individual songs Cons: - The message is simultaneously one-note and muddled. Half of the album attempts to be soft-spoken protests & reflections against/on society, and half of the album attempts to be anodyne love/relationship songs. The clearest protest songs (Talkin' Bout a Revolution, Why?, Mountain of Things) fall flat to my ears. Perhaps an artefact of age/time since the album was released, but these songs had little to say that has not been expressed a million times before with far deeper consideration. The best songs are those which (at least appear to) convey personal experiences - Fast Car and Behind the Wall (to the extent it can be called a song). - The majority of the love/relationship songs are forgettable, though still quite enjoyable.
Funny this popped up. She is all over the place after performing at the Grammies for the first time in a very long time. Fast Car is such a great song - looking forward to listening to full album. Nice album. Nothing groundbreaking. Solid easy listening chill album.