Reviews (page 9 of 14)
Wonderful song writing, beautiful voice.
Pretty good enjoyed the whole way through
Best Song: Mountains O' Things. The non-standard instrumentals (triangle and xylophone?) really pair well with the vocals here. Worst Song: For My Lover. A touch too close to a country vibe. Overall: Vocally and lyrically, this album is a stunner. Although I'd heard Fast Cars before, I'd never heard anything else by Chapman. Enough to make me a fan.
4.5 I gotta be honest, when I saw Tracy Chapman pop up I dreaded listening to it. I always assumed she was in the same category as Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and other singer-songwriters. My mistake was confusing singer-songwriter with folk music. This album rocked. The subject matter immediately caught my attention with themes of revolution, poverty and yearning. All things which are still prominent today. The whole experience is wrapped in catchy hooks. I really liked this, I’ll listen again and buy on vinyl if I find it.
This is really, really good took me by surprise this one 4/5!
Manchmal bisschen schnulzig, aber insgesamt starke Songs mit guter Botschaft.
Huge when it came out, the staple of everyone's college party deep listening in 1988. It sounds a lot less unique today, in the wake of the singer-songwriter revival that was to come. Several of the songs (especially "Baby Can I Hold You?") I'd forgotten were Tracy Chapman and not Joan Armatrading. "Fast Car" hit hard on release but has strained under a million repeats. Most incisive track to me remains "Behind the Wall".
Perhaps she was ahead of her time or it was because she was a black female folksinger, and though she enjoyed early success, she never hit it as big as she should have. Her songs talked about social and political issues, which for the most part were ignored at the time, but her music is being "rediscovered" during these times of turbulence and questioning of American political values. Despite having her first two albums in my record collection (actually my wife's LPs), I never listened to the albums in their entirety. The songs are very socially relevant and Chapman has a very engaging voice that gives the songs urgency. Fast Car and Revolution are the obvious hits on this record and if get beyond those songs, it's a solid album.
Rating: 8/10 Best songs: Takkin’ bout a revolution, Fast car, Across the lines, Baby can I hold you
Did not like Fast Car at the time and ignored the album. Since then I changed my view a bit. It is actually a pretty good album - heavily influenced by Joan Armatrading but sufficiently different. By far her best album.
Fast Car is a truly touching song and the record as a whole is convincing.
This was a really beautiful album. It had lots of great story telling and the messages and stories told were told in a way that was not boring but made me wanna listen more. Tracy u went hard on this ngl.
Before today, I only knew the song Fast Car by Tracy Chapman, so I looked forward to listening to more of her catalog of music. This album was phenomenal. The acoustic guitar added an intimate feel to the whole thing, and her voice is beautiful. She sings about hard and heavy topics such as domestic violence (Behind the Wall), racism (Across the Lines), addiction (Fast Car), and poverty/welfare (Talkin' Bout a Revolution, Mountains O' Things). With so many hard topics being covered in one album, it is pretty heavy, and makes you think about hardship, and the shortcomings of society. I thoroughly enjoyed the album, and will definately listen to it again. Favourite songs: Fast Car, Talkin' Bout a Revolution, Across the Lines, Mountains O' Things, Behind the Wall, Why?, For My Lover Least favourite song: if forced to pick, Baby Can I Hold You (amazing song, just didn't move me as much as the rest of the album) 4/5
What a voice. What a unique talent, and no it hasn't aged. Love this. But, what happened to her next??
Nautinnollista poppista! 4/5
Solid singer/songwriter album. The lyrics are focused not only on the personal but on the political too. There's a lot going on here if your willing to scratch the surface. Don't let that that Boyzone cover fool you into thinking this is just a soppy album. It isn't. Best Tracks: Talkin' Bout a Revolution; Fast Car; For My Lover
An emotional album that deserves few good listens Saved songs: She's Got Her Ticket, For My Lover, Behind The Wall
Fast car
Great album, can recall a few tunes from my childhood and her lyrics are phenomenal and Strong. Great album. Wise words.
Heard it before?: Nope! Just the one song Enjoy it?: Definitely, it’s short but cuts deep, some elegant songwriting and piano in this Favourite song: Track 1 - Talkin’ Bout a Revolution
Loved the beginning of this album, so intense and lyrically strong which is a dangerous combo. Ending didn’t hit as much but still overall enjoyed it a lot. Would have never thought it was from 1988
Gave this another shot and it was better than I originally thought. Strong 4, still don’t like the vibe shift.
Love love love "Fast car"
Pretty good, good voice.
Cançons innocents però honestes, algunes d'elles van ser del millor que va donar la música pop als finals dels '80... Llàstima que la segona cara baixi el nivell d'intensitat i inspiració de la primera; si no, hagués estat un dels millors àlbums de debut de la història
Classic, already a fan
Dolce e parla di lotta di classe: bellissimo.
This is about as good as an acoustic based album gets.
Very solid all the way through. Forgot how good this was
Really good album. Great story teller. Not sure when I would ever want to listen though due to the depressing nature. Still absolutely worth a listen and a place on this list, I'll just never listen to the whole thing again.
I actually own this album😮 Talkin’ about a revolution-sets the tone for the album ,very catchy👍 Fast Car - obviously a classic, one of the best songs of all time👍 Across the lines - socially important, great backing instrument Behind the wall- Haunting, but a bit on the nose Baby can I hold you-bittersweet love song 👍 Mountains o’ things- I like verses but not a fan of bridge, outro lasts a bit too long She’s got her ticket- upbeat song about escaping from the cycle👍 Why?- think the chorus brings this song down a bit, everything else is great for me For my lover-another good song If not now..-an enchanting wistful song 👍 For you- sweet little album closer 👍 First album I’ve listen to before. Background is always superb, and lyrics are mostly amazing. Fast car is really a classic song but many others on the album are also amazing. 4/5
Was wondering when this one would show up. Fast Car was a staple growing up and became even better once I had the Iceland remix that Stevie heard in the country. Getting to listen all the way through, this was a very light, but also deep album. The lyrics and emotion in each song was palpable even while the songs themselves felt very breezy and whimsical. Many of them are sad things or struggles that seem all too relatable but packaged nicely within the music. The duality of this album is very interesting.
Here we go. You can't really make a list like this without including this album, can you? Tracy Chapman's debut, an unforgettable force appears out of nowhere. The story preceding this album is great. She's got an unbelievably powerful and distinct voice, and she's such a talented songwriter as well. I love the minimal cuts on here, some just guitar and vocals, some even just vocals. "Fast Car" is truly one of the greatest songs ever made and will forever be one of my favorites to play on guitar. I'm bumping this up a half-star on the strength of that song alone because it's been a part of my DNA forever. If "The Promise" were on here too, it'd be hard to not give it a 5. Favorite tracks: Fast Car, Talkin' Bout a Revolution, For My Lover, Mountains o Things, If Not Now. Album art: It's always been hard for me to tell how old she is in this picture. Was this contemporary? Is this a childhood photo? No idea. But it is effective and seared in my brain. 4.5/5
Starting strong. Fast Car is a classic. Overall nice listening. Behind the Wall is good. Started to tune out halfway through.
Tracy Chapman is boss. So sincere and authentic. Pure soul. I love her.
I knew Tracy Chapman, but I hadn't heard any of her albums. This one is quite good; singer/songwrighter with a folky/rock flavour. Every body knows Fast Car and Talkin' Bout a Revolution, but for me the strongest song is Baby Can I Hold You. Chapman's voice is unique, frail but strong; and the songs are very melodic and extremely nice to listen to. Which I will do again. 4/5.
only knew fast car, actually pretty good album
All the songs went along the same tune and feel but very well done for Tracy chapman and explains why it’s her most known album out of the rest of them
Confident, smart, singular
Fast Car…großartig. Rest gut.
Fantastic album that talks to some serious issues in the 80s/90s and even present day. An album that my mum loves, so one I have a natural affinity with. 4/5. could of been more.
Magical. Hypnotic. Human. Political. Superb.
Admittedly, I think I had only ever heard Fast Car, which is a good song, but doesn't show the range of her ability as a singer or songwriter.
Lyrically similar to Springsteen, musically more Tom Petty/Traveling Wilburys. Not as positive as Springsteen’s lyrics, even happier sounding songs are sad lyrically. Fav Track: Baby Can I Hold You 4/5
An effective album by a great, heartfelt singer
Bra
You can hear each meaning in every word she sings, and it hits you Amazing vocals and amazing songwriting.
This is another album that I did get to hear the first attempt at this challenge. If I remember correctly I enjoyed it just as much then as I did this time. When this album came out I was still young and my musical pallet was quite small. I wouldn't have been fully into rap yet and was still probably rocking out to Appetite For Destruction so as far as Tracy Chapman goes I probably only was familiar with Fast Car. Listening to this album now as an adult it is a good album and I would definitely go and check out some more of the discography.
Catchy Lifetime Original bittersweet ending music. Stacked first half, but loses some steam in the 2nd.
Her voice is beautiful, and the lyrics are touching too
Yndislega plata.
Powerful and sad, wouldn't massively re-listen apart from the first two songs I knew already though.
I'm almost certain I had this CD back in the day but haven't listened to it in eons. My loss. The first five songs include the three hits and are an excellent listen. In 1988 we were ready for a new singer songwriter to enter the scene. While one could say we didn't need another folk singer, we did need a female black folk singer and she was just so darn cool. The album photo describes her music. On Fast Car she uses her sober voice to beautifully sing about drunkards. After the first five songs the album expands musically. Mountains O Things has excellent percussion while She's Got Her Ticket features excellent electric guitar. I tried playing Fast Car on guitar. It's a Lovely song but I didn't think it would work with a male singer. Khalid proved me wrong with his heartfelt cover on BBC. Of course he skips the verse that has the words "And I work in a market as a checkout girl" LOL
An album containing "Fast Car" would never get anything below a 3 from me, even if the other songs were silent. There are a handful of other tracks I like especially "For My Lover" and "Mountains and Things." I don't remember too many singer-songwriters kicking around in '88.
I enjoyed this
Very powerful and compelling story telling offering a different prespective of peoples struggles. I enjoyed listening to it. I would listen to more of her Music, but it isn't something that I would regularly listen to.
Strong storytelling lyrics. Good acoustic arrangements.
Talking About A Revolution into Fast Car is awesome. Behind The Wall is awesome. Very nice album.
surprised how much i like this album. i thought i would hate it, couldn't be further from the truth.
Dit is geweldige muziek. Melodieus, poppie en kneitergoeie stem! De bekende hits zijn geweldig, vooral "Fast Car". ****
Muy bueno
Damn this album is sad as fuck but it’s also hella good. Not a huge fan of the voice but the songwriting is top notch
Production has dated but the songs are still strong. That voice.
Wow, I had no idea. Obviously I've heard "Fast Car" before, but really didn't know the artist. It's Tracy Chapman. Whole album is so smooth and heartfelt. Really enjoyed it even though this is out of my normal jam. I then also discovered that "Give Me One Reason" is her song also. Clearly I need to listen to more of her discography. 4
Easily the most pleasant vocal experience we've had to endure thus far.
I’ve loved Fast Car for years and have listened to this album before, though not recently. Talkin’ Bout a Revolution is a fantastic opener. Not quite 5-stars, but I definitely understand why this is on the list.
I enjoyed this album a lot. 'Fast Car' is fantastic and is the first song since starting this that made it onto my Liked Songs on Spotify. There were some other good ones on here, but I did find it dragged through the middle of the album so that's why it gets a 4. Great voice though!
Kolejny swietny pick, ktorego pewnie bym nigdy nie uslyuszal gdyby nie lista, debiutancki material pani Tracy Chapman z 1988 jest swietnym blueprintem tego jak folkowe albumy powinny brzmiec, a rzadko to robia, zwlaszcza na debiutanckim krazku, gdzie trzeba zbalansowac wolnosc tworcza z tym co mozna sprzedac wytworni, ale na tych 36 minutach akustycznego grania znajda sie kawalki ktore mozna sprzedac w postaci singli jak fast car, baby can i hold you, czy openingowy talkin bout a revolution, trzymajace sie jednak stylu w jakim utrzymana jest plyta, wiec folka mowiacego o problemach z jakimi boryka sie spoleczenstwo, a to ze pani Tracy jest przedstawicielka mniejszosci, a dodatkowo jest kobieta daje jej szerokie pole do popisu jesli chodzi o tematyke utworow, od uciekania sansarowej biedzie przez znieczulice drugiego czlowieka na problemy somsiada, konczac na typowo sercowych problemach, nie tylo lirycznie, ale rowniez wokalnie pozytywnie sie zaskoczylem, pani chapman potrafi porwac sluchacza emocjami jakie chce przekazac nie tylko przy pomocy akustyka ktorego mozna uslyszec na wiekszosci trakow, ale rowniez samego glosu, ktory ma w sobie cos urzekajacego, ale jednoczesnie androgenicznego, dodatkowo gra jeszcze na talerzach i gitarze rytmicznej, wiec nawet multiinstrumentalnie, dodatkowy personel rowniez robi robote, zwlaszcza gitara pana Eda Blacka, ale dosc slabo wypada mastering calego krazka, bo momentami trzeba sciszac, bo az tak przebija glosnosc i precyzja samego brzmienia pozostawia wiele do zyczenia, ale pewnie nie byl to jakis mega drogi album, bo kto bedzie inwestowal w debiutancki album czarnej artystki, ktora chce tworzyc akustycznego folka w latach 80, ale calosciowo jestem zadowolony z tego, ze poznalem sie na tej plycie, bo pewnie gdzies mozna sie doszukac influencji plynacych z niej na scene lat 90 i polityczno socjalnie swiadomego rapu, na plejke leci hitowy fast cars i mountains o things
A nice listen but pretty slow. 7/10
What a woman?!? The voice is obviously so unique and incredible, but then there's the poetry and activism, the folky style and story-telling. There's something so special about a debut album I think, especially when an artist captures their thoughts and feelings and something artistic in the music and then they manage to package it into an album without the "big bosses" getting in the way and ruining it all. This is one of those debuts for me, there's a little bit of magic in there and it makes me really smile in my soul. There's some clear bangers in there but I've never listened to this album and Mountains O' Things is a great discovery, what an interesting cool song with layers of culture. It's not bangers wall-to-wall for me because although I love the story-telling and activism in a song like Behind the Wall, I don't get on with songs like that so well in terms of sound and just in a musical sense. I love the more melodical tunes but struggle with the more talky ones.
Nostalgic of being about 16! This was excellent and I enjoyed relistening to TC's iconic voice, its very different.
This is really, really good. Best we've had so far, I think, comfortably a 4 but not knocking on the door of 5. Really powerful stuff, stories that resonate now as I'm sure they did in 1988. Those first two tracks are amazing, it can't maintain those heights the whole way through but it comes surprisingly close. It feels like a coherent set of songs whilst still giving a bit of variety in theme, mood, and style, and there's not a bad song on the album. What a voice as well, not many singers who could pull off a track completely a cappella like Behind The Wall as well as her.
An album that from the start had me hooked. A couple of songs towards the middle I did not find as amazing but overall still a really great album
I knew this album fairly well but it was good to listen to the whole thing, I find most of the cuts to be enjoyable. I think her voice is very compelling as is her songwriting.
This was straight FIRE
I know I bought this CD when it came out and that was probably the last time I listened to it. This album starts strong with some heavy subjects (racism, domestic abuse, social injustice) and songs "Talkin Bout a Revolution," "Fast Car," "Across the Lines," and "Behind the Wall." Tracy has a very strong, powerful and dominant voice. This was classified as Contemporary Folk at the time. OK. There is some variety with the use of percussion, steel guitar, an A Cappella song and a song with a reggae beat. Some of the production has a very 80's feel to it. The songs often tell a story; it's unclear if it's Tracy's or from another point of view (probably both). Although some heavy-subject themed, most songs do have optimistic endings. I have to be honest; I always thought this album dragged in the second half. And after the first listen, it kind of still did but then I started to like it more. Most of the second half songs are slower and more about love/relationships. So, at least this listen today gave me a better appreciation of the album as a whole.
Krachtige nummers, gezongen met een unieke stem. Enorm goeie singer-songwriter
yum,my
What a breath of fresh air. Raw and powerful folk that describes real America
Good album, enjoyed the singing and the lyrics.
Beautiful album
Engaging & nostalgic
Yeah. It's good.
Some classics on this. Took me back. Definitely going to get more listens
Always liked this one!
I was thinking about Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs' performance of "Fast Car" at the Grammys and went to look back on my review of the original. To no great surprise, I never wrote it. But it gave me a chance to revisit Chapman's work in the wake of the renewed attention she has gotten this year for Combs' cover. "Fast Car" is proving that it is a timeless and beloved song constantly capable of finding new audiences, but it's not the only song on "Tracy Chapman" worthy of such merits. "Talkin' Bout a Revolution," "Across the Lines," "Behind the Wall," and "Why?" all speak deeply to struggles that haven't disappeared in the 34 years since this album came out. The middle of the album falters a bit, but overall Chapman presents a powerful roots rock record that is very deserving of reinvigoration.
I a 4.5 option.
I’m jealous of Tracy’s voice. It carries most of this album. I feel like her guitar mostly bland, and I could probably play it, but I will never be able to sing that well. The lyrics are like an Ansel Adams photograph, painting a captivating scene. I can feel the strife in her scenery. One nitpick is that the lyrics are repetitive sometimes although I suppose the messaging for a revolution does need to be concise.
Pretty good from what I heard
I knew the song Fast Car, but the rest of the album was unknown to me. It's good, easy to listen to. Won't get massive rotation for me, but I could see the right time and place to play it again.
My main contact with this was the radio airplay dominating Fast Car back in my high school days. Which remains the best of this I think: an incredibly spare collection of lyrics to generate such an evocative portrait of love, generational poverty and almost hopeless optimism. And perfectly matched musicslly by Chapman's stripped-down singer-songwriter style. The whole album is good though a lot of the activist sort of lyrics are basic to the point of being trite (love is hate, war is peace does not need to be committed to any type of media ever again) and while repetition is a valid tool of poetry it is sometimes overused in this. But this is largely nitpicking, it was a very strong debut.
I liked the first half more than the second half but it was sooo good!
Classic folk album, and such a departure from most music that was popular in its time. 4/5
Tracy Chapman sure can write a memorable tune and Fast Car, Revolution and Baby Can I Hold You? are perfect examples. There’s such a sweet sincerity behind this work and an almost naive quality to the music - an accidental pop star whose otherwise quiet acoustic guitar coffee shop songs somehow gained international attention. The album is perfectly fine but you can’t help but feel the polished production is a little too polished and radio friendly - you want to see what Chapman can do bursting out with a little more tempo or urgency, shake up the style, show me more, be grittier. But whatever else you can fault, Chapman’s work is full of integrity and I doubt she gives a damn what anyone else thinks. So good on her. You made a pretty memorable album.
7/10 Sad/Emotion
First time hearing the entire album. I should have heard it sooner. Added.
Brilliant album
A lot of very recognisable stuff here that I never realised was Tracy Chapman.
Sing song soul
Flashback í 12 ára bekk. Þarna eru frábær lög í æðislegum flutningi, en sum eru síður eftirminnileg. Margar stjörnur, en ekki fullt hús.
Love this album a lot. I didn’t know Fast Car was Chapman, learned that today. Rich voice and talented songwriter, I like the acoustic style.
Important black music album
first time listening to whole album and she is a very good singer-songwriter following the line of nina simone.
11/15 Revolution tinged folk songs telling tales of hope and despair in middle America. Standout Tracks: Talkin' 'bout a Revolution, Fast Car, Across the Lines, Why?, For My Lover
Liked it more than I was probably expecting. Know her from Fast Car and watching that video in my youth. Behind the Wall was powerful and she is clearly a voice for those that need one. Enjoyed Mountains O Things and Baby Can I Hold you as well.
Really good. Heavy emotional stuff.
Forgot I had this as a CD
A great album! I've heard 'Fast Car' in the past, but never any of the other tunes. I enjoyed this album for sure.
Very good. There arw a couple track that are considerably worse than the others but there are 4 great hits that make up for that in spades.
Nice
Good album if played a little too much
Unique vox, unique voice.
Stole the show at the Mandela concert with an acoustic guitar and an otherworldly voice. Remember listening to this in my bedroom 1000 times. 4/5
Been a long time since I've listened to this album, but I like it more than I remember.
Beautiful voice. Timeless.
Negzel sarkilar var 4,5/5
oldie
Fast car automatically makes this a 4.
This album reminds me so much of the time it was released. But then listening to it again makes me realize just how timeless an album it is. She is an amazing voice and this album is fantastic at any time but truly so when it first came out
4,6 Album low key goated man! Het is genieten. Hij doet alles goed + hij heeft hits! Gaat nog worden gespeeld no cap!
I enjoy songs which tell a tale. Really enjoyed the stories
Great
4/5 that was actually a nice album!
Very good record, wish the instrumentation was a bit less poppy.
FanTASTISKT album! De tre inledningslåtarna - Talkin' Bout a Revolution, Fast Car, och Across the Lines - är en öppning som få folkalbum klår! Mycket samhällskommenterande och sociopolitisk kritik i texterna, vilket alltid gillas, känns mer angeläget och viktigt då. Baby Can I Hold You har tydligen gjorts en del kända covers på, men den är tyvärr sådär, för mycket 80-tals powerkärleksballad. Det ~lilla~ bottennappet följs dock upp av idel bra låtar, främst Mountains o' Things, She's Got Her Ticket, For My Lover, och For You. Otvivelaktigt förtjänar detta album en kanoniserad plats i folkmusiken i synnerhet, men även i musikhistorien i allmänhet. Bästa låt: Fast Car, fempluslåt.
Great songs. I never appreciated how complete of an album this is. Added to my list of vinyl to look for.
This is pretty listenable
Singer-songwriter albums typically aren't my thing, but this is a solid album nonetheless.
Was really excited to listen to this album. Fast Car is one of the greatest songs ever, but I really enjoyed the rest of it too. Will definitely listen again!
Really enjoyed the conscious lyricism here. Tracy Chapman has a great voice with a lot of subtle, gentle soul.
Great storytelling with deep, personal lyrics delivered with strong vocals and compelling music.
The pain in her voice is so powerful and transcendent. She captures the darkness in America’s racism and it’s truly depressing to see how short we’ve fallen since this came out almost 35 years ago. We haven’t changed much, and this album’s message still hits so damned hard. What a fantastic piece of real and sharp art.
Quite a few on here I had forgotten about. Folky, but I like it.
Absolutely beautiful. Almost brought me to tears
Very good commentary on racial justice that still applies. Great story telling. Surprise a cappella too so that’s cool. Short ~36min. Would listen to again. Solid 8/10
Wonderfully raw but beautiful album. Sadly the topics she sings about are as relevant today as when she wrote them 30 years ago. 4.5
4/5
love Tracy
In its best moments, this record is a powerful, personal, and haunting examination of social issues. Champan's distinctive vocals and unique perspective carry the day, like on "Fast Car", "Behind the Wall" and "For My Lover". It also feels like a super against-the-grain record to be released in 1988 and seems to have cast a long shadow. But there are a few times where the production choices are cloying or Chapman's incisive perspective feels flattened into platitudes (most jarringly on "Why?"). Definitely an essential album, but there's a few aspects that make me hesitate before giving it a perfect five. Favourite songs: "Fast Car", "Behind the Wall", "For My Lover"
Good voice, good tracks. Fast Car is a fantastic song of course. Don't think I'll listen to more, but very nice for one time.
ok Fast Car is actually phenomenal and I really like this album. 4 cause the songs sound a little similar sometimes but this was quite good Saved: Fast Car, Baby Can I Hold You For My Lover
Saved Prior: None Off Rip: Talkin' Bout a Revolution, Fast Car, Across the Lines, Mountains O'Things Cutting Edge: Baby Can I Hold You, Why? Overall Notes: Didn't think I would like this one, but I was pleasantly surprised. Her voice just sounds super authentic and it sounds like she means everything she sings, even if it was a little preachy at times. Has a timeless sound, wouldn't have been surprised if it was released anytime between the 70s and the 2010s. I'd heard bits of Fast Car before but hadn't realized how amazing that song is.
Pretty pretty pretty good
Very good! This is what good acoustic music sounds like to me! And more women!
Nice easy listen with a few classics to enjoy!
4/5
Great voice with folk-style social justice lyrics, every song has a story to tell.
👍 curti
Great album. It remembers me my High school years
Brilliant
Her voice is so rich and clear.
This album was so popular, and the songs so good, that it's kinda become part of the cultural cosmic background radiation, right? Fave track - "Talking 'bout a Revolution" maybe, but there's a lot of great tracks...
Taugt mir sehr
Läuft immernoch im Radio Talking about a revolution, fast car wurde gecovert lmao krass
Great album, pure and uncompromising. I remember listening to this after it came out, when I was young and optimistic that real change was possible. It was and still is inspiring, even if I've grown more jaded and cynical over the years. 4 stars.
An all time favorite
Nice to bring this one back! Never listened to it the full way through and didn’t know it was an 80s album!
Very nice! Different than what I'm used to listen but really liked.
I adore Fast Car and I'm so glad I finally listened to this album. Phenomenal.
This album feels like it influenced a lot of the 90’s and it’s amazing how it is still super relevant now. Couldn’t believe that it came out in 88.
very good album. gently delivering powerful lyrics and does not pull any punches on social issues. great songs: fast car, behind the wall
Classic
Solid album
Damn so good. Starts off so strong and does seem to lose a little steam. So many vibes in this album and they're all good. Fast Car is amazing
Simple but effective and affective. Nice and pleasant to listen to but razor sharp in its focus. This Aussie gives it four bars of cherry ripe out of five.
canciones relajantes bastante buno fave across the lines
Poignant lyrics and soulful music, worth a listen.
Undervurdert, men syk stemme
Really interesting album. Showed me TC was more than just Fast Car. Off to a good start
I drive a fast car too!
nice one
Honestly, I'm guessing this album has most of her really good songs, but overall it was a nice listen
Very good album
Enjoyed the listen, powerful messaging. Beautifully soft melodies with quiet guitar and hypnotizing drums. Enjoyed it a lot, 7/8.
Folky, a good album
Lol
I really love Tracy Chapman. Her voice is very distinctive. And her lyrics are very powerful...behind the wall makes my cry every tyme.
Solid album. I’m really glad that I listened to it.
um clássico, muito bom
özeldi
This was way better than I ever thought it would be. While it is an 88 album, I can only think of the 90s when I listen to it. It reminds me of childhood and listening to the radio with my ma.
Listen to those lyrics.
Beautiful singing and lyrics, and some great instruments. Very good album.
First Impression: I liked her voice it is quite soothing to me. The album itself was ok, surprised to find the original Fast Car. Most songs were pretty good, although Baby Can I Hold You Tonight was a bit sappy for my taste. I found Behind the Wall really interesting, along with Across The Lines, and For My Lover. Favourite Track: Fast Car (most familiar track so it scratches my brain in all the right places) One Sentence: Carried by a beautiful mellow voice, Chapman's album is very insightful and full of compassion. Will I Revisit? Possibly
good, not rly my vibe tho
Noice
Strong lyricism and the voice of someone who has seen things and the pain sticks with them. Not my usual cup of tea but can't deny the poet.
More about the lyrics and message than the actual music
There are some strong songs here, and Chapman’s Armatrading-esque voice showcases them well. I’ve always been a bit sceptical of protest songs—they’re generally better at whingeing than bringing about actual change, and history has not exactly vindicated Chapman’s hopes for social progress. Still, the melodies are solid.
Unique voice
Vond zijn stem irritant op een gegeven moment.
Vakuuttava alku, mut kokonaisuus kävi vähän yksipuoleiseksi. Ei ollu missään vaiheessa huono, mut vähän liikaa samaa midtempolällyilyä. Teksteissä tuntu olevan hyvää juttua, joten ne ehkä kaipais tarkempaa tutkimista.
Starts with two all time great songs. But as it go on, begins to feel a bit repetitive, and none of the songs in the second half really stand out as much as the first couple.
Mooie singer-songwriter plaat 3,5
Lots of good songs, but just not a "I'm going to listen all the time album".
this is so early 2000s coffee shop, so nostalgic and warm.
I gotta admit, while several songs (Fast Car, Talkin’ Bout…, For My Lover) still punch, many of them come across as facile or simple. The lyrics sound naive and the melodies are a bit drawn out and repetitive. Maybe it’s the passing of time. Maybe other artists took the baton and ran it further. Chapman’s pitch-perfect voice still carries these songs a long way, of course. And I still listen. She just doesn’t have the impact she did in ‘88. But she grew, and changed. We all did.
if you’re like southern but have emotions, fast car is probably the only good one that got me to cry, its rare i get to cry so yeah
It was fine
Chapman’s voice truly just yanks on my heartstrings every single time.
Tracy Chapman you’re a little too Tracy Chapman for me.
Nice enough but not really my thing.
3 not really my cup of tea however i can see why people like this i kinda liked this too :P
Nice, pleasant music, not real change in pace or energy to hold my attention.
Alright music. Not sure I would've realized it was a female singer on a few of the tracks.
A couple flashes of standout tracks here but definitely a similar design on most of these songs which creates a bit of a boring effect on the B side of the album. I also don’t find her writing particularly moving. This is especially true on tracks that are supposed to be the “best” on the album. The writing feels immature. Perhaps it’s the love of Dylan in me that’s making me jaded but the lyrics lack depth. I think of a song like “North Country Blues” from him that SHOWS me something rather than simply telling me how to feel. The whole album sounds like a student who just read the communist manifesto for the first time. This is especially true of “Talking About a Revolution.” It’s too bad because I like the tune, but just can’t get past the lyrics. Ironically the track that seems to break the framework of the rest of the album the most “Mountain O’Things” is probably my favorite.
For You
enjoyable
It's nice, if a little morose. Was a unique sound within popular music at the time. It was certainly new to me back then. However there's a lot of other stuff from that era that I prefer.
I remember having it in cassette,was in the navy back then ,3.5 /5 for me .
I randomly bought this a few years ago - I think because I liked Fast Car - and its a great song that showcases her voice wonderfully. The other two big singles are very strong also : Talkin’ Bout a Revolution and Baby Can I Hold You Tonight. Unfortunately the rest of the album is pretty forgettable and bad eighties production.
I kind of wanted to like it more but was still good!
This record is not really my speed, but it’s hard to pick it apart too hard from a quality standpoint. The lyrics are not really resonant with me so much, but they’re not dumb. The music I’m actually kind of into (sort of Toad the Wet Sprocket-esque at points). I kind of appreciate Tracy’s unique vocal quality. I understand why this record could be included here, even if it’s not really what I’m into. 7/10
nice singer-songwriter record. great $1 bin find
pretty solid
Lidt ligegyldigt
An album I want to love more than I do. Those first few songs are incredible, total classic material, but the second half of the record is weirdly forgettable. But it’s got “Fast Car,” and that’s a hell of a win.
Not a big fan
A few pleasant ditties, but it's no that good.
Ok
fav songs: fast car sincere, polished, thoughtful 50/100
Very pretty sounding music, but not for me.
My first thoughts were, "this is the lady that did Fast Car" and "I think this is gonna be pure, acoustic folk." The first one was right, the second one, not so much. Interesting how the next few songs after Fast Car fell squarely in the 80s pop sound. I really like the vibe of the opening track and hoped for an album that had a similar vibe, but it ended up turning into that Suzanne Vega record I had a few months ago.
Such a voice and talent. Very chill album.
Chapman's got a great voice. Fast Car is a damn tear-jerker. Sincere music. Not bad at all.
Listening session: may 18th, while crocheting Listened to before: listened to one song before Thoughts: Tracy Chapman has got a great voice and Fast Car will forever be iconic, but this wasb’t anything more than just enjoyable for me Favourite tracks: Fast Car, Baby Can I Hold You & For You
It's decent but not that exciting
Had this ablum back in the day. Its well written, string olayers, well produced. But its always been a bit meh for me.
beautiful voice, touching lyrics, but i struggled with the music. i can understand why this is a special album, and i'm kind of sad that it's not really my cup of tea
No sabía que Fast Car era de él. Me gustó bastante el álbum.
As pleasant as it ever was
3.5 An incredible voice, obviously, “Fast Car” IS a perfect song. It’s kinda wild to see how wildly influential Chapman has been to modern artists, her legacy has only grown over time. That being said, I mostly don’t LOVE the songs in the first half (“Fast Car” notwithstanding). I think the songwriting opens up in the second half, but I find some of the “issue” songs a little clumsy and on-the-nose, but I’ll also readily admit not a ton of artists were writing truthfully about stuff like that at the time.
One of those albums I dismissed when it was released, mainly because my parents liked it, but listening to it now I actually quite enjoyed this. Perhaps a little bit too much like polite middle-class dinner party music, but that has its place.
Not totaly my thing, but I can see how people love it and how it deserves to be on this list. 3
She is talented. very talented. not my speed.
Enjoyed this and listened through twice.
[NEVER LISTENED BEFORE]
Really like first two songs. I wish I liked more of rest. Very solid 3 star
It's high time we all stopped listening to fast car
muy buen álbum tranquilo que tiene todas las vibras a los 80
A capa é ruim, mas a música compensou.
Some great themes here, and interesting voice. Can't really see revisiting it though.
meu irmao nao vou mentir, so tem uns 3 bangers nessa porra, e um puta album forte com um tema empactante pra caramba, mas nao fez o estilo do papai aqui, 7/10 pela força que tem nesse album, mas NO BANGER!!!
Buenas melodias.
She alright
This came out in 1988 but no shiny production, no overload, just a voice, a guitar and honest songs. Tracy Chapman sounds completely sincere, but after a while, the same calm, clean tone can feel a bit flat emotionally.
me gustó, cuenta una historia que me pareció muy gringa pero el man canta bien y los temas están bacanitos
Obviously Fast Car is a masterpiece in itself. Tracy Chapman sings about all the problems she sees in the world, from domestic abuse to racism to sexism. I personally found Behind the Wall to be pretty powerful. Mountains O' Things was one track that stuck with me for whatever reason. I don't know that I have ever heard another song take on our consumer society in that way, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Unfortunately, I felt like throughout the rest of this album I found myself feeling bored. I am not sure if the quality dropped off, or I can just listen to so much Tracy Chapman, but I didn't find myself enjoying it at the end. I found For You to be very weak compared to the rest of the release. However, don't let this take away from the brilliance that this album opens up with.
aarrrgghhhh i respect her SO much and i was READY to give this 5 stars but it's just sailing past me. IM SORRY TRACY
Certainly nice, easy listening but a bit "soft" more me.
Fast Car is good, the rest isn't bad but probably would not come back to it
Yearning and intimate. It was pretty good. Favourite Track(s): Fast Car, Behind the Wall Least Favourite Track(s): Baby Can I Hold You
Another one of mom’s favorites but I didn’t have the emotional reaction that previous selections gave me. The songs that work the best here are the ones that are written and treated like the urban “folk” songs that fit her voice and style best. Unfortunately it seems some producer had to get involved and try to produce much of it like some kind of ersatz pop album which really doesn’t work. The touches are overwrought, stylistically divergent, and in places just corny as hell. I’d say it falls in a category overall of did-not-age-well. Slight bump because the stories are interesting when she focuses on them.
Not really my thing, but a decent record nonetheless.
nice
Pretty good, but I didn't like all songs.
Chapman has great vocals and undeniable songwriting talent. Her music doesn't do too much for me, though. I think it had a lot more impact when juxtaposed with the late 80s music it broke away from instead of how I hear it now. I like it, but not much more than that. There are some really strong songs here. Fast Car is iconic and stands the test of time. I also liked Why? and For My Lover quite a bit. Some of the other tracks were a bit boring for me, though. The album has a strong start and a good few pockets of songs. I think the middle section dragged a bit, though. So, yeah. I liked this one without loving it. I know that it had a big impact when it came out. I feel like countless artists have spent the last few decades trying to imitate Chapman's style, and none have really come close. But as a whole it's just not really up there for me. Overall: 3.1/5
Understand it's attraction from it's comfy feel and mostly meaningful lyrics, but just not for me
A few nice songs. Probably more for background dinner party music than something I’d put on for my listening pleasure.
Early 90s student bedsit singer songwriter music. She does have a fantastic voice and is a good songwriter as shown by the fact that 'Baby Can I Hold You Tonight' was a hit for one of the big boy bands. But less than the sum of its parts and doesn't do much for me. 3.5 stars but rounding down to 3 stars.
3.5/5
Incredibly powerful lyrics and very relevant as well. With this I hated her more monotone style of singing.
This “Fast Car” is 100x better than the one the radio plays now. I also liked “Baby Can I Hold You.” 6/10
Trevlig röst och några bra låtar men inget som engagerar mig något djupare.
I've heard of Tracy Chapman but didn't really know her music, other than Fast Car. I'm glad she was on this list because this was a really solid album that will definitely be listening through again!
3.3
está bueno pero no me encanta siento q cada canción individualmenge me gustó pero al escuchar el álbum me aburrió un poco y eso w no es largo, pero en general está bueno
Buen album, muy 80s todo y no es mi estilo pero canta lindo y transmite mucho la chabona. 6/10
very political for the time, love it
Chulo
Leading with the best 2 songs, and by now most famous, gets this off to a good start. There’s something very earnest and likeable about her style and storytelling. Also, I have to say I did not know she wrote ‘Baby Can I Hold You’, this is a good song but sullied by Boyzone. Unfortunately, I find myself getting a little bored through the second half of this album, and it’s not a particularly long album but the style tends to drag a little.
Lyrics 4, songs 2
apologies generator i was not familiar with your game. good footy. i'm coming to find that it's not that i hate her music, rather i hate the production techniques on most post outlaw pre garth brooks country. too 80s AOR. however. COMMA. the songs transcend the form. i hope i get a living color album so i can make the same complaint. 3.3-4.1.
I could quite happily listen to this but wouldn’t include it in my own music collection.
Very good, the voices of her is magnetic in my opinion is the pilar that keep the album, some song are very good, actually I listen more than the last and surely I'll listen again.
its a really soul touching album, and its generally slow with the music focusing more on lyrics than melody. i personally dont reaaaally like it since melodic wise it just isnt something id listen to. i will admit though, lyrically this album is amazing so ill rate it 6/10
see I don’t hate it i like talking ‘bout a revolution nice song however i think it’s quite slow for my liking and there’s a lack of variety in instrumentation but i would listen again
Beautiful voice, but only a couple of tracks that I come back to.
The messaging here is clear and powerful, with most of the themes still far too relevant too. Class struggle, poverty, racism, domestic violence. It's heavy stuff but it's handled with a light touch, an earnestness. Musically, we don't stray too far from a pop rock formula, there's certainly plenty of folk influence and other genres seep in as well. I like it. But outside of the best songs, I'm looking for maybe more intensity to match the fire and emotions in the lyrics. Favorites, in descending order, pretty much: Fast Car, Across the Lines, Mountains O' Things.
thinkin about niggers' wage gap 🙏
Lowkey direct.
I've heard Fast Car so many times omg.
A pleasant listen, such a unique voice. Interesting to listen to this as an adult and comprehend the message being conveyed
i added 4 songs
Thoughtful lyrics, but the music doesn't shine.
The monologue song was cool. Other than that, I did not care for it much.
Tracy’s got a great voice, it was a pretty great album. Fast Car is the highlight of the album to me but I really enjoyed Baby Can I Hold you as well!
Poor are even poorer Trace mate
Not sure what I think of this yet. Great writing but I’m not into the music. Even so, it’s well done. Behind the Wall, Mountains of Things, and For my Lover were my favorites.
Some great songs but a lot of it musically is a very light touch. Not huge on the 80s production either on some of the more emotive tracks, takes you out of it. Much better when it’s stripped back (except Talkin’ Bout a Revolution which is just a stellar number)
estuvo bueno, sonaba bien y algunas canciones las reconoci lo que me sorprendio porque no me sonaba nada la portada. Me gusto pero tampoco me impresiono o encanto seria como un 6.5 o 7/10 creo
I thinks this might be objectively good, but I don't like it.
A réécouter. J’ai pas été assez attentif pendant la première écoute. Album très chill, que je trouvais un peu boring… Mais y’a probablement du potentiel.
Good. But not really my cup of tea.
I think I liked Chapman’s overall vocal performance here a lot more than most of the actual songs. I found myself wishing that a lot of these songs were like 20% slower and sadder. I think my actual score would be a 2.5, but I'll round up to a 3 because 'Fast Car' is good
Fast Car is an incredible song. The rest of the album was pretty boring and I didn't like most of it. But 3 stars for Fast Car.
There was a lot to enjoy here -- varied melodies and stylings, a serene voice, thoughtful lyrics. But it also felt too lofty/preachy about *issues*. Even though I'm in agreement with much of what Chapman sang about, hearing on-the-nose lyrics was a little cringe at times. I think this album hovers between a 3 or 4 for me.
3/5 - unique voice, interesting use of instruments
'Fast car' is natuurlijk een banger, maar voor de rest is dit niet per se mijn ding, niet super bijzonder
This is good, and singles are classic for sure, but the whole thing has that slick late 80s production sound that I just can't get past.