Reviews (page 9 of 15)
Solid songs straight from the soul. Of course I knew Fast Car very well but not so familiar with the others so I was quite moved by how political this album was, and saddened at how little has changed in 37 years. Fantastic voice, interesting tunes, some nice country/western influences etc. Very good all round. (4.5 stars)
What an incredible voice, and what powerful songs.
"Fast Car" is obviously an all time song, but the rest of the album is also quiet beautiful and emotionally striking.
Fast Car is the career defining hit. It's a good song and was sampled to perfection by Nice & Smooth on Sometimes I Rhyme Slow. These are truly depressing lyrics. Tracy Chapman hates America. This is so overtly political it's boring. It's like getting a lecture rather than listening to music. She could take a lesson from Bob Dylan on how to do this. Baby Can I Hold You is better...just a love song, a nice change. Right back to the lesson on how everything sucks. Capitalism is bad, rich people are bad.
Fast Car alone deserves 5 stars. I was delighted to find that the rest of the album was great too, smooth and bittersweet and honest.
Excellent
Great tunes great voice
As others have said, unfortunately this brings home that nothing's been fixed since 1988. We had some hope for a bit, but it went badly wrong. However, although painful, I loved hearing it again. I'm glad the production is simple, mainly just a bit of bass and percussion; it's just enough to enhance the beautiful songs and their hard-hitting lyrics. Really good album. The last track is simple, poignant and beautiful. May this resonate and inspire.
Only knew the first two tracks, but this album is cohesive, soothing and poetic. 8/10 Fave: fast car or for my lover
I really like Tracy Chapmans unique voice. I didn’t expect to love this, but I might throw this into regular rotation. Behind the wall is mid. It sounds like it is Influenced by folk and 80s pop music. Overall 6.5/10 but I like the influence it had on music
Songwriting expertise mixed with a vocal rawness (ala Joni Mitchell). Read a description of both musicians stating "they represent the Power of music without spectacle." And I think that sums up this album perfectly. You're drawn to the lyrics, like a thirsty cat to milk. Of course, FAST CAR and TALKIN' BOUT A REVOLUTION are timeless, but other highlights were the quick paced WHY? and MOUNTAINS O'THINGS.
It is fine
Pretty solid, but still will only listen to fast car
Rounding up to a 4. Enjoyed it more than a 3 but a lot of it is almost a bit too musically understated for my taste. Talking About a Revolution and Fast Car slap of course
Excellent songwriting with a good voice to match. The beats of the other songs didn’t really super stand out but I would revisit
Wanted to rate this a 4 but actual enjoyment dictated a 3. A great example of an album that would benefit from a deeper dive and relisten. So much so that I reached out to u/SidledsGunnar to see if they can add a "tagging" feature similar to Letterboxd to create sublists of albums like this.
This was fine, nothing to get excited about.
overplayed
Rätt bra! 3/5
Pretty good well written album but not for me.
8/10
She sells every song with raw emotion. It especially stands out in its era. Rock was dominated by hair and glam, pop was focused on big, bright ballads, and this stands out as a more intimate and directly emotional experience. I'm not trying to criticize fun here, but I'm always down for a shakeup. Whether it works or not, I respect the effort. Her lyricism and musical style really sells the emotion behind her work, and gives an important weight to small, intimate moments. Her explicitly political songs are disappointingly edgeless, with "Talkin Bout A Revolution" vaguely gesturing toward change, or "Why" listing talking points so rapidly that they don't have time to sink in. Most of the good political songs need to have a specific point, like Fortunate Son calling out the hypocrisy of the rich and politically connected, or Ohio narrowing in on one specific incident to highlight a broader issue, or Fight the Power focusing on multiple broad issues to focus on the people targeted. "Talkin Bout A Revolution" fails as a call to action because it doesn't really have a call to action, it's saying it's already started, you don't have to do anything. "Why" fails as a protest song in the same way that "We Didn't Start the Fire" does, it's more useful in a history classroom than a protest line.
Okay, so. Wether you like the lyrics or not (and I don't really love them) the voice and the melodies are out of this world. The music behind the voice is really not all that amazing though. Everything has to come from Chapman herself, and while she does a lot, parts of this album still falls a bit flatterende.
Several songs are as good as Fast Car. I usually only like folk music from before 1980 but this is a very solid album and wildly mature and intense for such a young girl (late teens/early 20s) I felt lucky that my life has been so sheltered (and yes charmed) as I'm about the age she was when this album came out and I have thankfully never felt many of the things she experienced /felt & turned into powerful, generation defining songs. I will buy this album maybe on RST next month and I know it will sit nicely next to my Bob Dylan & Joni Mitchell albums. It's that good.
Great songwriter, great voice!
was never a fan
Some great songs, would be easy to put on and just have on in general, but not always something I'm super drawn to.
I knew Fast Car, first listen besides that though. I once again find myself waffling between a 4 and a 5 because while the production is a little dated and cheesy sounding now, the message is unfortunately still just as relevant as ever and beautifully expressed for the most part. Fast Car being absolute fire is the tie breaker I think.
SO good
I feel like I had a different experience every time I listened to this album. The first listen was very nostalgic, reminded me of singing along to Fast Car with my mum when she dropped me off to school. On the second listen I feel like I paid more attention to Tracy Chapman's voice and how beautiful and gentle it is. I love folk music and her voice is so soothing. By the third and final listen, I found myself feeling quite sad and I think it's because I paid more attention to her lyrics and how the album comments on social injustice and it's kind of heartbreaking that despite having seen so much change in the world, it feels like we're regressing in terms of social change. Overall a very impactful album, and one I didn't fully appreciate when I was younger.
I’m honestly quite sad that I haven’t listened to this one before. Reminded me a bit of Blue and Graceland. Some things I liked: - Tasteful production. The producer added enough to complement her singing and guitar, without overdoing it. - Chapman’s voice is beautiful and warm-sounding. - The lyrics feel warm and inviting, but then devastating at the same time. Favorite Track: Behind the Wall
fast car might be the best song ever made. the rest is really damn great too
Feels like a memoir of domestic abuse. Very good though.
Good album. Better than most of the threes.
I would never have listened to this album except for this project. It’s actually beautiful and sad - she is a storyteller and it’s all about working class struggles - and I enjoyed it quite a lot.
I want Chapman to release another political album. While so little has changed since 1988, it would be fascinating to hear what she thinks and creates in 2025.
Banat’s a dick
I was surprised how many of these songs I knew already. Quite middle of the road musically. Lyrically, it’s good to see someone being political and trying to say something meaningful, but felt a bit hackneyed.
Liked this more than expected. Obviously Fast Car is a great song, but the rest is mostly just OK to me.
Amazingly talented, her voice, her message and the music just work so well together. A little top heavy in terms of hit songs, but overall a really good album. 4/5 Will listen again
I appreciate the acapella in the album. I don't usually like it, but Chapman pulls it off very well. Mountain O Things sounds almost tropical, it reminds me of TT. The lyrics of "Why?" really got me reflecting, made me emotional almost. The message is so important. The commentary on love, on life, all with such peaceful instrumentals. Nothing like it.
Yeh, fine, won’t play it again
Got me crying in the cubicle on a Monday morning! Not many can do it like Tracy!
83% Best: Fast Car; Baby Can I Hold You; Mountains O' Things; Why?; For My Lover Must-Hear? Sure
Beautiful album loved this
It's been too long since I've listened to this album. And that's probably because every time I listen to it my heart breaks. There is so much emotion and truth in every song, and sadly, all the problems she sings about are still with us, magnified. Fast Car is outstanding as is Talkin' Bout A Revolution, Why? and For My Lover; and I forgot how chilling (and unfortunately, accurate) Behind the Wall is.
Tonight for our main course we have some easy listening that's not so easy if you're listening. I don't vibe with the production style of late 80s folk very often; and yes, if you're not paying attention, you will only hear the kind of stale, safe vibe this album gives off. But the lyrics tell a much different story. There's a reason Fast Car remains a cultural titan of a song after almost 40 years. It's a devastating slice of life that rings true to too many individuals. And the rest of the socially-driven songs here aren't just fluff to eat up the runtime. This is a 5 star album that will get 4 stars from me because I'm an asshole.
Thematically, I'm riding for the causes; sonically, I would like to be let out of the car, please.
Great album, reminds me of childhood and my mom!
This record sounds amazing but none of the songs hold up to “Fast Car”
Really solid and a great recording.
it was okay.
I like Tracy's voice Ive heard it before but its been years and was nice to revisit it. Revolution song speaks volumes and Fast car is a classic. Most songs are great nice easy listen and chilled out vibe with an acoustic feel.
There was a window of time between late 80s hair metal and early 90s grunge when this album worked. Beautiful
Another Billion plays song in "Fast Car". A Great voice, great album, and I really enjoyed it.
Pretty sure I bought this one back in 1988. Tracy Chapman was gonna be HUUUUGGGEEE! So what happened? Nice to re-listen to this after so long.
Memorable
Ehh
Pretty soft and nice music.
Unpopular opinion, but I can't fuckin' stand Fast Car. I don't get the hype. I know she's talented. Good voice, good songwriter, good guitar player, but I can't get into it.
Was good!
Good one.
Beautiful album what genre is this lol
确实，声音像是个男的。而且有一首歌旋律很熟悉，哪首来着？懒得找了。 黑人的blue 加摇滚加...反正不咋爱听
Easy listening with some interesting and thought-provoking lyrics. Got a bit tired by the end, even though it is a relatively short album. First two songs are world-class.
4/5 holy shit, Fast Car incredibile
очень хороший альбом, музыка прекрасная для того, чтобы начать день!
She has an amazing voice but didn't feel anything super new in the album
Perfect album. Perfect songs. She is an amazing storyteller. This is like a movie. Don't go into this album if you are looking for a lighthearted romp...this is a heavy drama.
Grew up with this album playing a lot so nice and nostalgic. Some absolute corkers, some a bit samey. Favourite has to be baby can I hold you.
Thank you, algorithm. This is exactly what I needed after last week's debacle. Excellent album that has something to say and makes you feel something.
I thought this album was going to be very easy to get through with it only being 35 minutes long. It was not as Tracy’s message in this album will sit with me a long while. This really is not my vibe, as it’s too sad for me to want to repeat this very often. But the powerful songwriting, and the relevance of the albums subject material even today makes this higher than my preferred listening experience.
Amazing voice
Solid, would definitely make good remixes that I would like. Notable songs: Fast car, If not now, Behind the wall, Baby can I hold you, and She's got her ticket. 3.5/5 Nice lyrics
Love her style.
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.
Never listened to the full album before but its all just as good as Fast car. It’s like one big story about everything she observes, making big systemic injustice feel personal and personal matters feel large and important.
The phrase that keeps popping up in these reviews is "heart breaking". The lyrics deal with poverty, social injustice, domestic abuse, and other difficult issues. Chapman emerged as a popular local singer in anti-apartheid circles. What feels particularly tragic is the sense of hope throughout it, as though Chapman is holding up the weight of the world on her shoulders and has no intention of letting go. What particularly surprised me about this album was that it came out in 1988. The sound is so distinctly 90s to me that it must have been hugely influential in bringing popular music back from the era of synths and hair metal stadium shows, back to more personal and acoustic sounds of college campuses. Either way, it's a beautiful and socially conscious album that really exceeds expectations.
Brilliant solo album
This ’80s-style sophisticated folk just isn’t my thing. It feels too polished, bland, and watered down for my taste. That said, I did enjoy the organ, and a few tracks were decent, but overall, this sounds like the kind of music that plays in the background during the ending credits of a sleazy drama movie.
Boring songs like adele...zzzzzzzzz
Hated Fast Car when I was 16. At 53 I’m upset with my younger self for not realizing how beautiful this album is.
Good
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.
This is the beauty of this project. My perception of female singer-songwriters from this era hasn't always been the most informed and, therefore, not always the most kind. There's a certain crunchiness I, accurately or not, ascribe to performers like Chapman. Lilith Faire types. Performers that, while talented, insist upon themselves and their art. That can be annoying. This was, of course, an outdated, sexist and juvenile opinion, one formed in my younger years and never reexamined or challenged. And that is where the beauty of this project comes into play. I would probably have never picked up this album if not for this project. I never would have reexamined my opinions of Tracy Chapman or even given her work a fair shot. And yet now I have. And goddamn. The entire thing is a completely understated sharing of one person's life experiences. It's understated because to her, this is life. It's what she's experienced and what she's been through. It's her norm. It's remarkable to us, the listener, because it isn't normal for us. Or maybe it is and we see ourselves in it. I personally can't say that I see myself in her work, but that's what makes it remarkable. It's a beautiful, painful, genuine look into a life that I could otherwise only struggle to relate to. It's an understated masterpiece of an album that conveys so much while asking very little of its listener. It doesn't take you on a sonic journey. It doesn't try to wow you or impress by overwhelming your senses or blowing you away with its production. The album, and Chapman, simply want you to listen. That's it. Just listen to her stories. She isn't the best vocalist ever, and the production is mostly scaled down enough that it's in no way ever distracting. And that's intentional. Because you just need to listen. I can't say enough about this. It's an easy five stars. I have such a newfound respect for Tracy Chapman, and I regret that I ever had anything else but that for her. Standout Tracks: Talkin' Bout a Revolution, Fast Car, Behind the Wall, Mountains O' Things, Why?, For You
I enjoyed a couple of his songs and would definitely listen again. I really enjoyed his voice and the meaning behind the songs but felt that it wasn’t all put together
Great storytelling in this from Chapman. I don’t think I’d come back to this too much, but I enjoyed it
What a voice album is great.
I really liked this one. She has a beautiful voice and several of the songs were quite touching. It's rare that someone's voice is so clear I can actually make out the lyrics without having to focus too hard. Fast Car is an all-timer too. 4.5 but rounding up because I'm like dat. Understanding.
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
I really liked some songs but kinda mid overall
Soooooo good!!!!!!
Iconic! Endlich mal eine Frau, eine Gute!
a beautiful album that fights against the injustices of the world
i genuinely cannot stop winning this is ridiculous
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)
Very good, very soulful
Tracy Chapman is a treasure! I love love loved this album!
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.
SELF TITLED!!! 7 more stars are needed!
9/10 Favorite Tracks: All of them Least favorite: None
7/10. The vocals are very nice. I like the album's storytelling. The music feels a little too underwhelming for me, personally.
Sadly I did not vibe with this album. Fast Cars I loved, as legally obliged. Give Me One Reason wasn't bad either. But the rest of the album was dull, the lyrics were shallow and direct, and the songs sounded eh. Very underwhelming and boring. 2/5 stars.
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.
Beautiful and powerful. Ela tem todas as palavras e o gogó pra enviar a mensagem certa. Um triunfo em composição e interpretação correta pra acompanhar.
Simple and pleasant
Yeah like not bad but not much stood out. Good writing but generic instrumentation. https://youtube.com/shorts/x2TkMWWu8Bc?si=bTh4TJ_jEQH581Kq
fast car obviously the big stand out, and whilst the album is lovely to listen to on the surface , the lyrics can be a downer. clearly a great album , but not what i want to hear right now . 3.4
5/5 Tracy Chapman's low-key but precise vocals over delicate guitar suit her songwriting perfectly, whether telling a beautiful story or delivering a passionate message. The second side beginning with more traditional pop production actually takes a bit of her fire. However, each song is tightly structured and has its own melodic credit and vibe. It is an exceptionally good album. Talkin' Bout a Revolution 5/5 Fast Car 5/5 Across the Lines 5/5 (FAV) Behind the Wall 5/5 Baby Can I Hold You 5/5 Mountains O' Things 4.5/5 (LEAST FAV) She's Got Her Ticket 4.5/5 Why? 5/5 For My Lover 5/5 If Not Now... 5/5 For You 5/5
This one snuck up on me. I feel like such a sap, but I'm falling for her music. You really get the sense that Tracy is hard working and intelligent despite all the roadblocks she may have faced and excuses she could have made. In the end, she was too good to ignore and probably too honest to BS herself. What a debut.
Fast car vibe but more Chill easy listening
If you look up “yearning” in the dictionary you should see the cover of this record. What a powerful combination of voice and message.
23 year old Tracy Chapman sings with the power, maturity and wisdom of a woman who’s lived a full life already.
Would listen to again! Really love her voice and style.
very classy, very soulful. nothing else to say, just perfect
I respect Tracy Chapman a great deal. She pretty much defies all stereotypes of the late 80s music scene, and even in her own folk field she stands out because her tunes just feel that more genuine. However, I still don't much care for most of this music. Fast Car is iconic, but I could go the rest of my life without hearing it, especially after that so-so Luke Combs cover, and every other song here is okay, but not all too special. It's something to admire, and if Bruce Springsteen was doing them I would dislike them a whole lot more, but I still don't care for this era of music, defying expectations or not.
Strong start. First 5 songs all remind me of my childhood. Back half requires more listening but still, very good vibes.
It was so cool to see Tracy at last year’s Grammy’s after all these years. The hits have definitely stood the test of time, and the rest of the album too, as it fleshes out Tracy’s laser sharp commentary on the social problems of the day. Making this album almost essential listening; nothing’s really changed and the subject matter sadly is still relevant to this day. I don’t think it’s a perfect album, maybe it’s one weakness is it does stay stoutly within that lane, but I give it a 4 out of 5 stars partly for how smart it is. Favorite cuts for me are “Talkin’ Bout a Revolution”, “Fast Car”, “Across the Lines”, “Mountains O’ Things”, “For My Lover” and “If Not Now…”.
diese einfachheit der instrumentalisierung kombiniert mit engagierten texten - dieses album ist auch nach 30 jahren noch immer hörenswert. mir gefällt der opener Talkin‘ Bout A Revolution, aber auch Why? und alle „leisen“ und feinen Songs.
Ein grossartiges Album und richtiger Klassiker. Ist eine Freude wieder mal zu hören.
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).
I really like Tracy Chapman as a lyricist and songwriter, but I'm not into the sound, and the production, while solid, sounds at times very dated in the worst ways. I don't feel I'd ever reach for this album, but she's really great.
I didn’t really appreciate Tracy Chapman at the time when this released. I was young and it never clicked. As I’ve gotten older, this album has continued to grow on me. A lot of the themes on her songs are still relevant today.
I forgot how absolutely amazing I think this album is. Fast Car is a classic, but the whole first half of the album contains only amazing tracks. Important masterpiece.
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
legal but not my cup of tea.. talvez meu mood, meu dia, o fato de que eu me mantive presa a poucos gêneros nos últimos meses. ou talvez só não seja o meu gosto mesmo. sei reconhecer algo bonito quando escuto, mas gostar é outro papo.
Never has an album been more deserving of the renewed recognition this one is getting.
Not my cup of tea but an amazing voice. Giving it a 4 in response to the wanker reviewer who called this ‘secretary music’. And that was the most polite name he called it.
Loved how raw and emotional it was. I knew "Fast Cars" but otherwise had never heard of this singer before. Pretty glad I got to change that. Amazing album.
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.
Interesting sound, mellow and musical. Good background music.
Easy Listening, great voice, nice guitars.
I've heard a song or two of hers, just not for me or music I would ever put on casually. Great voice
in the age of G'n'R and the fall of Communism, Tracy Chapman made a folksy alt-rock album about the failings of the American Dream and materialism, and it sold millions of copies. maybe that success is due to the breakout success of "Fast Car", but that song is pretty outwardly political too -- it's a female-focused portrait of being let down by every man in your life as they drink their lives away, something that no fast car to the city can take you away from if you let it follow you. in my opinion, it's the last great American folk song, and everything after is pure revivalism. nobody has enough money in Chapman's songs, they're all starving or ignored or hurt, and it feels a little refreshing that it became popular in the decade of Me, even if by accident. there's a bit of a reggae misfire on "She's Got Her Ticket", but the rest of the album is worth a thrift shop salvage for deep cuts like ""For My Lover" and "Across the Lines". it's a perfect album for a day where you feel kinda bad but not miserable, you know? everything is overcast and the world's getting to you through the phone screen -- it's not gonna erase those things, but you'll at least feel a bit better equipped to deal with it.
You’ve got a fast car, and an alright country folk album. That’s about all of my thoughts on it. Her voice is soothing. Standouts: Fast Car, Baby Can I Hold You, and If Not Now…
beautiful voice
Incredible voice. Breaks my heart because topics she sings about didn't change.
I appreciate the cultural significance of Tracy Chapman but do I enjoy her music? Not really.
Chapman’s break out album - several hits
Soulful great album
ok
8/10 such a good song writer. I like stripped down folk music and Tracy does it well. 1-15-2025
Not for me.
If not for “Fast Car”, which was played on radio, I probably never would have known about Tracy Chapman. Anyhow, this is a good album for a debut. I give it three stars.
Have loved Tracy Chapman since the first time I heard her song Fast Car on the radio. Guessing back in 1988. She is a an amazing storyteller. Vivid and emotional. That song was a perfect blend of message and music. Her album is filled with excellent tracks. Baby Can I Hold You is another well know and great song. She also has a lot tracks asking us to look at and rethink our acceptance social injustice. These are lesser known, since they didn't as easily suit radio play. Across the Lines; Behind the Wall; Why; and Mountains O'Things were the ones in this category that most affected me. She also has a few tracks examining a need to love and be with the one we love even if it is at a sacrifice. If it was at all inspired by her own life, made me both admire the depths of her commitment for love, and also want to be a friend to her back then to try to tell her "oh no girl, this is so not healthy". 🥺
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...'
I'm more a music guy. I have trouble enjoying music that's supposed to be heard and rated because of the lyrics. I connect emotionally with the music mostly, not with the lyrics. Besides, I always had trouble understanding the lyrics on english songs. Igualmente escuché este disco leyendo las letras al mismo tiempo. Ella es una gran poeta, toda una trovadora. Y la música sigue manteniendo ese aire "pop" a pesar de que perfectamente podría ser puramente folclórico. Pero quizás solo lo estoy comparando al "canto nuevo" chileno que solo pertenece a mi cultura. No es música que me llegue emocionalmente a mi y no va dirigida a alguien como yo que no es de USA. Para eso preferiría escuchar Víctor Jara o Violeta Parra. Igualmente la voz de ella es muy linda y la producción musical es muy buena, very classy. Same as the mix and master (listening to the TIDAL versión). Doesn't sound outdated to me at all besides being such an old record. It just doesn't speak to me personally. But I can see why this album is in the book.
Wonderful heartfelt folk album.
mid
What a perfect album
not for me, dont care for somewhat basic political messages if they are wraped in a singersongrwitersingalong wrapper YNN
Two stars, won;t listen again
Incredible songs, all very sad
Very dated
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.
it was alright. 2 stars
Firstly, I'm impressed with how pertinent the songs from 1988 are in 2025. I've always heard Fast Car on EVERY list, and honestly was kind of over it. Listening to the entire album however I'm hit by how simple and impactful the songs are. I feel like it starts amazingly well and kinda trails off towards the middle. Any of the songs alone are amazing but one after another I start wanting something more. The simplicity of the songs that started off such a strength began to wear on me. I still think it is a solid album by an amazing writer with a distinct and incredible voice.
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
OK album.
9/10
An impressive debut album. Her writing and voice are fully-formed, assured, and vulnerable. Honest and timely.
I saw and lusten so many music and albums in my life, that was too easy and didn't touch my heart.
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
Her voice and guitar are pure honey. This album is legendary for a reason.
Tracy's voice is beautiful, this is a great album.
I have this on vinyl and I think the rest of it is overshadowed by Fast Car. It’s great through- start to finish
War lange Zeit eines meiner Lieblingsalben, immer noch gut!
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
Absolute class 1000%
Beautiful! So soulful and emotional. Tracy has a very distinct voice and her music will live forever
I wish I had listened to this before reading Mike's review because I would like to know if I would have come up with the same words on my own. Message/lyrics on point, music not 100% my style
A fine album, I think I like the lyrical messages more than the music. It’s good enough, but a little too mellow for me.
Count me in for the "not my thing musically, but the lyrics are poignant" sentiments.
A lot of important topics covered and some great songs, but there is also quite a bit of filler in my eyes. I’ve never really understood the hype.
🎧Fantastic record. I’ve loved Fast Cars for many years, can’t believe it’s taken me this long to listen to the rest of the album.
What a gifted musician and song writer. I enjoyed this album a lot. Great vocals and finger picking on the guitar. The arrangements were very simple and perfectly executed.
Day354 - baby can i hold you us my favorite tracy chapman song and the hold album still feels fresh 36 years later
one of the easiest 5's I've ever had to give out. Grew up with this album, every time I listen its a like a warm hug, also getting to experience songs that I completely forgot about. Chapman is a fantastic performer and song writer. You could easily just put Fast Car here and get great ratings but there is so much more. Sorry for gushing.
Really honest songwriting and a beautiful soulful voice. I only really knew Fast Car off this album but was blown away by the rest of the songs. Definitely joining my vinyl collection
This was a beautiful as well as an incredibly sad album.
The vocals fit perfectly into the music. Though this is a pretty Singer album it was a good listen.
Heartbreaking, hopeful, a reminder of how much hasn't changed since the 80s.
Such a special album. The world could use more Tracy Chapman. The lyrics are spellbinding, the melodies are memorable, and the instrumentation is simple yet just... the perfect vehicle to deliver the lyrics. As close to a perfect album as I've heard.
YES
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.
12/17/2024 :,)
'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!
I will dedicate the start of this review to rebutting what is currently the fourth-highest rated review of this album. This review basically goes along the lines of: "This is a genre called secretary rock. I don't like secretary rock because the music isn't offensive and it's marketed at women. I'm a man and I don't like music for women. Give me complex man music!". I encourage you to go and read the review in full. It really is something to behold in its chauvinistic laziness. It's also quite baffling that the author chose *this* album to use as a poster child for his complaints about secretary rock. This album (a) isn't rock, (b) is known primarily for its socially conscious folk. Couldn't you have saved your whining for someone who, you know, actually made what is considered "secretary rock"? Now my actual review: This album is great. Her voice, the songs, combined with the stripped back production, is fantastic. Having done a bit of reading about this I think the story of how she was discovered (and how the recording process panned out) is fascinating and well worth reading. There are definitely some dud songs on this album, with some jarring lyrics or forgettable tunes, but about 2/3 of the songs are superb; I had no idea she wrote Baby Can I Hold You for example! And the sound of this album has really aged well. I was amazed to find out it is basically as old as me. Best songs: Fast Car Baby can I hold you Mountains O' Things For My Lover Talkin' Bout a Revolution Worst songs: For You
Love her voice. 4/5
Lyrically great, but not necessarily my style of music.
A very powerful album. I really enjoyed the first half and not so much the second half. Fast Car still holds up as an amazing track and also very bold to have a song with just vocals. I really like her style, I just don't know if I would listen to an entire album at once.
Nice, her fast car is great. I like her album a lot! Giving it a 5 cause I'd happily listen again.
The guy who left the Secretary Rock review is absolutely unhinged. Beautiful music, strong themes that are sadly still very relevant today. Gotta be a 5.
Heartfelt and delicate, but has the same issue as many other albums of it’s time in that it’s almost too mellow at points
Aight here’s Tracy Chapman. Third folk record in a row. Talking about Revolution is first. Very based lyrics about the flaws of reaganomics and capitalism. Damn shame the revolution didn’t come. Next is her cover of Luke Comb’s hit Fast Car (I’m kidding obviously, it’s fucking crazy that Luke Combs covered it and now it basically eclipsed the popularity of the original, to the point that people don’t know it’s about lesbians) Good song! Next is Across the Lines. It’s a very sad song about racism and racist violence and segregation and stuff that’s still relevant today. Also it has a nice fretless bass part. Next is Behind the Wall. It’s an acapella song about domestic abuse. Very effective use of just Tracy’s voice and no instruments. Makes it much more effective. Next is Baby Can I Hold You. It’s a pretty ballad about a relationship that’s on the brink of ending due to lack of communication. It has some electric violin and a hint of electric sitar, which is very cool. Next is Mountains O’ Things. Looks like we got some Latin and Tropical vibes in this one. Kinda dated tbh. But it’s alright. Like the percussion in it. Next is She’s Got Her Ticket. It’s basically Fast Car but reggae influenced. Seems like she’s repeating things. Next is Why? More based lyrics about poverty and war and stuff. “Love is hate, war is peace, no is yes, we’re all free”. Lyrics are a bit repetitive tho, but it’s still a good song. Next is For my Lover, another gay song. Even have references to conversion therapy and anti-sodomy laws in it. Pretty decent. Next is If Not Now… Despite sharing the same refrain as the King Gizz song, this isn’t about climate change, but about a fraught relationship, like Baby Can I Hold You. It’s meh. Reminds me of a neutered version of Under Pressure. Finally is For You, a rather sweet love song featuring just her vocals and guitar. Nice way to end the album. Overall this album is alright. 6/10
Classic
Good album. Love her.
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.
Smooth listen. All quality if that is the mood.
Some truly exceptional songs and some filler.
Absolutely beautiful. Raw emotion.
Once owned this album on CD but tired of it and eventually sold it. I’ve not listened to it since. Listening today was an enjoyable reacquaintance and a reminder why I bought the album. Not enough to think I’d made a mistake getting rid because it isn’t an album I could listen to repeatedly. I know that because during my trawls of cheap charity shop CD’s it is one of those albums you can always more or less guarantee will be for sale and so far I’ve resisted even though it costs only a few pence. Given the number of sales on release this indicates a fair few others followed my example of getting rid. However, this does not detract from the fact that it is a good album and for every person selling the album on there’s probably double that cherishing it. 3/5 9/12/24
I’d say 4 really good tracks on here. The rest aren’t bad just average compared the albums best.
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.
Simple music done very well. Vocals and the messages behind the lyrics really come through. However that’s where the redeeming qualities of this music end
Great lyrics and singing but (besides 1-2 songs) it sadly was too boring for me.
Awesome... This kinda save my life some 36 years ago Beautifully produced album and killer musicians, got it on vinyl since than
i have no idea why nobody told tracy chapman slapped this hard. she rly knows how to hit wtf
So sad, so angry, so beautiful
Familiar as ever. That gated reverb tho, amirite.
Nice
Not bad
first listen didn't do much for me
Not bad, but not my vibe
Loved this one!! Takes me back to old school Tracy Chapman listening. Fast Car is a classic and I enjoyed rediscovering it.
easy listening. Mild. no top track
Nah these lyrics are just… bad. They feel incredibly cheesy as something that an angsty high schooler would have written. Love is hate / war is peace / no is yes / and we’re all free. The melodies are great and very catchy and her voice is just angelic. But I just don’t like the vibe. It feels like somebody is forcing me to like it because it is supposed to be protest music with important message. I wholeheartedly agree with the “secretary rock” review. It’s just too beige. 2.5/5
Obviously very good, especially if you listen to the lyrics, though honestly not really my thing.
I was in a fast car once
I fuckin hate Fast Car and refuse to listen to this album on that basis. One star. Fuck that song.
..
Underwhelming, 3.15
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
3/4
A great chill album even tho the things she was saying was not very chill
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.
I was deeply in love with this album when it was released. I mean, I had been in love with everything ‘80s that had come before, but at the time, that sound had started to feel bombastic, soulless, like it had run its course musically and emotionally. This felt like the perfect antidote: peaceful, poignant, personal. It’s still that, and the melodies are still beautiful, and “Fast Car” is still a stunner. The world seems to have moved on, though, and the importance doesn’t remain. Hearing it once, now, I had no desire to listen again. I know all of these songs well, and they will always be a part of me, but it’s not a part of myself I visit often. Ironically, while bombastic ‘80s New Wave remains poignantly alive for me, this has faded into the background.
She has a good voice, and there are some really good songs here. But it also goes through periods of being really boring, which is quite an achievement for a short album. I almost want to give it a 2 but that just feels too low for the good bits. So I'm going to risk giving it a 3.
For me, this is the best of its genre of its time. Beautiful vocals and arrangements.
My god this lady must have had a few issues with men in her life. Nothing like keeping it bottled up and putting a jolly front to the world, or not as the case may be. I've got to say my cold heart was touched by her story (ish) and musically it's was very good indeed. As for that Boyzone song, it was a surprise to find out she did it originally and also much better too. A high 3.
High 3s. Fast car is a goat.
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".
Fantastic record
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.
Average at best.
could i write poetry to this? n
Not a bad collection of (socially-conscious-Grammy bait) songs. Unfortunately, most of them suffer from the typically smoothed-out Soft Rock production style so popular at the time this album was produced. The remaining tracks are about as raw as a coffee shop musician who just put a capo on the third fret of his guitar in preparation for another go at "Wonderwall." Despite it's dark subject matter, the a cappella song, "Behind the Wall" does not have the same punch as Janis Joplin's "Mercedes Benz" or even Alanis Morrisette's "Your House". This would be a three-star album, but I'll give it an undeserved half-star for Living Colour's outstanding live version of "Talkin' Bout a Revolution" from 1989. Another half-star is granted because Ms. Chapman is from the great city of Cleveland, Ohio.
I like her voice and lyrics, but musically it's just not my thing.
when i was living at home in the suburbs during lockdown i was obsessed w the car as a metaphor for the illusion of freedom— how, growing up in the suburbs, there’s not much else to do bedsides drive around. you COULD go anywhere, but you end up driving around in circles, ending up where you started every time. anyway fast car is one of the greatest songs ever written tracy chapman forever.
3.5 Beautiful, just not my jam.
Pleasant enough. Fast car is the the obvious highlight, and the remaining songs are listenable, albeit derivative.
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
During the recent resurgence of Fast Car, I thought it was overrated. On a fresh listen, that is a damn good song. I didn’t pay too much attention to its lyrics before, but she can really paint a picture with her words, in this song and others. Love the style overall, but there’s a decent amount of variety as well. Loved Mountains O’ Things, She’s Got Her Ticket, and many others.
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
bueno medio repetitiv
Que voZ
gran disco, y qué tema "baby can i hold you", por dios
Up there for the best cover of that Luke combs song
Pretty boring. It’s crazy how popular these songs were. I guess it was just the hippie resurgence of the nineties
Wasn’t expecting such revolutionary messaging in the first several songs, but my god what a snooze fest.
What a surprise. Excellent. Great voice, intelligent lyrics. Catchy tunes. Sound quality very good. Nicely mastered. 4/5.
Eh, other than Fast Car there wasn't much that I enjoyed here. Fast car is damn good though so this gets 3 stars on that alone.
Vittu vad bra den är!
This album hits one of my sonic sweet spots as far as mixing mastering. It really transports you back to the late 80's/early 90's. I love Tracy's voice and how it shapes the depths of her songs. That said, not all the songs are great, but thankfully there's only a few outliers. The reggae keyboards on "She's Got Her Ticket" rob this lyrically powerful song of its punch in a really awkward way. The next track, "Why" suffers a similar problem of strong lyrics paired with instrumentation that doesn't carry their weight. Despite this little inconsistency, It's still a good album. "Fast Car" still rules.
7,09
Meh
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.
Everyone knows the first six words of fast car lol The album itself is ok, some genuine heartfelt music and words in there. Hard for me to personally relate but I appreciate it Also I didn't know she covered the Boyzone song
Chapman desde un inicio siempre supo como tocar los corazones de las personas y comunicar de forma efectiva los problemas de la clase media baja afroamericana. Con una pluma suave pero desgarradora, Chapman nos transporta por paisajes de pobreza y esfuerzo, amor y desamor, humanizando a la comunidad más discriminada de Estados Unidos. La música es excelente, la voz inolvidable y las técnicas de guitarra pegajozas. Un gran esfuerzo y un LP que se gana su lugar en esta lista.
I owned this on CD in the 90’s and loved it. Listening to it in 2024, it doesn’t hit me quite as hard. The album never matches the greatness of its standout song but that isn’t much of a criticism. The rest of the songs are still mostly good and this album is clearly worth hearing.
Meh
Heartfelt and emotional music by a one-of-a kind talent. The mid-tempo light rock feel gets old after a while, but that is probably more a product of 80s production than anything else.
I never cared for this release. Fast Car was overplayed on the radio and that turned me off to the artist entirely.
fine i guess
2024-11-01...
I like the album and some songs, but it is in the Lillith Fair group of artists that I never liked in college. Brings back memories. 3/5
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 topics covered in this album are sadly still as relevant today as when it was written. Love the music.
folk/Americana/protest magnificence
I could listen on repeat
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
I was taken aback when Fast Car came out by how unique and good that song was but never listened to the album. This is a good record. Has a social conscience without being preachy
Iconic