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album review
Arriving with little fanfare in the spring of 1988, Tracy Chapman's eponymous debut album became one of the key records of the Bush era, providing a touchstone for the entire PC movement while reviving the singer/songwriter tradition. And Tracy Chapman is firmly within the classic singer/songwriter tradition, sounding for all the world as if it was recorded in the early '70s -- that is, if all you paid attention to were the sonics, since Chapman's songs are clearly a result of the Reagan revolution. Even the love songs and laments are underscored by a realized vision of trickle-down modern life -- listen to the lyrical details of "Fast Car" for proof. Chapman's impassioned liberal activism and emotional resonance enlivens her music, breathing life into her songs even when the production is a little bit too clean. Still, the juxtaposition of contemporary themes and classic production precisely is what makes the album distinctive -- it brings the traditions into the present. At the time, it revitalized traditional folk ideals of social activism and the like, kick starting the PC revolution in the process, but if those were its only merits, Tracy Chapman would sound dated. The record continues to sound fresh because Chapman's writing is so keenly observed and her strong, gutsy singing makes each song sound intimate and immediate. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
more albums by this artist
See all-
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- New Beginning
- Released 1995
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- Collection
- Released 2001
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- Where You Live
- Released 2005
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- Crossroads
- Released 1989
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listener reviews
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Tracy's got one old soul.
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- By SoulKat2005
- 1/24/2009 09:23:39
- The integrity and spiritually uplifting rapport Tracy
has, throughout her influential lyrical performances, in this collection of art,
is one to treasure… till the end. She’s got some soul, this woman, with a
message that can’t be denied or dismissed. Tracy
will never cease to amaze me… Being politically inspired, excuse me, human
condition, inspired (you can just feel it, the emotion); Tracy Chapman makes me
feel the raw emotions of the world, never sugar coated… That’s true music. It’s
about feeling (and a whole lot of soul). - Be the first person to rate this review!
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A timeless masterpiece...
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- By alfie523
- 5/6/2008 21:04:17
- This is one of the greatest albums that I have ever heard. Timeless.
- 1 out of 1 people
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