Tracy Chapman – Tracy Chapman (Self-Titled) [Album Review]

While Crossroads (1989) is a compelling follow-up to this 1988 self-titled release, there is little doubt that Tracey Chapman’s debut is her magnum opus and one of the greatest records released in all of recorded music history.

Much of the fanfare surrounding this release is as a result of her social commentary and incredibly unique, and simply gorgeous, vocal performance throughout. Here, at Subjective Sounds, less importance is placed on the lyrical context, instead preferring to simply enjoy music in all its sonic wonder. As such, if you’re after a more theoretical breakdown of the album’s themes, this review may not be for you. It is, however, wonderful when an album comes along that can speak to all music lovers; those who appreciate lyrical meaning and those, such as myself, who prefer to enjoy the human vocal element as another instrument within the mix.

No matter which way you choose to enjoy this remarkable release, your enjoyment will have been shared by more than 20 million people, as the success of this debut set the bar so high that Chapman has never been able to top it. Perhaps it was simply a case of being released at the right time, but I don’t believe that’s the only reason, as this is a timeless release, one that will remain relevant well beyond our own lifetimes.

It was so celebrated that Chapman went on to win three Grammy Awards (1989) while being nominated for four others, only further cementing the brilliance of her music. In a modern music environment where artists often collaborate with multiple people, Chapman is one of the truly talented creative artists because her music is composed by herself, with “Talkin' Bout A Revolution” being written while she was still in high school.

As it pertains to the sonic presentation of the album, the recording, mix, and mastering, as heard via the lossless Apple Music stream, will leave you gobsmacked, for this is one of the most musically impressive releases you’re ever likely to hear. With the entire production being undertaken in the digital domain, it is further proof that, as often as analogue recordings are considered to be the pinnacle of sonic wonder, digital can compete with competent musicians and engineers, ensuring they get the very best from the format.

The stream is so good, in fact, that I question the need for modern audiences to pick up a physical release of the album. Yes, there are valid reasons to do so, but the stream is sonically perfect and so thoroughly pleasing to the senses that to do so on the promise of better sound is a fool’s journey. With that in mind, join me as I take a look at the music that makes up this wonderful release.

Talkin' Bout A Revolution is, without a doubt, one of the very best album-opening songs to have ever graced our ears. It’s a musical wonderland with Chapman’s vocal sitting front and centre. As you listen, you’ll likely notice that you’re toe-tapping along to the catchy rhythm, for “Talkin' Bout A Revolution” may be a socio-political statement, but it’s the musicality of the song that sets the tone for the record henceforth.

Fast Car has a gorgeous guitar tuning and performance, opening the song, along with Chapman’s delicate vocal that slowly builds as the song progresses. It’s simply amazing!

Across The Lines continues the impressive flow with a song that really highlights Chapman’s delicate vocals. The musical backing, in particular, is incredible, for the guitar strumming is interestingly pithy, and the drumming is equally compelling, as are all other instrumental parts. “Across The Lines” is, subsequently, one of those songs that, no matter how many times you listen to it, you’ll connect with a different aspect of the recording upon each subsequent listen.

Behind The Wall delivers a sharp change in direction from the instrumentally rich songs that preceded it, but the pause between songs is ideal as it allows Behind The Wall to stand on its own, as it's one of the most beautiful a cappella tunes I’ve ever heard. Yes, the lyrical context is front and centre, and is a direct (and confronting) contrast to the gentle nature of Chapman’s vocals, but her voice is so beautiful that I could listen to her indefinitely, regardless of context.

Baby Can I Hold You flows perfectly from “Behind The Wall,” further showcasing just how impressive the album’s linear structure is. While released as the album’s third, and final, single, I do wonder how successful this song would have been if it had been chosen as the lead single, for I consider it Chapman’s greatest song. I’d even go as far as suggesting that “Baby Can I Hold You” is Chapman’s career-defining tune, as it encompasses every aspect of her music into a single song.   

Mountains O' Things shifts the tone a little with a slight Caribbean feel. It works well but isn’t necessarily a standout. However, as it applies to the overall structure of the record, this album-only tune is not only perfectly positioned, but is a solid midway point. It also talks to those who focus on material wealth and how such endeavours can often lead to a sense of disillusionment that tears at the very fabric of the free-spirited human soul; an aspect we all need to be reminded of from time to time.

She's Got Her Ticket is, again, sequenced beautifully for the reggae influence complements the Caribbean feel of “Mountain O’ Things” perfectly. There’s also a touch of Dire Straits’ influence to be heard here, and it melds so well that I’d love to see Mark Knopfler release an album with Chapman, as their stylings would complement each other.

Why? returns the album to its head-bopping, toe-tapping vibe with a social commentary pertaining to injustices that will make you sit up and take notice, even if you listen more for the music than the literal or interpretive meanings.

For My Lover is a beautiful song. The touch of country influence isn’t lost here, and it’s surprising that a country music artist hasn’t covered this song, for the various interpretations would be nothing short of impressive, and this is one song that deserves more attention than it often receives as an album-only tune.

If Not Now… is a beautiful song that can be applied to just about any situation we find ourselves in. As a call to action, it’s extremely compelling and should be on every playlist for those of us who want to make sure we don’t leave it too late to say and do the most important things in life.

For You is a delicate closer that allows for contemplation of the music just heard. While it will encourage you to play the record again, there’s a sonic jolt as the album returns to the opening track. As such, I recommend you take a moment to appreciate this debut for it’s an incredibly rich and rewarding listening experience.

From start to finish, Tracy Chapman’s debut is nothing short of a masterpiece; one that showcases not only a social consciousness, but also Chapman’s extraordinary songwriting and multi-instrumental skill, alongside a simply stunning and unique vocal styling. While it’s on the shorter side of a traditional LP length, particularly from the 80s, there’s zero filler to be heard. The result is that you’ll likely play this album again and again, for it’s not only one of the very best albums from the 80s, but it’s amongst the greatest records in all of recorded music history.

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Tracy Chapman – Crossroads (Album Review)

Released in 1989, Crossroads is Tracy Chapman's sophomore album, following her critically acclaimed self-titled debut, and maintains Chapman's signature blend of folk, soft rock, and soul. With themes relating to social justice, personal introspection, and resilience, Crossroads is a compelling album that, while not quite as profound as her debut, is an incredible follow-up and one of the best albums released in 1989.

While the cover art isn’t as striking as her debut, one thing is for certain and that’s the music contained within has been recorded, mixed, and mastered with kid gloves. That shouldn’t shock longtime fans of Chapman’s music, for her music production has always been pristine. It is notable, however, as quality such as this is often the exception rather than the rule.

As it pertains to the lossless Apple Music stream, it’s simply exquisite. You’ll be amazed by the sonic wonder of this edition as you’ll get a sense that Chapman and the band are in the room with you. The presentation is immersive and the soundstage is well-developed with clear separation between all musical elements thereby ensuring that Chapman shines on vocals while the backing musical bed is luscious. Of course, don’t take my word for it, give it a listen as we take a look at the songs that make up this incredible release.

Crossroads opens the album with a contemplative relaxed tone and a steady rhythm. It is, exactly, what fans would have been expecting at the time, having just come off the success of Chapman’s debut. While it isn’t necessarily the strongest song from the record, despite being released as the first single, it’s still lovely in its own right and a worthy opener that sets the tone for the entire album.

Bridges has a gorgeous acoustic arrangement and is, without a doubt, one of Chapman’s greatest recordings. If there is a hidden gem from the album, this is most certainly it and if I had my way, this masterpiece would have been released as a single.

Freedom Now is a lovely tribute to Nelson Mandela and the struggle against apartheid. However, as I don’t generally appreciate music for its literal interpretation, I find that the musical aspects of Freedom Now are a little pedestrian. It is, for lack of a better term, an album-only number; one that holds the album together, yes, but one that you’re unlikely to seek out on its own.

Material World picks up the tempo with a catchy melody and overall rhythm that melds with your soul. While I just got through mentioning that literal meaning isn't the way I define my love of music, the song’s critique on consumerism, and the obsession with wealth attainment, are topics that are still, sadly, at the forefront of humanity. Nevertheless, Material World is a reminder for us all to seek fulfilment beyond material acquisitions.

Be Careful Of My Heart is ballad-focused and is simply stunning. Chapman’s vocals are, as always, exquisite, but it is the delicate musical bed that not only allows the vocals to shine but makes Be Careful Of My Heart such a memorable tune.

Subcity is a mix between Bob Dylan and Neil Young, in relation to the chosen style, and topical nature, of the song. It’s another solid album-only tune and it’s songs such as this that make Crossroads so compelling for each song on a record need not be exceptional for the album to be thoroughly enjoyable.

Born To Fight has a jazzy undertone that makes it unique, when compared to the other songs on Crossroads, but it’s this distinctive nature that ensures it’s one of the standout songs from the album as you’ll feel compelled to move to the rhythm.

A Hundred Years is a lovely tune and while it could be suggested that the musical backing is a little pedestrian, Chapman’s vocal prowess absolutely shines with the gentle flutter she is renowned for. Yet, at no time, does her vocal go beyond the acceptable range as she has exceptional control over her delivery. The result is that A Hundred Years is thoroughly enjoyable to listen to.   

This Time opens with a magnificent acoustic element that’s so good I wish that it was an instrumental number. Of course, when Chapman’s vocal enters the mix my thoughts change and I become immersed in the entire song, but when music is this extraordinarily good, every element stands on its own and the culmination of all aspects only strengthens the recording. Magnificent!

All That You Have Is Your Soul is a beautiful closer with its straightforward acoustic arrangement and deeply personal lyrics. As with all good final tracks, All That I Have Is Your Soul will leave you in both a contemplative mood and one willing to play Crossroads again for this singer/songwriter folk-focused record is amongst the best you’re ever likely to hear.

Crossroads is a compelling follow-up to Tracy Chapman's landmark debut that showcases her growth as a songwriter and artist. Chapman's ability to blend addictively good music with potent storytelling makes Crossroads a timeless and essential listen, especially for those of you who have yet to venture beyond her acclaimed debut and the associated hits. Crossroads, subsequently, is not just a collection of songs, but an album experience; one that should be in every music lover’s collection.

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