Tracy Chapman began 1987 busking on the streets of Boston. She ended 1989 with three Grammy wins, a multi-platinum record, and over one million records sold in the first two weeks of this album’s release. It’s an incredible story, and one that set the stage for the singer-songwriter revolution that swarmed the United States during the early 90’s.
1988’s Tracy Chapman is relentless in its simplicity, delivering acoustic-driven arrangements, lyrics focused on social commentary, and Chapman’s emotive vocal delivery. Everyone knows “Fast Car” for all the right reasons (it is the best song on this album), but Chapman offers a whole lot more than just a catchy single on this debut. Her message is poignant and candid, forever evergreen, a timeless reflection of the human experience and hope for brighter days.
Standout Songs: “Fast Car”, “Talkin’ Bout a Revolution”, “For My Lover”
