Tag Archives: Tracy Chapman

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Song of the Day #6,576: ‘Fast Car’ – Tracy Chapman

Continuing my list of best debut albums (with quite a few caveats)…

Tracy Chapman – Tracy Chapman (1988)

I was 15 when Tracy Chapman’s self-titled debut came out, and I first heard it when my next-door neighbor, a friend from school, lent me his cassette. I thought he had purchased the single, ‘Fast Car,’ which was getting a lot of MTV airplay, but it turned out the be the whole record.

I took to it immediately, because how could anyone not? It’s beautiful and melodic, but with bursts of real acoustic muscle, and it’s aching and romantic, while clear-eyed and hard-nosed about injustice in America. It’s a true marvel.

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Song of the Day #3,334: ‘For You’ – Tracy Chapman

I don’t think I’ve ever done a list of my favorite debut albums. I’m surprised, because that would be a fun list to compile given the many directions it could go.

I’m writing that down as an idea for a blog theme to come. Stay tuned.

One thing I know is Tracy Chapman’s self-titled 1988 release would be on that list. I never followed Chapman’s career after this record, but it remains a stunner. Its songs are eye-opening and tear-jerking, often at the same time.

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Song of the Day #2,482: ‘Stand By Me (Live on Letterman)’ – Tracy Chapman

Late Show with David LettermanAs a lifelong David Letterman fan, I’m disappointed with myself for not paying closer attention to his show in the weeks leading up to his retirement.

I still have time to tune in, though. The official countdown began about a week ago with a prime time special that hasn’t aired as I’m writing this (and which I plan to watch). Guests such as Bill Murray, Oprah Winfrey, Ton Hanks, Steve Martin and Tina Fey are scheduled to hit the couch.

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Song of the Day #1,385: ‘She’s Got Her Ticket’ – Tracy Chapman

Best Albums of the 80s – #16
Tracy Chapman – Tracy Chapman (1988)

I might have neglected to list this album had I not been reminded of it by a random selection this past weekend. But revisiting it for that post, I once again succumbed to its earnest folk charm.

This album is half protest record and half romance. But, as the AllMusic review points out, even the love songs are laced with the sorrows of the lower class. Nearly 25 years ago, Chapman’s debut was the soundtrack of the 99%.

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Song of the Day #1,380: ‘Baby Can I Hold You’ – Tracy Chapman

It’s hard to believe, but I’ve managed to post 1,379 songs without ever featuring a track by Tracy Chapman. You’d think she would have come up at some point.

True, I own only one Chapman album (her 1987 debut) but that record is a wonderful piece of work. And it’s an album of which I have very specific memories of exactly the sort I like to explore on this blog.

I guess she was just never high enough on my radar to break through. So thank you, Random iTunes Man, for the reminder.

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