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Rating: Great |
Tracy Chapman's self-titled debut album, released with little fanfare in the spring of 1988, became one of the most important records of the Bush era, serving as a touchstone for the entire PC movement while revitalizing the singer-songwriter tradition. And Tracy Chapman stands firmly in the classic singer-songwriter tradition, sounding for all the world as if it were recorded in the early 1970s—that is, if you only paid attention to the sound, because Chapman's songs are clearly a product 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 passionate liberal activism and emotional resonance enliven her music and breathe life into her songs, even if the production is a bit too clean. Yet, the juxtaposition of contemporary themes and classic production is precisely what sets the album apart—it brings the traditions into the present. At the time, it revitalized traditional folk ideals of social activism and the like, kicking off the PC revolution, but if that were its only merit, Tracy Chapman would sound dated. The record remains fresh because Chapman’s lyrics are so keenly observed and because her strong, gutsy vocals make each song sound intimate and direct.
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