Tracy Chapman • Tracy Chapman
Elektra 960 774-1
33-RPM LP
It seems that most audio shows have a demo track or two that many exhibitors play. When I attended one of my first audio shows, one of those tracks was Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car from her eponymous debut LP.
Most of the 11 songs on Tracy Chapman could arguably be categorised as protest songs, on behalf of the less fortunate and downtrodden. But some of the songs, like Baby Can I Hold You and For You are more balladic in nature. Regardless of their message, I find most of the songs on the record very enjoyable.
No doubt helped by the relatively simple production (bass, percussion, guitars, and occasional keyboards), the sound quality is for the most part pretty good. The bass is very warm (some might argue it is too warm, overbloated even, but I disagree—just), with perhaps a touch of reggae feel to it. The treble is OK, but can have a bit too much sizzle (the bells on Mountains o’ Things for example), and the cymbals can be a bit splashy.
Released more than 20 years ago, this album is an oldie but a goodie, and is well worth checking out!